Dell Launches CAMM, the Potential Next-gen RAM Module Standard After SODIMM

Andi C., Tech Times 14 January 2023, 09:01 am

Dell launched its potential RAM module standard, CAMM, despite mixed opinions with its predecessor, SODIMM.

Compression Attached Memory Module (CAMM), the next generation of DDR memory being developed by Dell to replace SODIMM in laptops, was first leaked way back in 2022. According to Hot Hardware, Dell's next move now that CAMM is a reality is to present it to JEDEC, the memory standards committee.

According to JEDEC committee member and Dell Senior Distinguished Engineer Tom Schnell, the new specification to replace the fundamental SO-DIMMs that have been in use for 25 years is currently being worked up by JEDEC, the memory group that homologates RAM standards.

"We believe in that; we put standards into our products. We're not keeping it to ourselves, we hope it becomes the next industry standard." According to JEDEC senior engineer Schnell.

What Is Dell's CAMM?

According to PC World, to supplement or replace SODIMM memory in laptops and other tiny computer devices, Dell aims for its Compression Attached Memory Module (CAMM) to become a new JEDEC standard. We're taking a first look at what Dell CAMM has to offer, which it has already begun integrating into its premium mobile workstations.

However, Dell wants the industry as a whole to adopt CAMM because it believes it is a better form factor for the future. To that end, CAMM still uses standard DRAM chips.

Additionally, CAMM lessens the complexity of laptop designs, particularly for models with four SODIMM slots. In that case, CAMM eliminates the requirement to install memory on both sides of the motherboard. This translates to slimmer laptops with greater space for components overall.

CAMM Versus SODIMMs

Storage Review reports that SODIMMs were created 25 years ago, and according to Dell, their inherent technological constraints are already impacting DDR5 implementations.

This is in addition to what Dell will do to the impending DDR6 standard. According to Dell, SODIMMs might not scale above 6,400 MT/s. But CAMM is significant for the laptop sector for a number of additional reasons as well.

Additionally, Dell claims that CAMM makes motherboard integration easier regarding DDR routing. The traditional SODIMM layout must allow for significant routing traces. Longer SODIMM paths result in less effective performance, and overall, the SODIMM design occupies a lot more motherboard space than CAMM.

Meanwhile, Dell's CAMM DRAM uses a compression connection to get around the SODIMM bandwidth restrictions. Higher capacity modules have already made the advantages clear. DDR5 SODIMMs only scale to 32GB, while CAMM modules scale from 16GB to 128GB; the 128GB modules can operate at DDR5-4800.

To reach 128GB, you would need four 32GB SODIMMs. However, in that setup, you could only use DDR5-3600. Thus, both in terms of footprint and performance, the advantages of CAMM can already be realized at the high end.