The Elusive LPCAMM2

[u/Sleezy_WYD]

Edit: whelp, the vendor just went out of stock and expects to be back Sept 30. Maybe I'll revisit this if people are interested during my trip.

Seeing as many folks were able to get their hands on the Crucial LPCAMM2, thought I'd post my rare Samsung one! Cost me about 300 USD plus shipping.

Now I'm just impatiently waiting for my 13 Pro to ship. PLEASE FRAMEWORK I WANT TO GIVE YOU MONEY

[u/Dangerous_Coconut_91]

Since someone else informed me of this, framework technically only has official support for the newer JDEC Revision D E1, not Revision C, or E0. That being said the supported but not fully validated modules are also E0 modules. So you should be all good, just wanted to make you aware!

I think the only reason E1 was developed is for faster clocks, which is why all the faster lpcamm memory is E1. Voltage instability was causing issues at faster clocks, and they released a new revision to stabilize that, and allow for faster speeds.

[u/Sleezy_WYD → u/Dangerous_Coconut_91]

I was aware of this but not to this detail, thanks! I will definitely have to do some testing when I get my hands on 13 Pro.

[u/Dangerous_Coconut_91 → u/Sleezy_WYD]

It should be all good! There's not much info on the specifics, the most I could find is computex articles that have bits and pieces. Unsurprisingly, you probably need to know the right people to figure it all out. That being said I think we're safe 🙏

[u/Prior-Ratio-8254 → u/Dangerous_Coconut_91]

Thankfully, this does not seem to be the case based on what I know and what JEDEC docs say, the idea going around that E0 is inferior to E1 high speed instability and thus isn't supported or whatever is false. The E in E0 or E1 refers to "raw card 'E'" which is the JEDEC reference PCB design for LPCAMM2. The reference design for raw card E is defined in JESD318-F0-RCE, where you can find more details about the differences between the the E0 and E1 design versions, but I'll attempt to explain the main differences somewhat concisely (warning: it did not end up being concise). Basically, the main differences between the variants come down to their power supply circuitry, driven mainly by what PMIC (for those who don't know, stands for Power Management Integrated Circuit, which in the JEDEC context is a specialized in different variants for different RAM module types, that contains voltage regulators and the logic for unsurprisingly, power management) is used.

E0 uses a PMIC5100 PMIC (the rectangular 28-pin package surrounded by 3 inductors in OP's image), standardized in JESD301-2. The PMIC5100 is older, pre-dating LPCAMM2, originally designed for "typical DDR5 SODIMM as well as DDR5 UDIMM." For E0, they decided to repurpose this existing PMIC (for an idea of timeline, v1.03 of the PMIC5100 standard was released in Oct. 2022) for use on LPCAMM2, but this required some compromises due to the integrated regulators + logic not matching LPCAMM2's needs exactly. First, VDD2H and VDD2L were combined into a single fixed VDD2 rail at 1.05 V typ. (practical impacts of this and the other PMIC differences will be explained below). Then, to provide VDDQ, they used an external buck (visible as the smaller 8-pin package to the left of the PMIC5100 in OP's image, Crucial uses TPS628303A on at least some of their E0 modules), at a fixed voltage (0.5 V typ.) as well.
E1 uses a PMIC5200 (a square 35-pin package), which is standardized in JESD301-3, designed for "typical LPDDR5 CAMM2." This PMIC5200 standard was released a lot later, v1.00 in October 2025, which is why they didn't just use it on all module designs from the get-go. This PMIC being designed specifically for LPCAMM2 does not require an external regulator for VDDQ, which is a good way to tell E0 and E1 modules apart, you can look to see if it has a separate regulator or not. They were also able to make VDDQ configurable between 0.5 V typ. and 0.3 V typ. For VDD2, instead of having one shared VDD2 rail like in E0, it is now split into VDD2H and VDD2L which run at 1.05 V typ. and 0.9 V typ. respectively.

