Samsung: a smaller and detachable memory module for PCs

The new form factor is significantly smaller than the So-DIMM 2ea modules that look like two bars placed next to each other and that are used in computers Image: Samsung

Samsung said on Tuesday that it has developed a low-power compression attached memory module (LPCAMM – low-power compression attached memory module), which will be available on Intel platforms in 2024.

The new form factor has the advantages of LPDDR DRAM and DDR-based So-DIMMs, being compact and detachable.

LPCAMM should therefore “transform the DRAM market for PCs and laptops, even data centers,” said the South Korean technology giant.

Better flexibility for stationary PC and laptop manufacturers during production

LPDDR, or low-power dual-rate DRAM, are compact but permanently attached to the motherboard. It is for this reason that this form factor is widely used in mobile devices and that manufacturers highlight the RAM capacity of their new devices.

At the same time, the So-DIMMs (Small outline Dual In-line Memory Module) can be easily detached, which makes them convenient for repairs. But they are limited in terms of performance and physical design.

Samsung said that this is where the LPCAAM, as a detachable but compact form factor, offers better flexibility to stationary PC and laptop manufacturers during production.

60% less surface area on the motherboard

The LPCAMM occupies up to 60% less surface area on the motherboard compared to the So-DIMM. At the same time, its performance increases by 50% and its energy efficiency by 70%, according to the technology giant.

According to Samsung, the new form factor could also be of interest to data center and server providers, who have shown interest in LPDDR due to its energy efficiency. However, their permanent fixation on motherboards forced these players to replace entire motherboards when updating their DRAM specifications.

The LPCAMM offers a solution to this problem because it is both energy efficient and detachable, said the South Korean technology giant.

Samsung is working with Intel and other major customers to test the 7.5 Gbps LPCAMM on next-generation PC systems in preparation for a planned launch in 2024.

Source: “ZDNet.com “