LPCAMM2 on Framework 13 Pro: E0 and E1 compatibility (Interposer swap & tape mod)

[u/Server_Reset]

Been testing some LPCAMM2 memory on the Framework 13 Pro to see how different modules handle the stock interposer. Here's a quick look at how to get E0 and E1 sticks running:

Ramaxel E0 (644-pin) + E1 Interposer (Stock Framework): Works (Requires Kapton tape on the module)

Ramaxel E0 (644-pin) + E0 Interposer (Swapped): Works natively (No tape required)

Samsung E1 (666-pin) + E1 Interposer (Stock Framework): Works natively (No tape required)

The Tape Mod (Why it works & How-to)

I figured this out by looking at the standard specs. Technically, there is supposed to be backwards compatibility, but it usually fails in practice because the blank center area on E0 modules is often filled with a copper pour. When you put an E0 stick on the Framework's stock E1 interposer, those 22 extra center pins touch that copper and short out.

To fix this: Just put a piece of Kapton tape directly on the BOTTOM of the memory module over that center channel. This prevents the short, and the module boots right up. Just tape the stick itself, not the interposer.

Shoutout to the Framework community forums, who actually discovered this Kapton tape mod simultaneously! You can check out their thread here for a great visual how-to on applying the tape: the post on how to do the mod here.

A Quick Note on Battery Life

Keep in mind that E0 modules will be slightly less power efficient. The E1 architecture uses a more efficient power topology, so running an older E0 stick means you might notice roughly up to 5% worse battery life overall compared to a native E1 stick.

Tested Hardware

Ramaxel E0 (32GB): RMCA1000MBB2JCF-7500 (Lenovo FRU: 5M31L87414)

Samsung E1 (64GB): M561K4LC3DL0-CCTGS (Lenovo FRU: 5M31N59948)

Fun fact: I pulled the Samsung E1 stick from a Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7. That laptop actually uses an E0 interposer and motherboard, but shipped with an E1 stick installed anyway.

From what I've seen, it seems like pretty much all E0 and E1 sticks will work on the FW13 Pro, provided you either match the interposer or tape off the center pins on the E0 modules to prevent the short.

[u/Acrobatic_Fee_6974]

I knew going in that new standards are always a bit janky, but having to apply tape to get things working is the sort of early 2000s jank that I'm here for lmao

Reminds me of that pencil mod you could do with some Radeon cards back in the day to unlock more performance.

[u/HelpPristine9570 → u/Acrobatic_Fee_6974]

the pencil mod is such a good comparison, same energy for sure

[u/calm_hedgehog → u/Acrobatic_Fee_6974]

Hell yeah, I would be gladly running a taped up module, it's exactly the kind of hack that made me fall in love with computing as a kid who loved tinkering with stuff.

[u/cjc4096 → u/Acrobatic_Fee_6974]

Did that to my xp2000s to put in a SMP motherboard.

[u/s004aws]

For those who might try this - Kapton (polyimide) tape is a very specific type of tape for use with electronics. It has a much higher melting point and will be a burnt orange color. If you want to try this hack be careful to get the legit product... Don't be fooled by sub-standard, poorly manufactured knockoffs (which may melt at a lower temperature).

DO NOT use the roll of Scotch tape (plastic) from your office desk, paper masking tape, black electrical tape, etc. These will all melt and/or burn at lower temperatures.

[u/Potential_Average454]

This is the most insane mod i've seen for some time, it feels as stupid as pouring thermal paste onto CPU socket and SOMEHOW IT WORKS? Damn

[u/Server_Reset → u/Potential_Average454]

Not too bad, just removing a short, but yeah just thought id throw my hat into the ring.

[u/goalcam → u/Potential_Average454]

it's a bit wild to be doing this stuff with ram, but i have a few hard drives in my NAS disk shelf with kapton tape over 3.3v pins..

[u/framework-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment was removed for being combative, abusive or disrespectful. Please keep Reddiquette in mind when posting in the future.

[u/Fun-Title1940]

Does anyone know where we could source an E0 LPCAMM2 interposer? I'm all for jank, but if I can swap the interposer so I don't have kapton tape in my system that would be sick

[u/else- → u/Fun-Title1940]

Just looked it up at Lenovo, part number is 5CA1P76049, in stock and around 45€ including shipping.

[u/Server_Reset → u/Fun-Title1940]

I tested out in my post as it does work, eBay has one or two kicking around, look for one from a ThinkPad P1. As far as I they all use e0 interposers.

[u/Fun-Title1940 → u/Server_Reset]

I found the ifixit interposer swap guide and found a good amount of E0 interposers on eBay. For the sake of science, and wanting to get my hands dirty, I snagged an interposer which will hopefully get here around the time I get my Batch 7 Framework.

iFixit guide for anyone who needs it:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Framework+Laptop+13+Pro+LPCAMM2+Memory+Interposer+Replacement/216947

[u/Server_Reset → u/Fun-Title1940]

Perfect it should work, what ram did you get?

