MSI motherboard concept uses radical new CAMM2 memory

CAMM2 is a new standard for laptop memory. It’s tiny, incredibly skinny, and compatible with modern DDR5 memory. That makes it a suitable replacement for space-hogging SO-DIMMs or soldered memory modules, which can’t be replaced by the end user. But what about using it on a desktop? MSI and Kingston are keen to try.

The two companies have revealed a concept desktop motherboard that uses the CAMM2 memory standard, installed via screws instead of the familiar DIMM modules you’ll see on basically every full-sized mobo. It’s based on a Z790 Intel motherboard that uses the Project Zero system for rear-mounted power and data connections.

According to the single tweet featuring this prototype design (spotted by PCGamer), the motherboard is being prepared for Computex, the trade show in Taiwan where the latest and greatest desktop tech is shown off. Computex starts next Monday in Taipei. There’s no indication that this is a design meant for future consumer products, at least not yet.

It’s not clear why a user would want CAMM2 memory instead of standard desktop RAM. It’s certainly possible to use laptop memory in a desktop machine — small form factor designs often do this to save space. But on a full-sized ATX desktop motherboard there’s simply no practical reason to go for the tiny standard, as that vertical space won’t be used by anything else unless you have some crazy custom hardware. CAMM2 modules would also be far more expensive than any equivalent DDR5 sticks.

But those are “why” questions, and Computex prototypes are often more of a “why not?” situation. It’s always possible that there’s some non-obvious benefit that won’t be discovered until CAMM2 is actually put into a desktop computer. We’ll be sure to check it out when we’re on the show floor.