Summary
The drive towards slimmer, more potent laptops often comes at the expense of upgradability, especially concerning RAM. However,Samsung’s Low Profile Compression Attached Memory Module(LPCAMM) could rewrite this script, heralding a future where ultrabooks and handheld PCs are upgradable.
LPCAMM vs SO-DIMM
Traditionally, Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) have been the standard for laptop memory. Yet, they pale in comparison to LPCAMM, which not only occupies 60% less space but also boosts performance by 50% and improves power efficiency by up to 70%. LPCAMM is based on the Dell-developedCAMMform factor, and it’s the most likely candidate to end the 25-year reign of SO-DIMM.
This is one of the biggest promised leaps in mobile computerRAMwe’ve seen for some time, although for now it’s still an open question whether LPCAMM will be ratified as an official form factor for future laptop memory.
The End of Soldered RAM in Ultra-Small Laptops?
If it does end up becoming a real commercial product, LPCAMM may signal the end of soldered RAM in ultra-compact laptops. This new form factor would empower manufacturers to design sleek machines without compromising on upgradability, extending device lifespan and providing users with the flexibility to enhance performance as needed.
It would mean buying something the size of a MacBook without beinglocked into the RAM capacityyou can afford at the outset. Of course, for actualMacBooks, it’s unlikely that Apple will abandon theirtightly-integrated designany time soon.
Upgradable RAM: A New Reality for Handheld PCs?
Handheld PCslike theROG Allycould benefit from LPCAMM’s compact and detachable nature. This innovation could shift the narrative towards user-upgradable RAM in handheld PCs, enhancing performance, efficiency, and device longevity.
This is a particularly interesting prospect for these types of computers because the total RAM allocation is shared between the CPU and GPU. In other words, you could upgrade both system RAM andVRAMin one fell swoop.
Real-World Implications of LPCAMM
If LPCAMM becomes an accepted form factor for mobile RAM, the main potential benefits are pretty clear:
Samsung’s LPCAMM is a promising step towards reconciling the dichotomy of compactness and upgradability. It remains to be seen if it gets any traction, but Samsung is no bit player in the world of computer memory, so we wouldn’t place a large bet against it, and devices with CAMM memory are expectedsome time in 2024.