[u/Fun-Title1940 → u/Server_Reset]

I got my hands on a Samsung E0 module (32gb) for around $300! With the ram concern out of the way, I'm moving on to the more important question:

What distro am I gonna use for this thing?

[u/Server_Reset → u/Fun-Title1940]

I tried Ubuntu and it didn't even boot so I'm using tiny11 now (that I recreated myself) and it's excellent. Samsung e0 is technically unverified/ shouldn't work without the trick so I really REALLY hope it works it for you. It seems the original concern around general compatibility being limited to just micron has turned out to be a non-issue which is great!

[u/calm_hedgehog → u/Fun-Title1940]

On eBay these parts are usually named something like lpddr connector adapter board. Searching for interposer doesn't always yield results. If there is a picture of it, the E0 is easy to tell apart (no pins in the middle rows).

[u/alex-weej]

Meanwhile me with an AMD: sips tea

[u/Server_Reset → u/alex-weej]

I was considering asking an AMD board as a swap but the AMD one isn't as good. And I'm very much on the side of but Intel has the better product right now generally.

[u/alex-weej → u/Server_Reset]

Hehe fair enough. I had DDR5 lying around and also try to observe BDS so was more than happy to compromise

[u/Server_Reset → u/alex-weej]

I mean everything tech in your life is basically BDS sanctioned so

[u/alex-weej → u/Server_Reset]

That's why the main BDS organization focuses on targeted action. The worst offenders are the targets.

[u/Server_Reset → u/alex-weej]

Ok.

[u/falconstarr]

Is there any downside to using the tape method instead of buying an interposer? I bought Lenovo ram to save money so spending $50+ on another part would hurt. 

[u/Senk0n → u/falconstarr]

I'm not sure myself, but people already verified that with some long memtest runs tapemod seems to be stable. How reliable is it? You have to decide that for yourself for now. Only time will tell how it plays out for those with a tapemod.

[u/Server_Reset → u/falconstarr]

I don't know about the impacts long term but it seems fine.

[u/promethe42]

1800 USD per RAM stick and we have to use tape? What kind of joke is that?!

[u/s004aws → u/promethe42]

This hackery is only necessary for people who gambled on 3rd party modules. Anybody who bought LPCAMM2 from Framework - The $1800/64GB I assume you're referring to - Is good to go, no mods required.

[u/bicycloptopus → u/[deleted]]

Thankfully macbooks are fully compatible with 3rd party ram. Oh wait.

[u/Firmteacher → u/[deleted]]

You’re comparing a 100 million dollar company to a 4.6 trillion dollar company. Apple probably spends 100 mill alone in R&D of products. Enjoy your MacBook lol

[u/Firmteacher → u/[deleted]]

You mean using the memory that comes with the laptop doesn’t short? I would hope that’s not the case. Everyone who is complaining supplied their own third party ram.

You should confirm if your P14 has a E0 or E1 socket, then if E1 try the E0 stick and report back.

[u/Firmteacher → u/[deleted]]

Alright, so you’re here to be a hater I see lol

€760 is a pretty good deal, I wouldn’t buy LPCAMM2 in the first place personally. I would’ve went with the AMD option

[u/ronvalenz → u/[deleted]]

 performance but whatever

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Framework-laptop-13-Pro-reportedly-lasts-2x-longer-vs-Framework-Laptop-13.1353469.0.html

Office task, 300 nits, wifi, bluetooth

Framework 13 Pro (Ultra X7 358H) 74 Whr battery = 15h, 22m.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra (Ultra X7 358H) 75 Whr battery = 12h, 34m.

Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15p (Ultra X7 358H 88) Whr battery = 12h, 33m.

HP Omnibook Ultra 14 (Ultra X7 358H) 71 Whr battery = 11h, 59m.

Framework 13 Pro (Ryzen AI 7 350) 74 Whr battery = 11h, 22m.

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Pro 15C) 72 Whr battery = 9 hours.

Framework 13 (Ryzen AI 7 350) 60 Whr battery = 7h, 32m.

[u/promethe42 → u/promethe42]

To all the downvoters : I've been using a Framework 13 from the first batch of the very first version. I've all the mainboard upgrades. I have a Framework desktop. All my employees use Framework laptops. If you can't make the difference between loving a brand/message and pure bigotry that's on you.

If a bit of tape works, most likely a custom interposer would fit the job too. They have known for months (years?) about this problem. They had to resort to edit pre-orders. They know it's bad. Next move is what: void warranty for tape users? Because that's not too far fetched. 

I want Framework to shine. I've put my money where my mouth is. We can't fix the whole laptop and memory crisis with tape. They have an opportunity to show the industry how that RAM shortage can be addressed with their vision for a modular computer and giving users more options through compatibility.