Mobile PCI Express Module

MXM modules stands for Mobile PCI EXpress.

The technology developed by nVidia is a replaceable graphics card module for PCIe - enabled notebooks. Series production models were introduced with the GeForce Go 6xxx series at CeBIT 2005.

Technology

The module with 230 -pin connector is plugged into the corresponding socket on the motherboard and bridges the PCIe interface to enable easy interchange of graphics solution.

The cards are divided into different groups ( according to size and heat development class ):

• 55.3 mm Hole spacing for cooling solution (diagonal) MXM -I ( max. 18 W; 70 x 68 mm 35 x 35 mm GPU)
• MXM -II ( max. 25 W, 73 x 78 mm 35 x 35 mm GPU)
• MXM -III ( 82 x 100 mm, 35 x 35 mm GPU)
• MXM -HE ( 82 x 100 mm, 35 x 35 mm GPU)

• 60.5 mm Hole spacing for cooling solution (diagonal) MXM -III ( max. 35 W; 82 x 100 mm, 40 x 40 mm GPU)
• MXM -HE ( 82 x 100 mm, 40 x 40 mm GPU)

In principle, smaller modules are upward - compatible ( with the same GPU size). This means that an MXM -I can be installed in a specified for MXM -HE notebook - but not a MXM -III in a MXM -II, since the corresponding heat / power dissipation must be dissipated through the existing cooling solution of the notebook.

In principle, the open standard was (often incorrectly referred to as a proprietary solution ) created to allow notebook manufacturers a faster switch to new graphics processors.

Dissemination

In early 2006, was the broadcasting of such notebooks or graphics solutions still low. End of 2008, corresponding device found but in the product ranges from well-known manufacturers, including Fujitsu -Siemens, Toshiba, Asus and Acer. As the first desktop computer, the Apple iMac possessed with 24 "screen size on a MXM slot, with the card inserted but there is not interchangeable with standard MXM cards.

If one has for a device with MXM slot, then there is the problem that you can order without performance guarantee compatible graphics card only for U.S. or Asian stores.