So design it like a CPU socket? Laptops usually don't have socketed CPUs because they also need to mount a heatsink, but RAM doesn't have that issue.
Re:The Framework Laptop is now shipping
by InitialLastName on Friday July 23, 2021 @12:03PM
(#27932218)
So an FM2 socket (to pick one of the more reliable ones), which has ~900 pins has a 4.5in^2 area and adds ~.25" in thickness, while reducing the maximum speed you can get through the chip at the very low voltages necessary to run LPDDR, which is what I meant by compromising speed and power.
Not to mention that socketting parts reduces your production yield over SMT, increases your assembly cost, and cuts reliability (it's fine on a desktop because you almost never move your desktop, and there's usually a big thermal assembly bolted on top).
Pentium m used to be socketed, pretty reliable, and available for thin laptops. I'm not trying to dismiss the difficulty, just saying they could perhaps be overcome
Re:The Framework Laptop is now shipping
by InitialLastName on Friday July 23, 2021 @12:25PM
(#27932518)
Hardware engineering is ever thus: Difficulties can always be overcome, but every cost adds 5x that cost to the MSRP.
As an example, even moving away from edge-connectors (which are just a non-starter for 800+ pins) Samtec's highest-density high-speed connector, the NovaRay line [0] advertises 224 signals per square inch, so an 800 pin module would require 4 square inches of connector space alone, not to mention making the system PCB assembly thicker and compromising on speed, power and thermals.
[0] https://www.samtec.com/connectors/high-speed-board-to-board/...