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Forward-looking: MSI is leading the push to bring CAMM2 memory to desktops. Earlier this year, the Taiwanese tech giant teased a Project Zero series motherboard that traded out the familiar DDR5 slots in favor of a single CAMM2 module. Now, they've provided a deep dive into this potential game-changing tech.
For those not up to speed, CAMM – short for Compression Attached Memory Module – was developed by Dell engineer Tom Schnell and debuted in the company's Precision 7670 workstation laptop. Version two has since become an official standard recognized by JEDEC, the trade organization and standardization body that oversees memory standards in the computer industry.
CAMM was designed for laptops where physical real estate is at a premium. It also affords some performance benefits thanks to the fact that the traces to the CPU are shorter. CAMM2 improved upon the original idea, and brought several additional benefits to the table.
In a recent livestream, MSI Gaming's Eric Van Beurden and Michiel Berkhout demonstrated a desktop system running CAMM2 and talked about the many benefits including the aforementioned shorter traces.
Doing away with slot-mounted memory greatly improves clearance around the CPU socket, which could improve compatibility with oversized coolers and also enhance airflow around the socket. MSI's demo system utilized a passively cooled heatsink, much like those used to cool other components on a motherboard.
One change worth noting is the fact that the 24-pin ATX power connector on MSI's test system had to be relocated to the top of the motherboard. While not a huge change, it could make cable management a bit more challenging. Then again, this wouldn't an issue on Project Zero motherboards that relocate connectors to the rear of the board.
For all of its benefits, CAMM2 still has some shortcomings. It's brand new, and that means – at least for now – it's expensive, difficult to come by, and not compatible with most boards. The module is also more difficult to swap out compared to traditional RAM sticks because of the mounting screws.
It's still very early days for CAMM2, and not something desktop users have to be concerned with for now. Still, we'll be keeping a close eye on the tech as it holds lots of promise if implemented correctly.