Why does this CPU have two dies? And where are the RAM modules?

Intel’s mobile CPUs often have two dies—one for the CPU, one for the PCH. The VRAM chips are for the GPU, and system RAM might be soldered on the back if there aren’t SODIMM slots.

I found a similar board by googling the laptop model and motherboard. The RAM is on the opposite side, likely under the SSD. You should see connecting vias if you remove the SSD.

The RAM is likely soldered on the underside of the board, and the second die on the CPU is the PCH.

Looks like the RAM is soldered SK Hynix.

Dru said:
Looks like the RAM is soldered SK Hynix.

Are those the chips with connections to the GPU?

One die is the PCH, the other is the CPU. The SK Hynix modules are for the GPU VRAM, while the system RAM might be on the back of the board.

Yes, the SK Hynix is RAM, and this chip may include an I/O component.

Devin said:
Yes, the SK Hynix is RAM, and this chip may include an I/O component.

The traces go to the GPU though…

Axel said:

Devin said:
Yes, the SK Hynix is RAM, and this chip may include an I/O component.

The traces go to the GPU though…

That’s VRAM, video RAM.

Devin said:

Axel said:
Devin said:
Yes, the SK Hynix is RAM, and this chip may include an I/O component.

The traces go to the GPU though…

That’s VRAM, video RAM.

Doesn’t really answer OP’s question, though.

@Axel
w u t

Not seeing the southbridge here, so it could be that. The southbridge usually handles I/O. As for the RAM, it might be soldered on the back of the board.