PCI-E card

PCI Express is an updated version of PCI. It is primarily used for graphics cards, but other expansion card types are also available now adays. It is faster than regular PCI.

Overview

PCI Express, or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E), is one of the most common standards for hooking up cards to PCs, mostly graphics cards. It has been improved in recent years through PCI Express 2.0 and 3.0.

History

PCI Express evolved from the original PCI standards of the mid-1990s. Both were the product of a consortium led by Intel, with PCI-E debuting in 2004. By 2007, PC hardware evolution called for PCI-E 2.0, and by 2011, PC-E 3.0 will arrive.

Benefits

PCI-E more than doubled the data transfer rate of previous standards, such as PCI and AGP, making rapid loading of higher resolution graphics and more powerful pixel-pushing capabilities possible. PCI-E also consumes less power than older connection types.

Identification

PCI-E slots are half the size of older PCI and AGP connections, found on the motherboard of a desktop PC. They are typically black in color. Their small size means more space available for other peripherals, less heat generated and also more space on the card itself.

Function

PCI-E and its variants PCI Express 16 and PCI Express 2.0 have become the standard hookup for graphics cards, although other peripherals in need of high-speed transfer make use of them---such as hard drive and server controller cards.

Features

PCI-E 3.0 can transfer up to 32GB/second. This is because all PCI Express versions have been serial connections, meaning multiple ports can work together. The original PCI specifications could only handle up to 528MB/second. Like its predecessor, PCI-E is 32/64 bit, allowing for more flexibility.

Considerations

The PCI Special Interest Group, a membership-based organization comprising technology companies, is responsible for developing the standard, enforcing specifications and licensing manufacturers. It has been very strict in implementing these, helping PCI-E remain a cohesive, relevant format.

April 13, 2012

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