LPCAMM2 is the new RAM format that comes to replace the SO-DIMM format that had been unchanged for about three decades. This new design reduces active power consumption by up to 58% and reduces the space required compared to the SO-DIMM by up to 64%.
You should know that this new format offers greater bandwidth and also Dual Channel support in a single module. In addition, this format wants to prevent manufacturers from soldering the RAM to the motherboard, something that makes updating and repair difficult.
First manufacturer to adopt the new RAM
Micron is the first memory manufacturer to market the new LPCAMM2 format RAM memories. Specifically, the company has launched two different modules based on LPDDR5X on the market under its Crucial trademark.
The first manufacturer to include this memory in its systems is Lenovo, who includes it in its ThinkPad P1 Gen7 portable workstation. The company highlights that these memories are the best possible alternative to the option of soldering the RAM on the motherboard.
Note that the LPCAMM2 are based on LPDDR5X, which represents an improvement in the working frequency of x1.3 times compared to SO-DIMM DDR5. Thanks to this new form factor, energy consumption is reduced, autonomy is improved and battery life is extended.
Not only this, LPCAMM2 memories allow you to easily change modules and increase capacity. This is not possible with the memories that manufacturers are soldering to reduce the dimensions of laptops. As if this were not enough, it does not require an active fan for cooling.
It is noted that only an LPCAMM 2 module can reach the 128 bits of the processor bus width. This allows you to maximize bandwidth in workloads and in the field of artificial intelligence. They highlight that users can see improved performance by up to 7% for digital content creation workloads and up to 15% in productivity.
Crucial LPCAMM2 Modules
Initially, Micron under its Crucial trademark only markets two LPCAMM modules. We have a 32 GB and 7,500 MT/s module for $175 and another 64 GB and 7,500 MT/s module for $330, only available on the brand’s website.
Note that work is already underway on the development and marketing of 16 GB and 128 GB variants, but it is not known when they will be available. In addition, Micron assures that this new RAM could reach a frequency of 9,600 MT/s in the future.
Although it seems that at the moment it will only be adopted in professional laptops, it should make the leap to all types of systems in the future. Possibly, as more manufacturers launch similar solutions, increasing competition, prices will drop. This could improve the adoption of these new modules, although it seems that it will take time to happen.
