Tag: SODIMM

  • MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG Tiny PC with 128GB Removable RAM

    Key Takeaway

    – Supports up to 128 GB removable RAM via 2x SODIMM slots, a rare feature for mini PCs
    – Older Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG maxes at 32 GB soldered RAM; new model better for memory-intensive tasks
    – Faster and more efficient Panther Lake CPU compared to previous Lunar Lake processors
    – Lighter and more compact design than the older model
    – Available in barebones SKUs for cost-saving component reuse by businesses

    Unveiled earlier this year at CES 2026, the Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG introduces significant updates to the older Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG as detailed in our review here

    One upgrade in particular might matter more then others especially at a time of rapid AI investment: RAM. Unlike most other mini PCs of similar size, the latest MSI model supports 2x SODIMM slots for up to 128 GB of removable memory. This makes it a very unique option in its class, since many competitors are still sticking with fixed memory configurations that can’t be upgraded later on by the end user.

    Supporting 128 GB of RAM isn’t anything special in the world of full-size PC towers

    But they are rarely seen on mini PCs where soldered RAM or tighter capacity limitations are commonplace. The older Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG, for example, maxes out at only 32 GB of soldered RAM while the larger Beelink GTI15 Ultra can “only” go up to 96 GB via two 48 GB DDR5 SODIMM modules. The 128 GB maximum for the NUC AI+ 3MG makes it a potentially better candidate for running memory-intensive applications, virtual environments, LLMs, and more. This capacity upgrade could be decisive for users who are working with huge datasets or complex virtual machines daily.

    Beyond the impressive memory capacity, the Cubi NUC AI+ 3MG sports a much faster and more efficient Panther Lake CPU than the Lunar Lake processor options in the Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG while also being lighter and more compact. The new MSI model is available in barebones SKUs to make it more affordable for businesses that may already have several SSDs and RAM modules ready to be salvaged and reused. This approach reduces electronic waste while also lowering the total cost of ownership for companies who need to deploy many units across there workforce.

    Pricing and specification details

    • Processor: Intel Panther Lake CPU (faster and more efficient than Lunar Lake)
    • Memory: 2x SODIMM slots, supports up to 128 GB DDR5 removable RAM
    • Previous model (Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG): Max 32 GB soldered RAM
    • Comparable model (Beelink GTI15 Ultra): Max 96 GB via 2x 48 GB DDR5 SODIMM
    • Chassis: Lighter and more compact than previous generation
    • Availability: Barebones SKUs for business reuse of existing SSDs and RAM
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    • Dell Pro Max 18 Plus: One of the Few Laptops with 256GB RAM Support

      Dell Pro Max 18 Plus: One of the Few Laptops with 256GB RAM Support

      Key Takeaways

      1. Dell’s newer models, like the Pro Max 18 Plus and Pro Max 16 Plus, offer both SODIMM and CAMM memory options for user choice.
      2. SODIMM RAM in the Pro Max 18 Plus supports up to 96 GB with speeds of DDR5-6400, suitable for high-performance tasks.
      3. CAMM2 allows for faster speeds and larger capacities, reaching up to 128 GB at 7200 MT/s compared to SODIMM’s lower range.
      4. The maximum configuration for Pro Max 18 can reach 256 GB of CAMM2 RAM, though at a reduced speed of 4400 MT/s in single-channel mode.
      5. The flexible memory configurations in the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus cater to users’ varying needs for speed versus capacity, reflecting advancements in laptop memory technology.

      Dell highlighted the benefits of CAMM a few years back, and while most laptops are still using the older SODIMM standard, some of Dell’s powerful models have started incorporating CAMM as a sort of testing ground for this new memory technology. For instance, the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus and Pro Max 16 Plus mobile workstations can be set up with either SODIMM or CAMM based on what users choose.

      Performance with SODIMM RAM

      When equipped with the standard DDR5 SODIMM RAM, the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus is capable of supporting up to 96 GB (2x 48 GB) of dual-channel DDR5-6400 memory, which is quite common for high-performance gaming laptops or workstations. On the other hand, if it is set up with CAMM2, users can access faster speeds and larger capacities, reaching up to 128 GB dual-channel and 7200 MT/s. In comparison, most laptops utilizing traditional SODIMM RAM typically operate within the 4800 to 5600 MT/s range, especially when capacities rise to 64 GB or more.

      Options for Maximum Capacity

      At the highest configuration, Dell Pro Max 18 users have the option to install as much as 256 GB of CAMM2 RAM, although this comes with a reduced memory speed of 4400 MT/s since it would be limited to single-channel. Some users might lean towards the larger capacity over speed, especially considering that many AI datasets and training tasks require a lot of memory.

      Conclusion on Dell Pro Max 18 Plus

      Overall, the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus offers flexible memory configurations that cater to different user needs, whether they prioritize speed or capacity. The ongoing evolution of memory technology in laptops shows that there are many exciting developments on the horizon.

       

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