Mobile PCI Express Module (MXM) is an interconnect standard for GPUs (MXM Graphics Modules) in

laptop A laptop computer or notebook computer, also known as a laptop or notebook, is a small, portable personal computer (PC). Laptops typically have a Clamshell design, clamshell form factor (design), form factor with a flat-panel computer scree ...

s using

PCI Express PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), officially abbreviated as PCIe, is a high-speed standard used to connect hardware components inside computers. It is designed to replace older expansion bus standards such as Peripher ...

created by MXM-SIG. The goal was to create a non-proprietary, industry standard socket, so one could easily upgrade the graphics processor in a laptop, without having to buy a whole new system or relying on proprietary vendor upgrades.

Generations

Smaller graphics modules can be inserted into larger slots, but type I and II heatsinks will not fit type III and above or vice versa. Dell's Alienware m5700 platform uses a heatsink that will fit Type I, II, & III cards without modification. MXM 3.1 was released in March 2012 and added PCIe 3.0 support. First generation modules are ''not'' compatible with second generation (MXM 3) modules and vice versa. First generation modules I to IV are fully backwards compatible. Some MXM cards have different mounting screw hole configurations, always check the mounting holes of the MXM card and verify that they match those of the card you plan to upgrade to. *Deprecated/abandoned, became/replaced by MXM-III (HE) *Although the slot can deliver 200 watts, it will run dangerously hot, separate power cable always used at high wattages.

Specification

MXM is no longer freely supplied by Nvidia but it is controlled by the MXM- SIG controlled by Nvidia. Only corporate clients are granted access to the standard. The MXM 2.1 specification is widely available.

List of MXM cards

First generation MXM cards

Second generation MXM cards

Other uses

The Qseven

computer-on-module A computer-on-module (COM) is a type of single-board computer (SBC), a subtype of an embedded computer system. An extension of the concept of System on a chip, system on chip (SoC) and system in package (SiP), COM lies between a full-up computer ...

form factor uses a MXM-II connector, while the SMARC computer-on-module form factor uses a MXM 3 connector. Both implementations are not in any way compatible with the MXM standard.

Notes

References

{{refs

External links

MXM-SIG

Initial MXM 3.0 technical brief

3.1 Electromechanical specification
Peripheral Component Interconnect