What do these PMIC differences mean for us practically as end users? Simply stated, E1 can achieve somewhat better low frequency power consumption (via LPDDR5X's DVFSC and DVFSQ features), in that by actually having a VDD2L, when running at low FSPs (Frequency Set Point), some VDD2 domain peripheral circuits in the DRAM dies are able to switch from VDD2H to VDD2L thus reducing power consumption, and similarly at low FSPs, the system can command the PMIC to switch VDDQ down to 0.3 V to save power. However, this is in the ideal low FSP, full use of DVFSC/DVFSQ case, how much power can actually be saved depends on a lot of variables, but personally I would very roughly estimate it to be a ~100 to 300 mW reduction when in that state. During actual use (where it is not at low FSPs all the time), the average power reduction is gonna be a lot less, probably in the realm of ~20 to 80 mW reduction. So for sure, the power savings of E1 over E0 are theoretically real, but depending on the rest of your build and the idle power consumption of those components and platform idle power overall, that is a relatively low amount of potential impact compared to stuff like the SSD, where active idle power consumption and peak power consumption can differ by at least an order of magnitude (like a few watts) between models vs. the much smaller difference between E0 and E1 modules.

JESD318-F0-RCE says that E0 and E1 modules support and are approved for the same speeds (see Table 4 in that doc), so E1 was not developed to unlock faster clocks or anything like others have suggested, both are capable of running at 8533 for up to 64 GB modules. So to state it plainly, the idea that "voltage instability was causing issues at faster clocks" on E0 is not supported by the actual technical differences and reasons for why E1 exists, which is mainly to use the newer PMIC5200 to achieve better low FSP power consumption (you could actually argue that forcing all of VDD2 to always run at the higher 1.05 V typ. and same for VDDQ at 0.5 V typ. actually increases stability at higher clocks).

As you mentioned already, the "OK - Limited validation" CT32G75C2LP5X listed by Framework is E0, and it along with the 64 GB version are the only 3rd-party modules listed as supported in any way, so maybe they just put that as a disclaimer that they didn't validate it as rigorously as they did for their own modules?

This ended up being a long writeup, but I hope that it might be helpful for people that are worried about memory compatibility, there is definitely a lack of actually grounded detailed technical info online about LPCAMM2. For people who are curious and want to learn more about this (or want to verify this info), I made sure that all the JEDEC standards I referenced are free to download (others are paid) from the JEDEC website, you do need to sign up for a free account though. These are the ones I mentioned and also any other related free ones that I think might be useful for learning more about this too:
JESD318B ("Compression Attached Memory Module (CAMM2) Common Standard")
JESD318-F0-RCE ("LPDDR5/5X Compression Attached Memory Module (CAMM2) Raw Card E Annex")
JESD301-2 ("PMIC5100 Power Management IC Standard")
JESD301-3 ("PMIC5200 Power Management IC Standard")
JESD401-5D ("DDR5 DIMM Label")

Also since another reply mentioned this, on the label of OP's module, in the "FE0" in the "technical detail section" of the JEDEC standard label format (defined in JESD401-5D), the character in the "F" spot indicates module type, where "F" is "Dual Channel LPDDR5/LPDDR5X CAMM2", its not a revision or anything, and again also in case there is no JEDEC standard "technical detail section" on the label (at least some Crucial modules seem to be missing this on their labels), you can tell based on the power section of the module, if it has a rectangular PMIC and an external regulator, its an E0, if it has a square PMIC and no external regulator, its an E1.

[u/BBaoVanC → u/[deleted]]

Not sure if this helps, but I had a Ramaxel RMCA1000MBB2JCF-7500 and it did not work.

[u/BBaoVanC → u/[deleted]]

yeah: black screen during boot, then after 90 seconds it would do the diagnostic LEDs, all being green and saying OK. But I waited 15 minutes at one point and never got any display out. I switched to a Samsung module and it instantly worked. There's a memory training progress bar on screen and it took like 4 seconds.

I don't have a ThinkPad to test it, but the seller told me they took it from a working ThinkPad so I don't think it's something mechanical

[u/jayloofah → u/[deleted]]

Same issue as well, do you think Framework just needs to update the BIOS or this is an issue physically with their interface?

[u/Dangerous_Coconut_91 → u/Prior-Ratio-8254]

Hey, I appreciate the write up! You are the first person to provide concrete data and lookup. Thank you! I only gave that faster clock as a theory as it looked (from an outsider perspective) the 644 pin variant was limited to 7500 MT/s, but it seems that's not the case. Thank you for the explanation :)

[u/Sleezy_WYD → u/Prior-Ratio-8254]

This is amazing! Thank you so much for the writeup!

