Posted on Sunday, June 05 2011 @ 23:39 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Laptop maker Eurocom announced the addition of NVIDIA's MXM 3.0b GeForce GTX 560M to its line of upgradeable performance laptops:
Eurocom Corporation (www.eurocom.com), a leading developer of long lifespan, fully upgradable notebooks, high performance mobile workstations and mobile servers is adding the new MXM 3.0b NVIDIA Geforce GTX 560M GPU to its line of available Graphics Processing products. The addition of the GTX 560M card in single and dual (SLI) configurations gives Eurocom customers a complete choice of video processor options to fit any requirement, whether it be to upgrade their existing notebook or configure into their new Eurocom system. Eurocom has been a leader in integrating MXM technology into systems since its creation, in fact Eurocom introduced upgradeable / modular VGA in 1999, predating MXM specifications - in the 3300A and 3500 models.
Eurocom Configurability
Eurocom offers a complete line of fully configurable Performance Notebooks, Mobile Workstations and Mobile Servers; from VGA to storage, from RAM to Processor, everything can be configured to the application and performance requirements of the individual user . With this new GPU Eurocom adds another option to its long line up of VGA products.
About MXM Technology
MXM, Mobile PCI-Express Module, is a connection standard for Modular VGA technology in laptops, small form factor PC’s and embedded systems. In 2004, NVIDIA announced the Mobile PCI Express Module Specification (MXM) now widely accepted as standard Modular VGA solution by major notebook manufacturers and/or GPU developers. Presently MXM technology is supported by both AMD and NVIDIA.
MXM covers the mechanical, electrical, thermal, and software interface including the connector. A 16 lane bus is utilized to connect the GPU and the computers main board. The goal behind creating the MXM standard was to have a non-proprietary, modular, industry standard socket, enabling easy upgrade of the graphics processor in a laptop or small factor PC and allowing customers to extend the lifespan of their equipment.
Eurocom introduced MXM technology into its products in early 2004 allowing all of its customers to experience "Freedom to Upgrade, anytime."
First Generation from 2004 - 2008
MXM-I, 70mm width, 68mm length, 230 pins, Optimized for 18W
MXM-ll, 73MM width, 78mm length, 230 pins, Optimized for 25W
MXM-lll(HE), 82mm width, 100mm length, 230(232) pins, Optimized for 35 W
MXM-lV, 82mm width, 117mm length, 230(232) pins,
Second Generation - since 2008
MXM 3.0-A, 82mm width, 70mm length, Optimized for 35W
MXM 3.0-B, 82mm width, 105mm length, Optimized for 75W
Benefits of MXM technology
The benefits of utilizing modular MXM graphics cards in mobile computer platforms are great. Upgradeability had been a philosophy of Eurocom since 1989, Eurocom notebooks utilize MXM technology to allow the systems to be upgraded to newer video cards when they become available without having to buy an entire system.
“Thanks to Modular MXM technology Eurocom Notebooks have supported three generations of NVIDIA’s graphics processors from GTX 285M to GTX 460M and now GTX 560M. We have clients that have experienced very long life spans for their notebooks because of this, many of them upgrading their notebooks themselves, it’s that easy in a Eurocom system” explains Mark Bialic, President of Eurocom.
MXM 3.0b technology allows Eurocom to offer a long list of video cards for each system. End users will see a wider selection of graphics options, and faster time-to-market for new GPU hardware across the market.
MXM is designed with the future in mind. It is planned to have a long multi year lifespan with support for complex display configurations.
MXM3.0 offers improved boot times, advanced thermal control capability and simplification of graphics module assembly within systems.
