You’re likely here because you want to learn more about MXM graphics cards. You may even be in the process of building your own laptop and want to learn about the different components, especially if you are building a gaming laptop. Without further ado, let’s get started.
What is a MXM Graphics Card?
The term “MXM” is short for “Mobile PCI Express Module”. A MXM graphics card is a type of graphics standard developed by MXM-SIG for laptops or notebooks. Not all laptops allow you to replace the graphics card. In fact, it many cases the graphic card is soldered onto the motherboard.
Why are MXM Graphics Cards so Expensive?
This is simply a case of supply and demand. There aren’t as many MXM graphic cards on the market to keep up with demand. If something is rare, it will be more expensive as it is harder to source. Also, an MXM card isn’t a universal laptop component as most laptops have motherboards that don’t support MXM usage. As such, not many stores sell MXM cards, which mean that the few that do sell them can charge more.
Why Are MXM Graphics Un-Popular?
Confusion – Not everyone has enough knowledge to properly install a graphics card, let alone installing an MXM graphics card on a laptop. The laptop building community is not as large as the PC building community; therefore there aren’t many people who have a need for the card.
Price – As just mentioned above, MXM graphics cards are rare and expensive. This automatically means they can’t be used by a large portion of the market. In fact, some MXM cards can cost more than a high-quality laptop.
Not Compatible – MXM cards are not compatible with most laptops on the market. Straight off the bat this means that the cards are hard to use for most people. Some laptops will not allow for graphics cards to be added at all, but even if it does allow for MXM cards, the BIOS may not support it. As such, a lot of research is needed before purchasing this type of graphic card for your laptop.
What are the Benefits of MXM Graphics Cards?
A MXM graphics card allows you to upgrade your laptop’s GPU, which is especially good for gaming laptops. With that said, it’s only worth getting an MXM graphics card in rare circumstances.
If you have money to spare and want to take on the challenge of building your own laptop, then this type of card will be attractive to you. Otherwise you should just get a ready-made laptop.
Different Types of MXM Graphics Cards
MXM 1st Generation – Includes the MXM-I, MXM-II, and MXM-III. The 1st generation is backward compatible.
MXM 3.0 2nd Generation – Includes the MXM-A and MXM-B types. The 2nd generation is backward compatible too.
Where to Buy MXM Graphics Cards?
XMX graphics cards are frequently sold by resellers on the laptop component market. As with nearly every item you can think of, MXM graphics cars can be found on Amazon.
Laptops that support MXM graphics cards include: Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Toshiba. Alienware is our favourite. Please note that many companies use their own proprietary MXM modules instead of the regular MXM module. This means it will not necessarily be compatible with your chosen MXM card.
List of the Best MXM Graphics Cards Available
AMD MXM Graphics Cards
- FirePro W5170M
- FirePro W7170M
- FirePro S4000X
- FirePro S7100X
- Radeon RX 480
- Radeon R9 M295X
- Radeon Embedded E9260
- Radeon Embedded E9550
Nvidia MXM Graphics Cards
- GeForce GTX 980
- GeForce GTX 980M
- GeForce GTX 970M
- GeForce GTX 960M
- GeForce GTX 950M
- GeForce GTX 940M
- GeForce GTX 930M
- GeForce GTX 1080
- GeForce GTX 1070
- GeForce GTX 1060
- GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
- GeForce GTX 1050
- GeForce GTX 1030
- Quadro M620 Mobile
- Quadro M1200 Mobile
- Quadro M2200 Mobile
- Quadro P3000 Mobile
- Quadro P4000 Mobile
- Quadro P5000 Mobile
- Tesla M6