Ifixit comments on lack of upgradable RAM in framework desktop
iFixit (@iFixit@mastodon.social)
Thought it was interesting to see them chime in on Mastodon. Apparently the socket standard can't keep up with what hardware is capable of
Maybe we can see an improved socket in the future? Maybe sockets more like a cpu or something?
These AMD APUs are basically a GPU with a Zen core attached. It makes sense for them to have GPU like memory requirements. It is a niche small form factor product built around a mobile APU that doesn't currently work with socketed ram.
I remember when I had seperate sound card, network card, 2d graphics and 3d graphics. Sure it was all seperate upgradable but it was also a bit shit.
I have an AM4 motherboard here that had 3 CPUs and 3 gpus. Really awesome platform and I want more of that but as technology changes I don't know how long that will be practical. Integrated GPUs might make dedicated irrelevant in a few years. And possibly nobody needs more than 128gb of ram.
Greetings fellow geezer! I bought the 3dfx 3D card so I could play Final Fantasy VII on the PC. It cost more than a Playstation would have cost but I was a cool PC gamer, after all, not a console peasant. After only about a year it was thoroughly obsolete.
There are actually new RAM interfaces being developed. One I have heard of is CAMM2. This new interface improves on the performance that can be achieved with current DIMM interfaces by about 50%. Here’s an article from Corsair with more info: https://www.corsair.com/us/en/explorer/diy-builder/memory/what-are-camm2-and-lpcamm2/
It would have been nice to see this added to the new Framework desktop. The main argument against this would be cost/availability. New standards bring improved performance but may raise the price point of the computer to an unmarketable level. Also, Framework would have to source these modules, which are new and still niche. They would also have to adjust their motherboard design to accommodate the new interface which could introduce additional design considerations or cost.
Apparently the tested interface that wasn't suitable was CAMM2.
Hopefully either the interface or the manufacturing process improves so that future products can use CAMM2 for this kind of bandwidth.
Interesting, thank you for that additional context
The main argument is signal integrity, as explained in the OP.
The desktop is just a branded AMD product to promote AI bullshit, released by Framework. No surprise it does not follow the Framework philosophy. I wonder when the same form factor and specs pop up from other brands.
Makes you wonder why they went with a CPU that has to use soldered RAM. I would have expected Framework of all places to avoid that level of stupidity.
I've always been impressed by their laptops, but this 'desktop' release has me wondering if the company is OK, it's so gimmicky with the weird front panel and lack of useful features.