What is LPCAMM?

Have you heard of LPCAMM memory, but aren’t sure what it is? In this article, we’ll explain everything about this new technology and how it’s useful, so read on! 

Laptops continue to be the most popular type of PC, but short battery life, limited bandwidth, slow speeds, and the inability to upgrade are top concerns laptop owners have with laptops. When you add new trends like high performance for content creation and artificial intelligence (AI) being built into laptops, we are seeing an increase in demand for higher memory bandwidth from laptop users who are not willing to compromise that performance to get portability or sleek, thin form factors. 

LPCAMM2 is the latest in laptop memory. It’s a revolutionary memory module that isn’t soldered into the laptop motherboard, as with most modern laptops. This empowers you as a laptop owner to upgrade your memory instead of buying a new device to increase bandwidth. Micron is the industry leader in innovating this fast, power-efficient, and sustainable memory solution that can enhance your overall user experience.

Low-power compression attached memory modules (better known as LPCAMM) are a new generation of memory designed for laptops and other compact devices in 2024. LPCAMM2 (the second generation of LPCAMM) is set to revolutionize laptop memory with faster speeds, power and space savings and – most importantly – is designed to be replaceable – a huge win in a time of soldered down memory modules that cannot be upgraded by users. LPCAMM2 is a JEDEC standard that packages dual-channel LPDDR5/X and DDR5 memory onto thin, replaceable circuit boards, supporting sustainability through upgradeability and repairability. 

At CES 2024, Micron announced 32GB and 64GB modules in the LPCAMM2 form factor. 

The advent of LPCAMM marks a pivotal shift in the tech industry, steering away from soldered memory components in laptops. This departure signifies a notable leap forward in user flexibility and upgradability. Laptops embracing LPCAMM compatibility now grant users the ability to upgrade their device's memory, transforming the dynamics for those previously constrained by fixed RAM configurations. This transformative approach not only empowers users to adapt their laptops to evolving needs but also enhances the overall longevity and performance of their devices, ushering in a new era of customizable and future-proof computing.

LPCAMM stands out in comparison to SODIMM and LPDDR modules by combining space efficiency with remarkable versatility. LPDDR modules, renowned for their compact design, unfortunately, come with the drawback of being soldered to the laptop motherboard, limiting adaptability. In contrast, SODIMMs provide detachability but often face limitations in performance and are a 30-year-old technology that has yet to have an adequate upgrade. LPCAMM bridges this gap by offering both space efficiency and the flexibility of attachment and detachment. Its compact size can reduce1 the motherboard footprint by nearly 60%, optimizing internal space. Moreover, it achieves a commendable advancement in power efficiency, reducing consumption by nearly 70%. In essence, LPCAMM revolutionizes the landscape by providing both detachability and enhanced performance, presenting an ideal solution for users seeking a more dynamic and efficient computing experience.

At Crucial, we strongly advocate for the fundamental right to upgrade your laptop, including components like memory, without the necessity of purchasing an entirely new device each time there is a technological advancement in the industry. We believe that individuals should have the freedom to enhance the performance and capabilities of their laptops over time. This right not only empowers users to tailor their devices to evolving needs but also contributes to sustainability by minimizing electronic waste. Upgrading allows individuals to extend the lifespan of their existing laptops, aligning with our commitment to promoting a more environmentally conscious approach to technology consumption.

Next generation laptops are becoming thinner, which means your laptop memory should fit without sacrificing performance. That’s why Micron LPCAMM2 is more power and space efficient than traditional DDR5 SODIMMS. The low-power design can support battery life while the upgradeable modular makes it easy to complete upgrades or bandwidth increases up to 64GB without purchasing a new laptop — minimizing future amounts of e-waste. LPCAMM2 harnesses the power of LDDR5X to ensure a high-speed experience that’s 1.34 times faster2 than standard DDR5 SODIMM, setting a new pace for laptop memory. And, as AI-enabled PCs become more available, the goalpost for memory continues to move. The modern user requires more bandwidth to ensure a smooth workflow, and LPCAMM2 is a solution for professionals, creatives, and gamers that need their laptops to perform beyond these new standards while they’re on the go.

As we contemplate the future of upgradable memory, LPCAMM emerges as the next frontier, seamlessly marrying detachability and enhanced performance. While, as of early 2024, consumer LPCAMM modules are still on the rise, the landscape is poised for imminent change. With the advent of new AI-enabled laptops featuring LPCAMM, Micron is leading the way to high-performance upgradeable memory. As the industry leader, Micron is ushering in a transformative era with customizable, high-performance memory solutions that are just as dynamic as our daily computing needs. The trajectory suggests that the coming years will witness an exciting evolution in consumer options, creating a new standard for upgradable memory in the technological landscape.

¹Based on Micron LPCAMM2 analysis. For more information, visit: https://www.micron.com/about/blog/memory/dram/lpcamm2-no-compromise-for-next-gen-laptops
²LPDDR5X data rate of 7,500MT/s transfers 1.34x more data than the standard DDR5 SODIMM data rate of 5,600MT/s.