Understanding CAMM2: Is it the End of SO-DIMM?

Table of Contents

• Preface
• Introduction to CAMM2
• How does CAMM2 differ from SO-DIMM?
• Advantages of CAMM2
• TeamGroup’s Consumer/Industrial-Grade CAMM2 DDR5
• Summary

 

Preface

With the rapid advancement of laptop and mobile device technology, laptops have become an essential part of everyday life. Whether it's students taking notes in class, professionals working on the go, or quickly opening a laptop to discuss ideas with clients, laptops have become indispensable tools for learning, work, and entertainment in the modern world.


When choosing a laptop, memory (RAM) is one of the most crucial hardware components influencing its operating speed and multitasking capabilities. Traditionally, when discussing laptop RAM, SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module) is the first option that comes to mind, as it plays a vital role in a laptop’s performance. However, issues such as short battery life, limited bandwidth, slower speeds, and a lack of upgradeability have become significant concerns for users. As demand for higher memory bandwidth grows, SO-DIMM is nearing its limits in both performance and scalability. In December 2023, JEDEC introduced the CAMM2 (Compression Attached Memory Module 2) memory module standard, which is poised to replace SO-DIMM after more than 25 years of dominance. This shift has sparked curiosity: What exactly is CAMM2? How does it differ from traditional SO-DIMM? What advantages does it offer? In this article, we’ll explore these questions and provide a detailed comparison to help you understand this exciting new development in memory technology.
 

Introduction to CAMM2

 

▲ SO-DIMM vs. CAMM


CAMM, which stands for Compression Attached Memory Module, is a new memory standard designed for DDR5. It offers a thinner profile, larger capacity, faster speeds, and lower power consumption, making it ideal for slim and mobile devices like laptops. Unlike SO-DIMM, CAMM2 features memory chips that are directly mounted and secured onto the PCB surface. This design provides several key advantages:

1. Higher Transmission Stability: Reduces potential signal interference.
2. Shorter Connection Path to the CPU: Enhances performance by minimizing latency.
3. Optimized Circuitry: Supports higher clock speeds with reduced latency.
4. Space Efficiency: Takes up less space, paving the way for faster transmission and easier upgrades.

So, how exactly do these two memory specifications differ? Let’s explore further!
 

How does CAMM2 differ from SO-DIMM?

From the previous introduction, it’s clear that CAMM2 outperforms SO-DIMM in several key areas, including higher performance, improved heat dissipation, and a slimmer design. While both are designed for laptops and other compact mobile devices, they differ significantly in terms of specifications. To help you better understand these differences, the comparison chart below highlights the key distinctions between CAMM2 and SO-DIMM!


 

Feature	CAMM2 Memory	SO-DIMM Memory
Module Type	DDR/LPDDR	DDR
Max Speed	DDR5: 9600MT/s, LPDDR5X: 9600MT/s	DDR5: 6400 MT/s
Max Capacity	128GB per stick	32GB per stick
Single Channel/ Dual Channel	Dual channel support per module	Single channel support per module
Thickness	Slim	Thick
Upgradability	Detachable	Detachable on some models

 

Advantages of CAMM2

After exploring the differences between CAMM2 and SO-DIMM, let’s conclude with a summary of the six key features that make CAMM2 a standout choice:

1. Faster: Delivers speeds 1.3 times faster than standard DDR5 SO-DIMM.
2. Slimmer: Achieves a 57% reduction in space usage, perfect for ultra-thin devices.
3. Higher Bandwidth: Upgrades from single-channel x64 to dual-channel x128 for enhanced performance.
4. Lower Power Consumption: Features a low-power design that helps extend battery life.
5. Larger Capacity: Supports up to 128GB of memory, catering to demanding applications.
6. Easier Upgrades: Unlike soldered modules, CAMM2 is easily removable and upgradeable.

 

Summary

Although CAMM2 offers many advantages over SO-DIMM, the traditional SO-DIMM still holds a strong position in terms of popularity and market demand. It’s likely that both standards will coexist in the market for some time. However, JEDEC’s adoption of CAMM2 signals a growing shift toward its use in mobile devices, particularly laptops. We can expect that the day when CAMM2 becomes the mainstream memory standard for laptops is just around the corner! I hope today’s introduction to CAMM2 has helped you gain a better understanding of this innovative memory technology. See you next time!