Mobile PCI Express modules

Mobile PCI Express Module ( MXM ) is a connection technology for GPUs in notebooks , based on PCIe . It consists of a base onto which suitable MXM graphics modules can be plugged. In contrast to the usual soldered connections, this allows the graphics chip in a notebook to be replaced.

Originally presented by Nvidia in 2004, MXM is intended to be an industry-wide, non-proprietary standard. The standard has been revised several times over time, the current version is 3.1.

technology

Distribution of an MXM-II with 35 mm GPU

MXM 1 and 2

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

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

60.5 mm hole spacing for cooling solution (diagonal)
- MXM-III (max. 35 W; 82 × 100 mm; 40 × 40 mm GPU)
- MXM-HE (82 × 100 mm; 40 × 40 mm GPU)

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

In principle, the open standard (often incorrectly called a proprietary solution) was created to enable notebook manufacturers to switch to new graphics processors more quickly.

MXM 3

With MXM 3, the structure of the modules has been revised. Here, too, a distinction is made between several sizes.

Type-A (max. 55 W; 82 × 70 mm)
Type-B (max. 200 W; 102 × 70 mm)

Type A modules are mechanically compatible with the Type B socket.

MXM 3.1 was introduced in 2012. The added support for PCIe 3.0 is particularly noteworthy here.

distribution

nVidia takes great care to disclose information about MXM. There are also MXM cards with ATI graphics chips.

At the beginning of 2006, the spread of such notebooks or graphics solutions was still low. At the end of 2008, however, such devices can be found in the product ranges of well-known manufacturers, including Fujitsu-Siemens , Toshiba , Asus and Acer . The Apple iMac was the first desktop computer to have a 24 "screen diagonal and an MXM slot, although the card used there cannot be exchanged for common MXM cards.

In the case of devices with an MXM slot, there is also the problem that compatible graphics cards can only be ordered from US or Asian dealers without a functional guarantee.

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