If you are planning to buy RAM, you can use the profile section of the catalog. Plus, we additionally recommend that you read the article “How to choose RAM”. And in order to have a good understanding of the types of RAM, we recommend one more material - “From DDR to DDR5: How do generations of RAM and video memory differ?”

What is the CAMM2 standard?

CAMM2 is a new form factor for RAM sticks. It is expected that it will be able to replace the familiar DIMM standard, which has been used almost without alternative for more than 20 years. At least for laptop manufacturers and their users, the key advantages of the new brackets look tempting.

CAMM is an abbreviation for Compression Attached Memory Module, which can be translated as “memory module attached by compression.” The name itself describes the difference in connection - the strip is pressed by contact pads to the motherboard and securely fixed with bolts. Whereas DIMMs and SO-DIMMs use special slots—latching fasteners.

Appearance of CAMM2 memory on the motherboard.

At the end of 2023, the CAMM2 form factor was approved by the JEDEC industry committee. That is, such RAM modules have become an official standard with clearly defined requirements for it. This means that in the near future leading manufacturers will mass produce laptops with these modules, separate RAM sticks and motherboards compatible with them.

A brief history of CAMM2

This memory was created by Dell, which in 2022 not only announced a new type of component called CAMM, but immediately released laptops with this RAM form factor “on board”. Some representatives of the branded Precision line received this RAM. Actually, this Dell development was transferred to the JEDEC committee for standardization.

In 2023, Samsung also presented its version of the CAMM module. She made only spot improvements, namely, she reduced the dimensions and used LPDDR5 chips - an economical and fast type of RAM, which is more often found on laptops (and previously only in soldered form on the motherboard). Accordingly, these modules from Samsung are called LPCAMM.

Samsung released its version of the new memory in 2023.

At the end of 2023, JEDEC approved both new varieties, adding the number “2” to the original name. This was the starting point for the appearance of two types of sticks on the mass market - DDR5 CAMM2 and LPDDR5 CAMM2 (aka LPCAMM2).

Design differences CAMM2

Structurally, the new RAM form factor differs in its fixation method, which is very similar to installing a processor. There are no DIMM slots usual for RAM, and instead of them, the module itself has a pressure contact pad + a set of “intermediaries” - a removable compression connector and connecting strips. What emerges is a kind of “sandwich”, held together with bolts:

  • lower connecting strip;
  • motherboard;
  • compression connector CAMM2;
  • memory module;
  • top connecting strip.

For better visualization, you should take a look at the connection diagram:

Fixing RAM to the motherboard occurs differently than with DIMM strips.

By the way, for greater reliability of fastening and to eliminate the possibility of loosening the bar, additional bolts are used. And another feature of the pressure connector is that in addition to the role of a connecting link, it also serves as a cooling radiator.

For now, chips of the DDR5 generation are used here, but in the future we should expect DDR6. Chips on a regular CAMM2 can be placed on one side of the module or on both - the standard allows both options, while in the more compact version of LPDDR5 CAMM2 - only on one.

Popular laptops with DDR5 memory

CAMM2 Dimensions

The next important difference between the new form factor and DIMM is its compactness. The strips themselves, due to their pressure to the motherboard and their small thickness, conceal a minimum of space in height. Accordingly, laptops with this RAM can become even thinner, which is especially important for ultrabooks. At the same time, one CAMM2 strip allows a volume of up to 128 GB, that is, it is ready to replace four 32 GB SO-DIMM modules at once.

Saving system unit space in the case of desktops can be even more noticeable, because here the traditional brackets are located perpendicular to the motherboard, and the new ones are parallel. True, for stationary PCs, a shortage of space for RAM, as a rule, is not typical.

It is stated that one CAMM2 module is 57% thinner than four SO-DIMMs. But if the laptop uses only two slats, which are placed side by side (and this is probably the most popular option today), then the difference in thickness will be small. What does this mean in practice? For low-cost and mid-low cost laptops, there are no noticeable changes in dimensions due to the transition to a new form factor.

The new RAM form factor can hold up to 128 GB on 1 stick, so it will be much thinner than four SO DIMM modules.

Really serious gains in dimensions are possible in laptops with a large amount of RAM. And here it will be possible to provide a tandem of good filling and compactness without unsoldering RAM chips on the motherboard. And this increases maintainability and leaves the possibility of an upgrade.

The width of the DDR5 CAMM2 module is 78mm, which is smaller than DIMM (133mm) and slightly larger than SO-DIMM (69mm). And the other side of the new form factor can vary from 29.6 to 68 mm (by the way, early standards do not have such “liberties”). The maximum GB capacity on the module directly depends on this dimensions. And this feature can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.

For example, if you don’t need a lot of RAM, then you can make the bar not only thin, but also short. As a result, we get an even greater gain in compactness. But additional variability can play a cruel joke. So, the manufacturer decides to make a small footprint, and then 128 GB of RAM will not be available to the user. Or, on the contrary, he will decide to leave space on the motherboard for a full-dimensions bracket at the expense of compactness, when 32 GB is enough for buyers.

Important! Variation in standard sizes for LPDDR5 CAMM2 was not provided. Its dimensions are 78 mm by 34 mm. It is stated that the gain in space compared to the usual laptop form factor reaches 64%. And if we take into account the fact that LPDDR5 chips in laptops are found only in soldered form on the board, then switching to LPCAMM gives two advantages at once. It is compact and modular (upgradeable).
LPCAMM2 memory is even more compact and has a standard bar height.

