Currently, laptops use the SO-DIMM format for RAM memory. This standard is approximately half the size of the DIMM format, which is used in desktop computers.
We must say that the SO-DIMM standard has been on the market for a long time without variations. Only the DDR standard and the anchoring notch change, which varies depending on the version. Due to the reduction in the size of laptops thanks to different solutions, the RAM needs an important update.
Samsung’s new RAM memory format
We have seen how laptop processors have become more efficient and powerful. The heatsinks have been improved and made more compact. We moved from 2.5-inch form factor drives to M.2 SSDs, which take up less space. A set of improvements that allow us to reduce the thickness, size and weight of laptops.
The South Korean company Samsung, one of the largest manufacturers of memory chips, has created a new format for RAM memory. This new one is called “low-power compressed additional memory model» whose acronym in English is LPCAM. This new standard offers a 7.5 Gbps performance.
This new format represents a good field in a market that has not had notable evolutions over the years. What is missing is the validation and standardization of this format by JEDEC. You should know that this consortium establishes the characteristics and specifications of RAM memory standards.
From Samsung they show that the laptops used today LPDDR DRAM and SO-DIMM. Both technologies, according to the South Korean company, have some limitations.
Currently, laptops have significant structural limitations. It makes the memory LPDDR end GI on base plate. This poses a big problem, because it makes it difficult to repair and update.
On the other hand, SO-DIMM It is mountain top, allows repair, installation and expansion. This format has limitations in performance and energy consumption, in addition to influencing the size of the laptop.
More than necessary changing the “old” formats
LPCAMM eliminates the differences and problems of LPDDR and SO-DIMM. This new format allows for more performance and energy efficiency compared to current standards. Samsung says that LPCAM allowed increasing HE display and 50% a energy efficient on 70% and reduced HE Area in a 60% con DEAL in the format SO-DIMM.
We should know that LPDDR is used in servers because of its high energy efficiency. The problem is that it has limitations in real use. For starters, changing DRAM in servers requires replacing the entire motherboard. LCAMM effectively replaces these problems.
Samsung, on the other hand, has Intel support for this new RAM format. Intel believes that “this new form factor is the opportunity to change the rules of the game in today’s PC market.” This phrase is definitely a bit strange and a new strategy for the company against AMD.
The new LCAMM format has already been tested by some clients, of which Intel is the only one we know of. Samsung plans to start selling these memories in 2024.
