LAS VEGAS – At this year’s CES, a Crucial-branded memory module caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. The module utilizes the Compression Attached Memory Module (CAMM) standard, which differs from the traditional RAM sticks that are inserted into slots on motherboards. Instead, the CAMM lies flat against the board and makes contact with metal contacts on the board, eliminating the need for a slot.
Dell has been advocating for the standardization of CAMM modules for several years, and last month, JEDEC finalized the specification. CAMM modules were previously featured in a few Dell laptops, but the Crucial module’s appearance marks a new milestone. The industry’s support for the standard suggests it may become a viable replacement for traditional RAM.
In recent years, the trend in laptop design has been to prioritize thinness and lightness at the expense of upgradability. Optical drives, Ethernet ports, and other non-USB ports have gradually disappeared as laptops became thinner. This shift also led to the phasing out of replaceable or upgradable components, including memory modules. Most laptops have transitioned from Dual In-line Memory Modules (DIMMs) with socketed slots to soldered-down memory.
While soldered-down memory saves space and enables manufacturers to create sleek, thin laptops, it limits the motherboard’s maximum memory capacity and adds a potential point of failure. However, the CAMM standard offers an alternative solution. By lying flat against the board, CAMM modules provide a thinner, more versatile memory option that can potentially replace the soldered-down memory trend.
The introduction of the Crucial CAMM module at CES highlights the industry’s quest for innovation and the improvements being made in laptop memory design. As the standard becomes more widely adopted, it could address some of the limitations posed by soldered-down memory, offering users greater flexibility in upgrading and replacing memory modules.
With the standardization of CAMM modules, users may have the ability to upgrade their laptops’ memory in a more cost-effective manner, similar to the past practice of purchasing third-party RAM sticks. This development aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry, where manufacturers are exploring ways to balance sleek design with user-friendly upgradability.