In our latest episode of Ask the Experts, we had the opportunity to explore the evolving world of client computing with insights from Carlos Weissenberg, senior product marketing manager for Memory Interface Chips at Rambus. The client computing market encompasses both desktop and notebook PCs. This market is witnessing significant trends and innovations, particularly driven by the increasing demands of AI applications. Carlos shares his perspectives on these trends and the implications for the client computing architecture.
Watch the video below are scroll down to read some highlights.
Trends in the PC Market
The PC remains the premier platform for productivity, content creation, and gaming. Despite the rise of mobile devices, there is still a substantial segment of users and businesses that prefer desktop PCs due to their flexibility, upgradeability, and lower costs. However, over the past decade, there has been a steady shift towards notebook PCs. Users are increasingly seeking the portability of notebooks without compromising on computing power.
AI’s Impact on Client Computing Architecture
AI is driving a renaissance in the PC market. The demands of AI applications are pushing the industry to innovate and offer new memory module form factors that deliver higher memory performance. AI inferencing, which requires high memory capacity and bandwidth, is becoming a key feature in PCs. The rapid development of AI models and applications is driving the need for higher data rates and higher density DRAM chips.
Introducing LPCAMM2: A New Memory Module Form Factor
One of the notable innovations in the client computing space is the LPCAMM2 memory module. LPCAMM2 enables the use of LPDDR memory in notebook PCs with the flexibility and upgradability of a module. Originally developed for mobile phones, LPDDR memory was designed to be soldered down close to the processor to maintain signal integrity. LPCAMM2 overcomes the limitations of soldered-down LPDDR memory by providing a compact, low-height form factor that supports ultra-thin notebooks. It also allows for memory expansion and repairs, which were not possible with LPDDR mounted directly to the motherboard
New Client Memory Interface Chipsets for DDR5 DIMMs and LPCAMM2
Carlos discussed the new memory interface chipsets for DDR5 client DIMMs and LPCAMM2. Traditionally, desktop PCs used UDIMMs and notebook PCs used SODIMMs. However, starting at 6400 MT/s, desktop PCs now use CUDIMMs and notebook PCs use CSODIMMs; the “C” standing for Clocked. These new modules feature a Client Clock Driver (CKD) to improve signal integrity and enable higher memory bandwidth. Additionally, the CUDIMM/CSODIMM memory interface chipset includes a Power Management IC (PMIC5120) and a Serial Presence Detect Hub (SPD Hub). For the LPCAMM2, the chipset includes a specifically tailored PMIC (PMIC5200) and the SPD Hub.
Why Choose Rambus for Memory Solutions?
Rambus has been a pioneer in the memory space for over 30 years, developing innovative memory subsystems to support both servers and client CPUs. With a strong track record and high-volume experience, Rambus has established itself as a first-class semiconductor product company. The company has strong partnerships across the memory ecosystem, making it a reliable choice for system and module makers seeking advanced memory solutions.
Expert
Carlos Weissenberg, senior product marketing manager for Memory Interface Chips at Rambus. His extensive industry experience includes technical marketing leadership positions at Intel and Supermicro.
Key Takeaways
- PC Market Trends: The shift towards notebook PCs driven by the demand for portability without compromising computing power.
- AI’s Impact: The increasing role of AI in driving innovations for higher performance in the client computing architecture.
- LPCAMM2: A new memory module form factor enabling the higher data rates, and lower power consumption of LPDDR memory in a flexible module form factor.
- Memory Interface Chipsets: Rambus offers new memory interface chipsets for DDR5 CSODIMMs and CUDIMMs and LPDDR5 LPCAMM2 which support higher capacity and bandwidth.
- Rambus: A trusted innovator in the memory space with a strong track record and broad industry experience.
Stay tuned for more insights from our experts as we continue to explore the evolving landscape of client computing.
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