When two companies offer the same product, there is price competition, as is the case in the market for RAM memory modules, where a wide variety of manufacturers compete in a hotly contested space where their customers are at the both laptop and desktop computer manufacturers, as well as users who want to expand their memory.
However, Dell wanted to join in the fun with its CAMM memory modules, which only use their laptops and tie the end consumer to the price they set to expand their laptops’ RAM. Something that has already been criticized. The manufacturer’s response? Trying to push its proprietary technology makes no more sense than making this component more expensive in its computers as standard.
Dell intends to pass its CAMM modules as a standard
A few days ago we told you how Dell had created a proprietary and nonsensical variant of SO-DIMM modules to be used in its computers called CAMM. The goal? Having no competition when it comes to selling RAM memory expansions for their laptops and, therefore, making users swallow high prices. Now manufacturer and assembler of computers, they intend to clean up their image by bringing their proprietary modules under the JEDEC standard.
All laptops with RAM expansion capability are designed to use standard SO-DIMM modules, none of the manufacturers will use a variant that will do them any good. First, memory makers won’t adopt a second standard that doesn’t add anything substantial. Although Dell claims its design is 57% thinner, we don’t see companies like Samsung, Micron, SK Hynix and the rest of the desktop and laptop RAM module makers adapting their factories for memory assembly. CAMM. At the same time, laptop manufacturers will not adopt this new standard either, it is a huge nonsense and adds nothing compared to the use of classic SO-DIMM modules.
In addition, the new type of memory requires an entirely new type of connector, which necessitates a redesign of the laptop’s motherboard. It goes without saying that this is a decision by Dell to clean up its image. CAMM modules are really nothing special. This is another way to distribute the chips of DDR5 memory modules. But changing the way affects scalability.
What is Dell doing?
Dell apparently has plans for a SO-DIMM to CAMM interface and we don’t know what they intend to do with it. Let’s not forget that Dell’s idea is to unify the PCB of several memory modules into one, but if we add the SO-DIMM module to the CAMM, the advantage of having a memory module 57% more end is lost. Also, there is nothing to be gained by soldering and wiring conventional modules.
That’s why from our point of view, and despite the cheers of the rest of the media, it’s still a way for Dell to save the ballot and justify its firefighter idea. To top it off, the speed of the 128GB option is much slower. Only able to reach 3600 MHz in terms of transfer speed, much lower than the current DDR5 which reaches 4800 MHz.