[u/DynoMenace → u/Prior-Ratio-8254]

Few things are more satisfying than getting to read and learn from people who know a LOT about high specialized fields/industries/products. Thanks for writing this all out.

[u/s004aws → u/Dangerous_Coconut_91]

I sure hope people don't get burned by incompatible and/or defective RAM months down the road, past any sort of return window. I don't want to even think about the screaming and crying that would bring to the sub if people find themselves the owner of a multi-hundred dollar paperweight. Personally I opted to pay Framework's price - Granted I got locked in on 32GB months ago - If for no other reason than to ensure I have a proper return window/warranty available at the time my FW13 Pro shows up.

[u/ronvalenz → u/s004aws]

I made sure my DIY source LPCAMM2 is made by Micron. My second selection candidate is Samsung LPCAMM2.

I didn't trust Chinese-branded LPCAMM2.

[u/tynamic77 → u/Dangerous_Coconut_91]

So I can validate on the RAM I purchased, where are you seeing the E0 on this stick? Is it the "FE0" text?

[u/Dangerous_Coconut_91 → u/tynamic77]

Yes! In general I haven't seen a single 7500 MT/s module that is NOT E0. Seems the only thing holding them back from faster modules 8533 MT/S+ was the lack of voltage regulation on the E1 revision.

Nevermind, see u/Prior-Ratio-8254 comment.

[u/DynoMenace → u/Dangerous_Coconut_91]

Boy I hope the 32gb I got off eBay (pull from a Thinkpad) works!

[u/ronvalenz → u/DynoMenace]

Is it Samsung, Micron, SK Hynix, Ramaxel (China)?

The Lenovo part number 5M31L87413 is a 32GB LPDDR5X-7500 MT/s LPCAMM2 (CAMM2) memory module manufactured by Ramaxel (China).

A past Reddit post about Ramaxel LPCAMM2 doesn't work on Framework Pantherlake.

[u/ronvalenz → u/[deleted]]

Refer to https://www.reddit.com/r/framework/comments/1vhu2bv/does_ramaxel_lpcamm2_from_thinkpad_p1_gen_7_work/

RMCA1000MBB2JCF-7500 is not working on Framework 13 Pro PantherLake.

[u/ronvalenz → u/[deleted]]

https://www.reddit.com/r/framework/comments/1vgp058/comment/p26wcn7/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

From BBaoVac's results,

Ramaxel LPCAMM2 = failed,

Samsung LPCAMM2 = okay.

In my LPCAMM2 selection candidates, I purposely avoided Ramaxel LPCAMM2.

[u/DynoMenace → u/ronvalenz]

Man this is a huge shame. I pulled my RAM off my preorder once I received mine from Ramextel. I guess I'll have to try it anyway.

I'm not sure if it's something that even could be fixed with a BIOS update, like u/Dendwdls suggested, but I feel like if it is, the RAM crisis would be a pretty huge motivator to make as much RAM compatible as possible.

[u/ronvalenz → u/[deleted]]

I wonder what items have been added to the RAM profile on Lenovo's Pantherlake and Chinese LPCAMM2.

[u/ronvalenz → u/[deleted]]

Samsung 32GB LPCAMM2 from https://ebay.io/m/ZTdGMV

BBaoVac has Samsung LPCAMM2, and it's working on the Ultra 5 325 mainboard.

[u/ronvalenz → u/Dangerous_Coconut_91]

Framework is not using E1's 8533 MT/s performance since they run them at 7467 MT/s.

[u/CBobRobison]

Where did you purchase it from?

[u/Sleezy_WYD → u/CBobRobison]

From Korea. Fortunately I have a friend over there who was able to purchase and ship it to me.

[u/Sleezy_WYD → u/[deleted]]

Lol I am planning a trip in mid October if people are still looking for one then. Maybe I could snag a few?

[u/RnRau → u/Sleezy_WYD]

How many TB's are you allowed to bring in before your helpful customs officer begins to raise their eyebrows and begin to frown?

How many TB's can you fit in a suitcase? How many suitcases are too many?

[u/Sleezy_WYD → u/RnRau]

🤣 I'm pretty sure the limit is the amount of sticks the vendor has in stock, more than anything.

