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Key Takeaways
- LPDDR5X memory provides faster speeds, better reliability, and enhanced laptop power efficiency.
- Embedded LPDDR5X memory is non-upgradable, requiring you to decide on the memory amount at purchase.
- Although LPDDR5X laptops are pricier, the increased speed and battery efficiency justify the added cost.
As laptops get thinner, lighter, and faster, manufacturers have resorted to soldering more and more components to the motherboard, leading us to embedded memory. However, what embedded memory takes away in upgradability, it makes up for in speed.
With the race for the perfect thin and light performance machine heating up, embedded memory looks like the future we’re headed toward—you should consider switching.
What Is LPDDR5X?
If you’re looking at high-performance laptops, the memory type will likely be LPDDR5X. The standard came out in 2021 and is the latest in the LPDDR (Low Power Double Data Rate) memory standard. It brings several improvements to the DDR4, LPDDR4, and DDR5 standards, including speed, reliability, and power efficiency.
LPDDR5X was specifically built for mobile phones, thin and light laptops, and practically anything that requires fast memory without adding bulk. Since it’s faster than existing RAM standards in laptops, you can do more with less RAM while also extending your laptop’s battery life.
Non-Upgradable, Costs More
One major disadvantage of LPDDR5X and, by extension, embedded memory is that it’s non-upgradeable. If you buy a laptop with LPDDR5X memory, you’ll have to decide the amount of memory you want at purchase. Since the memory chips are soldered to the motherboard, there’s no option to increase or upgrade memory later by adding or replacing existing modules. However, the upcoming LPCAMM2 memory might change that.
Another downside is cost. LPDDR5X laptops tend to cost higher than their LPDDR5 or DDR5 counterparts. However, this is an understandable downside, considering you’re getting significantly higher speeds and better power efficiency.
LPDDR5X vs. LPDDR5
As mentioned before, LPDDR5X brings several improvements compared to LPDDR5.
- A speed increase from 6.5Gbps to 8.5Gbps using the same 1.1V core voltage. Performance numbers vary by manufacturer, with Samsung claiming an industry-best data transfer rate of 10.4Gbps
- Greater reliability thanks to the new adaptive refresh management feature.
- Up to 20 percent better battery efficiency.
- Better signal integrity.
This means you’ll get up to 2Gbps faster memory performance for the same power consumption. Your system’s RAM is one of the most accessed parts, and every data transfer consumes power. That 20 percent better battery efficiency might not seem like a lot on paper, but spread out between hundreds, if not thousands, of back-and-forth data transfers, it can do wonders for battery life without giving up performance.
If you’re using LPDDR5 or even DDR5 memory in your laptop, you might not notice the performance difference unless you’re using programs that tax your system, like games or editing software. However, the battery efficiency will come in handy as you’ll not only get better overall battery life without needing a bigger (and bulkier) battery in your laptop, but you’ll also be able to sustain that snappy performance when you’re on battery power or a lower wattage charger.
Why I Use LPDDR5X (And You Should, Too)
Despite being non-upgradable, I prefer LPDDR5X to other memory variants for two major reasons: speed and power efficiency.
If you need the fastest memory possible in your laptop, LPDDR5X is the way to go. Depending on the rest of your laptop’s configuration, the speed difference between the memory types can make a big difference. If you juggle multiple programs side by side, have a lot of browser tabs open, or use resource-intensive programs like Photoshop or Premiere Pro, that additional speed will make your life much easier.
You get all this additional performance while getting more out of your laptop battery. One of the biggest advantages of having power-efficient components in your mobile device, whether your laptop, phone, or portable gaming console, is that you get better battery life without needing a bigger battery. This directly affects how thin and light your device can get.
LPDDR5X is a one-time expense. It might cost you a little more, but the performance and battery life improvements are well worth the extra money. Additionally, with the increased performance, your laptop will last longer.
