Why MSI, Asus, and Asrock are testing CAMM2 on desktop

Computex 2024 was all about AI, AI, Arm, and AI. But there were some more subtle trends on the show floor, and Adam Patrick Murray spotted one: CAMM2 memory modules being used with desktop motherboards. After talking with the three vendors showing off concept designs, he’s ready to break down why this idea is catching on.

First of all, a slight clarification on terms. Compression Aided Memory Modules in the second standard revision (hence CAMM2) come in two formats: the rectangular, full-fat version that’s designed for use in data centers and other fixed hardware, and the low-powered, angular, hat-shaped LPCAMM2 modules for use in laptops. We’re talking about the larger CAMM2 version in this article.

Further reading: CAMM2 deep dive, explained

MSI promoted a concept version of one of its Intel motherboards using a CAMM2 module for memory before the show, but Asus and Asrock also have preliminary motherboard hardware at Computex. Why?

MSI says it’s all about performance. The CAMM2 standard should allow current-gen DDR5 to boost speed and achieve lower latency in a much smaller physical package.

Asus says it’s not seeing the performance boost at the moment, but since CAMM2 can cram more individual memory components into a relatively tiny size, Asus is more interested in the space it saves.

As you can see in the video, a single CAMM2 module is much smaller than two or four sticks of DDR memory. And not just in terms of layout, either. Because it’s screwed down, it’s saving a massive amount of volume, especially in Z-space.

That’s a big point for anyone who has to deal with bigger, more voluminous components elsewhere in a desktop, specifically cooling hardware. Shrinking the space needed for memory could solve a lot of problems for smaller designs, especially small form factor PCs. As Nvidia could tell you, getting modern desktop components into tiny cases (and mitigating all that heat) can be quite the headache.

But vendors are also looking at CAMM2 as an aesthetic upgrade. It might seem trivial, but even motherboards need to look good these days, especially if you’re selling to gamers who want to show off the components inside their case.

With memory hidden under ever-expanding heat shields—and combined with new “invisible” cable routing—the inside of your PC can look even more like a Star Trek prop. That’s a win-win, baby.

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