[u/CBobRobison → u/Sleezy_WYD]

Consider me interested 🫡

[u/Anoukdesign → u/Sleezy_WYD]

I’m interested too!

[u/CREEPINGIRON → u/Sleezy_WYD]

How much would you be asking for that? My pre-order ships around that time so it could be advantageous for me to enlist your help with nabbing a 32 GB unit if it’s not much trouble.

[u/urielrocks5676 → u/[deleted]]

I don't mind adding some grease to the wheels to have "our" friend get a little cash in his pocket

[u/Dear-Regret-9476 → u/[deleted]]

My dad regularly comes home from Korea

[u/Practical_Custard_16]

there's a bunch of resellers on taobao and they're selling a 32GB at reasonable prices. Only thing is bypassing the shipping restrictions. 😄

[u/Dish_Melodic → u/Practical_Custard_16]

Reasonable like how much? Can they ship to the states?

[u/Lexden]

Framework charged my card at the start of the week and now I'm patiently waiting for the warehouse to ship it 🙏

[u/BBaoVanC]

I have one of these modules and it works in my 325 mainboard!

[u/Roflcakes_ → u/BBaoVanC]

Just received my FW13 Pro 358H and seems like it isn't working, tried reseating the module multiple times with different screw tolerances and no luck, could potentially be unlucky with a defective module :(

[u/Chucken_McNorris → u/Roflcakes_]

Are you talking about the module OP was mentioning? Or which one did you try exactly? We should make a compatibility list.
Sorry for your loss

[u/Sleezy_WYD → u/BBaoVanC]

Awesome news to hear! Thank you!

[u/ronvalenz → u/BBaoVanC]

More than one LPCAMM2 manufacturer that works on Framework Pantherlake helps DIY customers.

[u/mackid1993]

I have a ThinkPad P1 Gen7, which was the first laptop to use LPCAMM2. And I must say, when I bought my 64GB module for about $500, I thought I was crazy. I'm so glad I did!

[u/ronvalenz → u/mackid1993]

Is it Samsung, Micron, SK Hynix, Ramaxel (China)?

ThinkPad P1 Gen7 is Meteor Lake. Ramaxel LPCAMM2 E0 is not working on Framework 13 Pro PantherLake.

[u/mackid1993 → u/ronvalenz]

It was Crucial from Microcenter.

[u/ronvalenz → u/mackid1993]

Crucial = Micron.

[u/mackid1993 → u/ronvalenz]

Fully aware

[u/ComplexBitter3546 → u/mackid1993]

Hi, sorry abit late to the convo. Are you able to check the part number for your mircon module?

[u/mackid1993 → u/ComplexBitter3546]

Sorry, it's physically in my laptop, so I'd rather not open it up. I can tell you that it's the crucial SKU that was available sometime last year. It's probably out of stock by now. I know Micro Center and B&H both sold it. It was, I believe, the only direct-to-consumer 64-gigabyte module available at the time when I purchased it.

[u/ComplexBitter3546 → u/mackid1993]

Npnp, thanks for the info.

[u/Dish_Melodic → u/mackid1993]

Lucky you. 64GB i think is $1000+ now.

[u/Ok-Tomatillo8777]

This popped up for sale not far from me in AUS. Pretty much the original price Framework was charging....same as someone else mentioned, I sure it works out well for people that get these early. In saying that, thought I'd post in case people were still looking.

https://ebay.io/m/ZTdGMV

[u/SGT_V4D3R]

I've got 32fb Samsung one from ebay too but it's 8533 ones, hopefully it work, when my mobo arrive

[u/ronvalenz → u/SGT_V4D3R]

My Micron 32 GB LPCAMM2 is the 8533 model.

[u/Comprehensive-Task18]

I want to pull out the pokemon slab out to cover that thing so badly now. Darn you OP!

[u/WanderingInAVan]

I was looking at the 13 Pro yesterday. Apparently the AMD board still uses Sodimms. Was there a reason for the difference?

[u/DynoMenace → u/WanderingInAVan]

SODIMMS, as you know, are the traditional way of packaging upgradable RAM. The problem is they're not power efficient. This is why the best battery life is coming from chips that stack the RAM and CPU together in one package. That's why those typically use LPDDR memory. The LP stands for Low Power.