Technical capabilities of CAMM2

Reducing the dimensions is not the only feature of the new RAM standard. CAMM2 has several important technical features, namely:

  • Up to 128 GB (and in the future up to 256 GB) of capacity on one strip. In theory, this is achievable in a regular DIMM form factor, but not in a laptop - SO-DIMM.
  • Support for the so-called dual-channel mode. That is, one stick can work the same as two DIMMs. For any CAMM2, 128-bits access is organized (actually 4 channels of 32 bits each). And with the introduction of DDR6, it can be expanded to 192-bits. Dual-channel operation can speed up data exchange with the processor. But if necessary, single-channel mode can also be implemented.
  • Possibility to achieve higher operating frequencies. Let's say Asus announced a figure of 8000 MHz, but this value is hardly the limit. The increase in frequencies is facilitated by reducing the overall length of connections and minimizing various interferences. There is a really short path between the processor and the single CAMM2 module, which increases the performance potential of the RAM.
  • The versatility of conventional CAMM2 modules in terms of compatibility with various processors - both desktop and laptop. This technical feature is not available for LPCAMM2, because for correct operation, a compatible memory controller must have LPDDR support, and only mobile chips have it.
Popular DDR5 RAM

Cooling CAMM2

The developers claim that the new RAM form factor has almost 70% higher energy efficiency. This also indicates better cooling than the previous standard. So, compared to SO-DIMM, CAMM2 really has advantages in heat removal efficiency. There is a larger total surface area of the contact pads; in addition, the thin module can be covered with a cooling radiator without any problems.

In the case of a full-dimensions DIMM form factor, the situation with heat dissipation is not so optimistic. Firstly, a parallel rather than perpendicular arrangement on the motherboard impairs the airflow capabilities. Secondly, the memory chips on the module are placed more densely, which can also increase heating and limit overclocking potential (without the use of progressive water cooling).

CAMM2 cools even more efficiently than current laptop RAM modules.

Accordingly, CAMM2 memory is less susceptible to high temperatures than SO-DIMM, but is inferior in this aspect to desktop DIMM.

Main advantages of CAMM2

  • Reliable fixation on the motherboard without the risk of loosening.
  • Compactness. Memory takes up less space than DIMMs and SO-DIMMs. Maximum space savings are achieved with large RAM capacity.
  • Supports dual-channel mode (128-bits access) even on one stick.
  • Increasing peak operating frequencies, up to 8000 MHz.
  • More efficient heat dissipation than SO-DIMMs.
  • Support for LPDDR memory while maintaining modularity (that is, the bracket remains removable). Although the use of a new form factor in soldered form is also not excluded.
  • Additional technical advantages in tandem with new generations of RAM - DDR6/LPDDR6.

Cons or nuances of CAMM2

  • You cannot add another upgrade bar. If you need to double the amount of RAM, you will have to remove the existing module and replace it with a new one of suitable capacity.
  • The dimensions of DDR5 CAMM2 strips may vary. Such variability is not always necessary and leaves manufacturers with extra room for maneuver.
  • CAMM2 runs hotter than full-dimensions DIMMs, which limits overclocking capabilities.
  • High price and slowly increasing range. This is a temporary moment and a typical “disease” for the newest components.
A full-dimensions CAMM2 module takes up the same area as two SO DIMMs.

What are the prospects for CAMM2?

In 2024, the computer components market will definitely be replenished with RAM of a new form factor, and, for example, Intel has already confirmed compatibility with these RAM modules. Since JEDEC has adopted CAMM2 as a standard, the overall outlook looks promising.

For example, at Computex 2024 in Taiwan, the new RAM received increased attention. Prototype motherboards for CAMM2 were presented at the event for both mobile and desktop computers. Several reputable companies, including Asus, MSI and Kingston, announced the high performance of RAM of the new form factor at the exhibition (and not only). Plus, don’t forget that the “pioneers” - Dell and Samsung - are also interested in the success of their developments.

Kingston FURY Impact DDR5 (CAMM2) RAM debuted at Computex 2024.

In what types of computer equipment will CAMM2 be successful? Let's take a closer look at the main varieties:

1. In desktop computers, the key advantages of the new form factor are not entirely obvious, and the disadvantages - limited overclocking - can be critical. Yes, of course, they will offer CAMM2 in desktops, but there are no particular threats to the leading position of full-dimensions DIMM strips. Enthusiasts and/or users who need the most compact computer may want to build a desktop PC with the new RAM standard.

2. The main area of application of CAMM2 should be laptops, and a lot here directly depends on the price segment and purpose of the laptop:

  • The low cost and mid-range segment(with universal laptops for work and study) will not quickly switch to the new form factor. In the most affordable laptops, as before, soldered RAM will hold the lead. In mid-low cost models with a relatively small supply of RAM, it is quite reasonable to continue to use the usual SO-DIMM modules;
  • In the most productive laptops - workstations and gaming laptops - the new CAMM2 memory can perform well in the shortest possible time. Probably, this segment will be the main focus of many manufacturers. The minimum space occupied with a large amount of RAM, energy efficiency, and support for high operating frequencies will play a role in the rapid popularization of CAMM2.
  • in ultrabooks and expensive fashion laptops, which are distinguished by minimal case thickness, we can also expect the success of the new standard and serious competition with SO-DIMM. It can be assumed that these computers will especially actively use LPCAMM2 memory, which is ready to offer both compactness and modularity at once.

3. Engineers expect CAMM2 to be successful in server systems as well. At least Samsung has positioned LPCAMM modules as an excellent choice for servers and is not abandoning this idea.

In any case, it’s definitely not time to talk about the end of the era of DIMM form factors. Even among laptops, its position will be quite strong in the next few years. There is an opinion that the release of the 6th generation of RAM - DDR6 and LPDDR6 - should speed up the popularization of CAMM2. True, at the time of writing this article, even DDR4 has not yet lost its relevance. So, everything has its time!