Micron has started selling its LPDDR5X-based Low Power Compression Attached Memory Module 2 (LPCAMM2) memory modules under their in-house Crucial brand. This marks the beginning of the eagerly-awaited modular LPDDR5X memory era.
The LPCAMM2 modules are available in capacities of 32 GB and 64 GB. These dual-channel modules feature a 128-bit wide interface and are based around LPDDR5X memory running at data rates up to 7500 MT/s. This gives a single LPCAMM2 a peak bandwidth of 120 GB/s. Micron has not disclosed the latencies of its LPCAMM2 memory modules, but it says that high data transfer rates of LPDDR5X compensate for the extended timings.
One of the key advantages of LPDDR5X memory is its significantly lower power consumption. Active power per 64-bit bus is 43-58% lower than DDR5 at the same speed, and standby power is up to 80% lower. Similar to DDR5 modules, LPCAMM2 modules include a power management IC and voltage regulating circuitry, which provides module manufacturers additional opportunities to reduce power consumption of their products.
However, for the first generation of LPCAMM2 modules, system vendors will need to pick between modularity and performance. While soldered-down LPDDR5X memory is available at speeds up to 8533 MT/sec, the fastest LPCAMM2 modules planned for this year by both Micron and rival Samsung will be running at 7500 MT/sec. So vendors will have to choose between the flexibility of offering modular LPDDR5X, or the higher bandwidth offered by soldering down their memory.
Micron’s Crucial LPDDR5X 32 GB module costs $174.99, whereas a 64 GB module costs $329.99.
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