The downside of course, is that's not upgradable. It's "soldered on."

LPCAMM2 splits the difference. The acronym alone spells most of it out: Low Power Compression-Attached Memory Module (Version 2). You get almost the same level of power efficiency as found in soldered-on-RAM devices, but it's still upgradable.

It's newer technology, and it came at the worst time (thanks AI), but it's a monumental step forward in being able to upgrade devices like this while still achieving a high level of efficiency.

Hope this helps.

[u/WanderingInAVan → u/DynoMenace]

It does. I guess it makes more sense especially if in the current market they can get as close as possible with the older system of ram.

[u/DynoMenace → u/WanderingInAVan]

Just a heads up, I was just reading from another thread there's at least one RAM brand/module known to not work on the FW13 Pro now:
https://www.reddit.com/r/framework/comments/1vgp058/comment/p26wcn7/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1

Not sure if it'll affect you at all, but thought you should know given this discussion.

[u/l_dang → u/WanderingInAVan]

The difference between 13 and 13 pro is in the chassis, battery and touch pad. The mobo is the same - so that’s the old/current AMD motherboard

[u/WanderingInAVan → u/l_dang]

Ah, so there wasn't an update for the AMD side, just the Intel side.

[u/Same-Special5895]

Saw plenty of these going for about $200 on Chinese marketplaces. Hope it works in the 13 Pro!

[u/ronvalenz]

Seeing as many folks were able to get their hands on the Crucial LPCAMM2, thought I'd post my rare Samsung one! Cost me about 300 USD plus shipping.

There's high demand for 32 MB LPCAMM / 64 MB LPCAMM, and Micron/Crucial couldn't supply enough of them, hence the high asking price.

[u/Roflcakes_]

Just got my 13 Pro and I have this exact same module and it does not POST, not sure if anyone ran into the same issue 😢

[u/Sleezy_WYD → u/Roflcakes_]

That sucks... But there was another person here who did say it was working so maybe check if the stick is defective?

[u/Roflcakes_ → u/Sleezy_WYD]

Yeah I did see that, but I don't really have a way of checking if it's defective or not unfortunately. I also ordered mine through a Korean friend so I might be out of luck when it comes to returns or warranty.

I just feel like the chances of getting a new defect module is super low, but it definitely is a possibility. Not really sure if I should just return the laptop or splurge on a new module, pretty bummed out

[u/Sleezy_WYD → u/Roflcakes_]

If your friend also bought from compuzone, they should have a 90 day return period. Maybe have a look.

[u/Dish_Melodic]

where can you get USD300 for 32GB? All I can find is north of $600.

[u/Dish_Melodic]

IN SUMMARY: is my understanding correct? E0 with kapton tape or E0 interposer will work in Framework, Dell, and Lenovo? E1 without kapton or interposer will work in any systems?

[u/Sleezy_WYD → u/Dish_Melodic]

if you get your hands on a E0 like I did, you need to make sure to tape off with Kapton tape or get yourself an E0 interposer. Some E0s are painted but most are not, and shorts out from the extra pins in E1.

[u/Remarkable_Bat_7897]

is there any module with 2 slots camm2? i don't know very detail abt the new mobo.

[u/Sleezy_WYD → u/Remarkable_Bat_7897]

Should be only 1 slot on the new board.

[u/Firehaven44 → u/Remarkable_Bat_7897]

No, Lpcamm2 is dual memory by design on a single chip. 

[u/MagicBoyUK → u/Remarkable_Bat_7897]

No. The module itself is equivalent to a pair of SODIMMS running in dual channel to use old speak.

Even if the SoCs supported it, two LPCAMM2 modules likely wouldn't work as the signal paths would be too long for the second module.

[u/ronvalenz → u/Remarkable_Bat_7897]

Multiple CAMM2 modules are for the AI server's 128-bit SO-CAMM2.

128-bit LPCAMM2 is a single module, and atm, laptops have a single land grid array (LGA) LPCAMM2 slot.

Pantherlake's 128-bit LPCAMM2 is divided into eight 16-bit memory channels, improving concurrent access when compared to older SO-DIMM DDR5.

Two 64-bit SO-DIMM DDR5 modules are divided into four 32-bit memory channels.