MXM: What are Mobile PCI Express “MXM” Modules?

What is an MXM module?

A Mobile PCI Express Module (MXM) is an interconnect standard for GPUs in laptops and embedded computers using PCI Express. The original goal was to create a non-proprietary, industry standard socket, so users could easily upgrade the graphics processor in a laptop, without having to buy a whole new system or relying on proprietary vendor upgrades. Where embedded MXM GPU modules are concerned for industrial usage, they can boost the performance of a wide range of workloads, including image processing & analysis, computing acceleration, and artificial intelligence. Embedded MXM GPU modules offer high performance, high data bandwidth, power efficiency and longevity support – all in a reduced hardware footprint which is consequently well-suited for size, weight and power constrained applications.

Embedded MXM GPU modules can increase system responsiveness and accuracy, as well as decrease latency and are an ideal fit for industrial automation, healthcare, transportation, aerospace and defence, gaming, and general communication applications.

Generational history & compatibility of MXM modules

First generation modules are not compatible with second generation modules and vice versa. First generation modules are fully backwards compatible.

1st Generation Configurations

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.

MXM Type	Width	Length	Pins	Module Compatibility	Thermal Compatibility	Max. Power	Max. GPU size
MXM-I	70mm	68mm	230	I	I	18W	35×35 mm
MXM-II	73mm	78mm	230	I, II	II	35W	35×35 mm
MXM-III (HE)	82mm	100mm	230(232)	I, II, III	I, II, III	75W	40×40 mm
MXM-IV (Deprecated)	82mm	117mm	230	I, II, III, IV	I, II, III, IV

2nd Generation Configurations

Smaller graphics modules can be inserted into larger slots. Heatsink mounting remains the same for type A and B modules.

MXM Type	Width	Length	Module Compatibility	Thermal Compatibility	Max. Power	GPU memory bus
MXM-A	82mm	70mm	A	A	55W	64-bit or 128-bit
MXM-B	82mm	105mm	A, B	A, B	200W	256-bit

MXM: POWERING EMBEDDED DEVICES ACROSS INDUSTRY

Typical usage can be found in applications as diverse as ultrasound devices through to advanced digital displays and robotics, to name but a few. Modern day embedded GPU solutions (which at the centre of the modules capabilities) provide excellent performance and power efficiency whilst still retaining high quality output and reliability around up time. Regardless of industry, application or deployment environment, in today’s era embedded GPU solutions are designed to deliver both graphical and hard computing power – and now with age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), ‘deep learning’ AI capabilities to a wide variety of applications.

Here’s just a few examples around how todays latest versions of GPU modules are being utilised for a selection of industry verticals.