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PCI Express is the third generation of multi-purpose I/O interface that can be used across the computing industry, from mobile through high-end servers and communication equipment. The broad usage and versatility of this technology allows for system extensions to external input/output Subsystems that meet the needs for specific target applications and/or environments.

Cabled PCI Express targets a large number of applications, including but not limited to:

* Split-systems, or disaggregate PCs, with a desktop “console” that contains removable media drives (e.g., CD/DVD), memory modules, I/O ports (e.g., USB, IEEE-1394), and audio jacks
* I/O expansion to extend the I/O card capabilities of the main system for support of different form factors, including legacy, test and measurement, and instrumentation equipment
* Server expansion I/O to support conventional PCI Express add-in cards (with or without Hot-Plug support) and/or ExpressModules
* Location of the graphic subsystem (i.e., controller and memory) external to the main systems unit

System-level support for cabled PCI Express is possible through implementation on expansion cards; e.g., PCI Express CEM, ExpressModules, PXI Express, ExpressCard, or direct from a system board. This specification defines connectors for supporting a x1, x4, x8, and x16 cabled copper PCI Express Links. Other Link widths, such as x2, might be added in subsequent revisions of this specification.

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