Notebook expansion slot. What are laptop expansion cards? Internal expansion boards

Computer Bild will talk about the possibilities of updating the "stuffing" of the laptop. They are often available even in cases where the replacement of the hardware is not provided by the manufacturer. Don't rush to buy new computer if the old one “slows down” or is out of order! We offer you advice on the choice of components and step by step instructions on their installation.

When is an upgrade necessary?

A laptop - like any other computer - should be considered obsolete only when it is not able to perform the tasks that are relevant to the owner or begins to become unstable. As practice shows, the system takes from three to seven years to become obsolete (depending on the degree of "advanced" initial configuration). Moral obsolescence can happen even faster, but there are no objective prerequisites for this - laptop platforms are changed annually, but are not accompanied by revolutionary changes in performance and other user characteristics of devices. Here is a list of "symptoms" that indicate the "professional unsuitability" of a particular computer component.

The computer takes a long time to load the operating system, while running several applications at the same time, the reaction time of the PC to user actions increases significantly. At the same time, the hard drive constantly “cracks”. Obviously, the "OS" is not enough random access memory, and part of the data it is forced to upload to the hard drive. And since the speed of the “RAM” is much higher than that of any hard drive, the system starts to slow down because of this. Read on to find out what type of memory suits your PC and how to install new modules.

Resource-intensive tasks like archiving files, encoding videos, or applying a filter in Photoshop take a lot of time. "Braking" in these cases indicates insufficient processor speed.

Games “slow down”, the frame rate is too low, when the graphics settings are increased, the video sequence of the game turns into a slideshow ... In this case, usually nothing can be done. We will talk about rare exceptions to the rule.

Necessary files and programs do not fit on the hard drive. In this case, it should be replaced with a more capacious one.

It is necessary to burn a “blank”, but the built-in “cutter” does not support “burning” discs of the desired format. It doesn't matter - the optical drive is also replaceable.

The laptop battery is draining too fast. If the mobile computer forces the user to always stay close to electrical outlets, then the battery can either be changed, or restored in the workshop, or try to "train" yourself.

In a laptop, you can not only replace old ones, but also install new devices, such as a cellular modem or a Bluetooth adapter. We will also tell you how to choose expansion modules.

Is it difficult to update the "stuffing" of the laptop

Install the expansion card in the slot

quite simple, but not all upgrade tasks can be solved in this way.

Most laptop manufacturers allow owners to change the RAM, hard drive, and expansion cards of a portable PC on their own. To replace them, it is usually enough to unscrew a few screws, less often it is necessary to remove the keyboard, but in general these are fairly simple operations. But replacing the processor, for example, is a non-trivial task. To solve it, you will need to completely disassemble the PC and, no less important, correctly assemble it back without “extra parts”. To do this, in addition to a screwdriver, you need accuracy and accuracy again.

Increasing the amount of RAM

Before increasing the RAM of a laptop, you need to determine how much of it is already installed in the system. For this in Windows Vista press the Win and Pause keys at the same time - the amount of "RAM" will be indicated in the window that opens

In Windows XP, the keyboard shortcut is the same, but the System Properties window looks different.

In addition to the amount of "RAM", you need to find out if there is a free slot for a memory module in the system. To do this, follow these steps.

1

Using the PC user manual or the markings on the case, find the cover of the compartment in which the RAM modules are hidden

2

Remove the screws securing the cover

and take it off

On some laptops, it can be removed freely, in other cases it will have to be moved first - see the PC user manual.

3

Inspect the inside of the compartment: how many memory modules are installed in it - one or two

4

Replace the compartment cover and secure with screws.

Choice of RAM modules

The choice of new "bars" depends on the amount of memory and the number of installed modules. The goal is the same: to collect at least 1 GB of memory for a system running under Windows control XP, and at least 2 GB for a computer running Windows Vista. But the ways to achieve it differ.

