MSI reveals an intriguing motherboard with CAMM2 memory support

MSI has teased a concept Z790 motherboard that features CAMM2 memory. The board is called the Project Zero Plus. We reviewed a system with the B650 Project Zero a little while back. It's main feature us that all the major connectors are relocated to the rear of the motherboard, including the power connectors, system headers and SATA ports, but this new concept with CAMM2 memory something altogether different.

MSI and @kingstontech are previewing the next revolution in memory design, the DDR5 CAMM2. Featured on a Z790 PROJECT ZERO PLUS, the Kingston FURY Impact DDR5 CAMM2 prototype module demonstrates the compact size, thin profile, and potential OC performance.#MSIxComputex2024 pic.twitter.com/vAhVB12zrIMay 23, 2024

CAMM stands for Compression Attached Memory Module. It's a new standard designed to replace SO-DIMM memory in laptops. Its advantage is that it incorporates what would normally be a dual-channel configuration into a single module, therefore saving space. This space saving isn't so much in the X and Y dimensions, but the Z dimension, meaning it's well suited to thin form factors.

There is the question of why MSI and Kingston would spend the resources to come up with this concept. I can see it being beneficial for large CPU coolers, by eliminating RAM compatibility concerns. It would also create the possibility for some creative use of the space atop the module. More RGB? Cough cough…

CAMM2 offers an optimized trace layout, which could be beneficial as DDR5 speeds increase towards the 10,000 MT/s mark. DDR6 memory is also in development, and given the sensitivities of DDR5 trace design, some kind of new standard may actually be necessary. It also supports LPDDR5X, which is already scaling to levels well beyond the limitations of SO-DIMMs. 

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Desktops with CAMM2 could allow laptops and desktops to use interchangeable RAM. Perhaps you can 'retire' a 32GB module from your desktop to a laptop, giving it an upgrade. 

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