Japanese tech outlet Akiba PC Hotline has come upon a handy adapter that allows you to install DDR5 SO-DIMM memory modules into standard DIMM memory slots. The adapter (JET-5669AA) serves as a band-aid solution to the lack of DDR5 stock as DDR5 SO-DIMMs are seemingly easier to hunt down.
Standard DDR5 DIMMs sport 288 pins, whereas the SO-DIMM equivalent has 262 pins. Therefore, you can't install the latter into a DIMM slot without the appropriate conversion adapter. After a bit of digging, we found out that the JET-5669AA is a device for vendors to test DDR5 SO-DIMM memory modules on DIMM slots. However, nothing stops you from using it as a stop-gap converter until DDR5 DIMMs are more widely available.
The SO-DIMM adapter comes with a six-layer PCB and conforms to JEDEC's MO-337A specification for SO-DIMM design. In addition, it supports memory modules with data rates over DDR5-4800. Finally, the adapter has a lifespan of over 600 cycles, a piece of information that's particularly important for testers. However, it shouldn't be a problem for the typical consumer since it's a set-it-and-forget-it kind of installation.
A better solution would be Asus' DDR5-to-DDR4 converter card that lets you use the best RAM on Intel 600-series motherboards that only accept DDR5 memory. However, it's uncertain if the converter will make it to the retail market.