If only one module of a more or less decent size is installed in the system (this is 512 MB for Windows XP or 1 GB for Windows Vista), it is enough to add a second similar one, ideally of the same size, in which case the dual-channel memory mode will turn on, which further increases system performance. If the only module has a smaller volume, then you can either “attach” to it a more “capacious” one (by 1 or 2 GB), sacrificing the dual-channel mode (it will not work with modules of different sizes or is used only for a part of the total volume, in two times larger than the volume of a smaller module), or remove the old one and install a couple of new “bars”, the total capacity of which will give the desired volume.

If there are already two modules in the compartment, then you can either change both to a more capacious pair, or replace one of them with a larger one, abandoning the dual-channel mode.

When the number and volume of modules for purchase are known, it is necessary to select “bars” that are suitable for the type. All laptops use modules of the same reduced form factor (SO-DIMM), but their type varies.

Most modern laptops use DDR2 memory. Modules with such chips can be bought at any computer store or on the market, and they cost quite a bit - from 400 rubles. for the "bar" of 1 GB.

The first laptops based on the Centrino platform and older devices used DDR memory, and even earlier - SDRAM. DDR modules are no longer produced, they are difficult to obtain and, due to the shortage, they have significantly jumped in price: for 1 GB of DDR 333 they are already asking for more than 2.5 thousand rubles. And even more "ancient" gigabyte SDRAM module can cost up to 5 thousand rubles.

The newest and most expensive laptops use DDR3 memory. It provides a slight increase in performance compared to DDR2, but it costs significantly more: from 1 thousand rubles. for a 1 GB module.

Memory modules of the same type may differ in clock speed. Notebook "slats" DDR2 have standard frequencies in the range from 533 to 800 MHz, DDR - from 266 to 400 MHz, "newfangled" DDR3 - from 1066 to 1333 MHz. It is better to buy modules with the maximum frequency that the laptop supports. With modules of a lower frequency, the system will work a little slower, and buying "slats" with a higher frequency than the PC supports is devoid of practical sense, because. they will work “not at full capacity”.

To determine the type and frequency of memory suitable for your computer, check the documentation that came with it, or if you don't have one, check the manufacturer's website. As a rule, even those models that are no longer produced do not disappear from the sites, so they specifications can be studied.

As a last resort, when going to buy memory modules, you can take a laptop with you - sellers will surely help you make the right choice of “bars”.

Installing the RAM module

In order to install new "bars" of memory into your computer, follow these steps.

1

Turn off the laptop and open the compartment that contains the memory modules, as described earlier.

2

To install a new memory module, it is enough to insert it all the way into the corresponding slot. Remove an unnecessary module at an angle so that the latches fixing it come out of the grooves

In some cases, the connector latches will have to be pry off with a screwdriver.

New processor

In most laptops, the processor is removable (only in the cheapest models it is soldered to the motherboard), but replacing it is painstaking work: you have to disassemble the entire case, remove the cooling system, remove the old "stone", install a new one, and then put the previously dismantled ones back in place laptop design elements. The processor itself is a rather fragile product, it is easy to damage it, and the cooling system must be returned to working condition very carefully, otherwise the thermal contact will be broken and the processor will overheat, so it’s better to think three times about the advisability of such an event before taking up a screwdriver and getting down to business .

Processor selection

If you still decide to replace the processor, then first make sure that this action is possible in principle, then check which processors your computer supports and which CPU socket is on the motherboard. This will help you with the documentation that came with your PC, information on the website of the laptop manufacturer and

– free online encyclopedia contains complete lists processors manufactured by various companies, with their detailed characteristics. It makes sense to buy a processor only if it significantly outperforms the "stone" installed in the laptop. To do this, the clock frequency of the “update” must be at least 300 MHz higher.

