What is Dell's CAMM Memory Technology? Advantages, Applications & Future

A new memory technology patented by Dell that could replace standard laptop RAM is currently the hot topic in the computer community, with some excited about its possibilities. In contrast, others fear increased prices and potential unfair repair practices. What challenges do current laptop RAM technologies suffer from, how does CAMM address these challenges, and why are some concerned with the new technology?

What challenges do current laptop RAM technologies suffer from?

Ever since the development of the first portable computers, trying to cram an entire computer that can keep up with current technological standards into a small space that is portable is no small feat. As parts are shrunk in size, they have a tendency to heat up, and reducing the size of a part will either make that part more expensive or will have less processing capabilities. For example, a mobile processor used in a typical laptop will have fewer cores, lower clock frequency, and simpler hardware so that it consumes less power (thus allowing for use with a battery).

The same challenges apply to laptop RAM in that the space and weight constraints result in a need for small memory modules. Regarding performance, they will often be on par with desktop RAM for speed, but desktop environments allow for much more RAM at a reduced cost. Thus, a laptop with 8GB would have the same price as a desktop with between 16GB and 32GB.

The space constraint also means that laptop slots in laptops are limited, with two being the most common number of slots (while desktop PCs will easily have four slots). Furthermore, the reduced size also means that laptop RAM does include ECC and REGISTERED options which can help improve system stability (ECC is primarily used in applications that require error correction).

What is Dell's CAMM Memory Technology?

Compression Attached Memory Module (or CAMM for short) is a proprietary memory packaging technology developed and patented by Dell to replace the ageing SO-DIMM design. Despite laptops having been around for decades, the RAM packaging used has hardly changed in style or design, meaning that it is not optimised for newer systems requiring increasingly more amounts of RAM.

While SO-DIMM uses an edge connector on the very edge of the memory card, CAMM instead uses a series of contact pads which is very similar to modern CPUs that have done away with pins. These contact pads occupy the front portion of a PCB (but not at the edge), allowing increased connector density. Furthermore, the entire package is compressed into the connector on the motherboard and screws are used to hold the entire PCB down in place.

According to Dell, the new design uses a much thinner PCB, which helps reduce weight. The increased physical size of the memory module allows for significantly more memory, with sizes up to 128GB having been demonstrated. Furthermore, all ICs on the memory modules are placed on the top side of the memory card, suggesting that regular components could be fitted underneath the card on the PCB. This allows for a more compact design while still allowing upgradability to devices with only a single card being replaced (instead of having multiple physical cards).

Advantages & Applications for Dell's CAMM Memory Technology

Dell's CAMM Memory Technology brings several advantages to the table regarding data storage and processing. Its innovative architecture increases the memory bandwidth and reduces latency, allowing for faster and more efficient data processing.  The following are potential applications for CAMM memory technology.

• High-performance computing and data centres: CAMM Memory technology could provide faster and more efficient data processing for high-performance computing applications in data centres by increasing the memory bandwidth and reducing the latency.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning: CAMM Memory technology could enable faster and more efficient training and deployment of AI and machine learning models by providing faster access to large amounts of data.
• Cloud computing and data storage: CAMM Memory technology could improve the performance and scalability of cloud computing and data storage systems by increasing the memory capacity and reducing the response time.
• Real-time analytics and big data processing: CAMM Memory technology could enable faster and more accurate real-time analytics and big data processing by providing faster access to large amounts of data and reducing latency.
• High-speed data transfer and networking: CAMM Memory technology could enable faster data transfer and networking by increasing the memory bandwidth and reducing the latency.
• Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing: CAMM Memory technology could enable faster and more efficient data processing and storage for IoT devices and edge computing by increasing memory capacity and reducing response time.

Why are some worried about CAMM?

CAMM may seem like an ideal technology to replace SO-DIMM, but there are many who are concerned with its introduction. The biggest fear by far stems from the fact that CAMM is a Dell proprietary technology, and this could see Dell establishing a royalty and/or license fee model whereby every computer manufactured has to pay for using CAMM.

When these concerns started to circulate, Dell immediately came out to dispel these worries stating that CAMM was a joint development project with memory and processor companies, including Intel. By getting companies to move towards CAMM, it can be turned into an industry-standard that helps reduce the overall cost of manufacture while keeping machines cross-compatible with hardware and software.

Dell also mentioned that even though it is not looking into royalties at this time, many components on modern computers are patented, and this typically results in a cross-licensed design. Thus, it is likely that no royalties will be collected after some customer pays Dell who pays someone else to use their technology in the original product (i.e., a cyclic agreement that comes full circle).

Of course, that doesn’t mean Dell won’t enforce royalties, nor does it mean that Dell won’t be the company to lead future design changes to CAMM. Like how Qualcomm got its patented technologies into cellular technologies used by all, Dell could do the same and find a way to retain its position in the computer hardware market.

But there are other concerns relating to the new technology, including the right to repair. Suppose the new memory module is only allowed to be manufactured by a select few companies. In that case, it could start a new wave of laptops that are unrepairable to the average individual, and the control of CAMM by Dell could see a similar situation that Apple has historically ensured; only authorised individuals can repair their products.

What do you think of the new technologies? Do you think it will be the next RAM technology, or do you think it will be a disaster for licensing and repairing? Leave your comments below!