I don't mind on chip ram as it can be much faster with the external traces and connectors MIA. I won't get one that doesn't have the option to add additional memory to it.
Just like apple's products have a built in obsolescence becuase of their fixed memory / storage configuration that you will fill in a matter of time, I'm sure this is something that PC makers are looking at.
it will be impossible for the additional memory to operate at the same speed as the onboard memory, resulting in elaborate controller/operating system gymnastics to optimize channel selection.
Secondary controllers, they already do it with Cache and other memory.
i wouldn't want to buy 32GB just to have it work as a cache for the onboard 32GB
External is specifically why I'm concerned. Could be good if well managed. Could be terrible if someone sought to strangle and control the market.
Oh, you want the 128GB version? Not made, get bent. Oh you want the 32GB version, that's a $1000 premium.
These are two different market segments which could become one. Right now there is competition in both the CPU and memory segments. Combine them, who will compete? Now everyone has to pay both sets of royalties and it further reduces competition.
Sounds like it's only for laptops for now, and I'd be very surprised if they omitted additional slots from every performance level as they'd heavily fragment their SKUs if they did.
These new sticks are dual-channel as well, so you'd only need one stick to upgrade (rather than two as is needed now).
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