A new report suggests NVIDIA is shifting its strategy for next-generation memory modules. According to Tom's Hardware, the company has ceased development on its first-generation SOCAMM memory standard due to technical issues and is now focusing its efforts on a revised version, dubbed "SOCAMM2."
Earlier this year, reports emerged that NVIDIA was testing prototypes of its Small Outline Compression Attached Memory Module (SOCAMM) with major memory manufacturers, including Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. The standard, which utilizes low-power LPDDR5X memory in a removable module, was designed to deliver superior performance and power efficiency compared to traditional DRAM used in laptops and small form-factor PCs. The memory was initially slated for NVIDIA's Blackwell Ultra GB300 product line before being pushed back to the subsequent Rubin architecture.
Now, industry insiders claim the original SOCAMM standard ran into unspecified technical problems, leading to a halt in its promotion and development. However, the project is far from dead. Samples of the new SOCAMM2 standard are reportedly already in the hands of Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron for testing.
The core advantages of the SOCAMM standard remain compelling. Compared to traditional RDIMMs, SOCAMM offers over 2.5 times the bandwidth at the same capacity while occupying only a third of the physical space, enabling more compact and efficient server designs. By leveraging LPDDR5X, a SOCAMM module consumes just one-third of the power of a standard DDR5 RDIMM.
Physically, SOCAMM shares some design elements with the JEDEC-standard LPCAMM2, such as a three-screw mounting system. A key difference, however, is that the SOCAMM design lacks the raised trapezoidal structure found on top of LPCAMM2 modules. This results in a lower overall module height, making it significantly better suited for dense server installations and systems utilizing liquid cooling.
Looking ahead, SOCAMM2 is set to deliver a notable performance boost, with speeds reportedly increasing from the original SOCAMM's 8533 MT/s to 9600 MT/s. There is also speculation that the new standard may add support for the forthcoming LPDDR6 memory specification in addition to LPDDR5X.
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