Mobile processors, even for modern laptops, rarely get into retail sales, and even more so for older machines. A suitable chip can be found at computer markets or used hardware dealers. Therefore, the surest way to purchase a mobile CPU is to order in an online store. The website www.price.ru will help you find the right model. However, buying a new mobile "stone" online is an expensive pleasure. Old models of the Intel Pentium M level with a frequency of up to 2 GHz cost around 6 thousand rubles. Mobile price Intel Core 2 Duo can reach up to 10 thousand rubles.

Processor replacement

1

Turn off your computer and turn it upside down. In order to open the laptop, you need to unscrew the screws that hold the case. Start with all the screws on the bottom panel.

2

Remove the covers from all the compartments on the bottom of the laptop and remove the devices hidden under them: the hard drive, expansion cards and RAM. Remove the optical drive as well.

3

Then remove the battery (read on how to do this) and unscrew all the screws located under it

Do the same for the screws on the back of the device.

4

Turn the laptop upside down and open the screen. Then carefully remove the decorative panel above the keyboard

If necessary, pry off its edges with a screwdriver.

5

After that, you can freely remove the keyboard

Keyboard and touchpad connected to motherboard ribbon cables

Each must be pulled out of the connector. A plate holding the cable will pop out along with it - don't lose it.

6

Remove any screws found under the keyboard.

7

Disconnect from motherboard display - to do this, pull the fabric "ear" of the connector

The laptop lid can now be removed from the hinges and set aside.

8

Remove the keypad by prying it out with a screwdriver if necessary. Then remove all screws securing the motherboard

9

Disconnect all wires from the motherboard (be sure to remember all the contacts that you open so that you do not forget to connect them later) and remove it from the case

10

Turn the board over and unscrew all the screws holding the cooling system

Then carefully remove it.

11

The processor is installed in a plastic "crib"

To release it, rotate the socket lock 180 degrees

12

Remove the processor from the socket and insert a new "stone" into place

after applying a thin layer of thermal paste to the crystal.

13

Assemble the laptop by repeating all steps 1 to 11 in reverse order. Be especially careful when installing the cooler. An even more difficult task is to connect the keyboard and touchpad cables. First you need to insert the cable itself into the connector, and then use a screwdriver to insert the plate pressing it.

Is it possible to change the video card

In most laptop models, the video chip is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be replaced.

In rare laptops, the MXM standard is implemented. Video adapters based on it are modules that are easy to change. Alas, there are very few computers with MXM support. Another problem is that there are difficulties with the compatibility of MXM modules from different manufacturers.

A way to increase the graphics power of a laptop, available to everyone, is to install an external graphics card. The main condition for this is the presence of an ExpressCard slot. It is to this connector that the Asus XG Station device is connected. It is an external box for a regular video card with a PCI-E interface. As standard, XG Station uses a GeForce 8600GT video adapter with 256 MB of memory and costs more than 10 thousand rubles. Theoretically, this "box" can accommodate any video adapter that is suitable in terms of dimensions and power consumption, although the narrow bandwidth of the ExpressCard interface will not allow revealing the potential of cards that are far ahead of the GeForce 8600GT in terms of performance. In addition, the gadget requires an external monitor and access to the mains to work, so its use is somewhat limited.

A more promising solution is AMD. XGP technology implies the use of an external PCI-E 2.0 x8 slot with a compact connector, to which you can connect any video card or a box like the Asus XG Station. So far, the XGP standard has been embodied in a single device called Fujitsu-Siemens' Amilo Graphics Booster, and the only laptop that has an appropriate connector for connecting an external video card is the Amilo Sa3650. The devices are sold as a single set at a price of 53,800 rubles. In the future, the situation may change - perhaps other companies will follow the example of Fujitsu Siemens and release their products with XGP support.

new hard disk

Replacement hard drive on a laptop, it requires a bit of preparatory "reconnaissance" work and causes less problems than upgrading components such as the processor. Hard drives of the same type and form factor are usually fully compatible with each other. Difficulties can only arise with very old or very exotic machines (using an interface to connect disks).

), so replacing the hard drive is unlikely to greatly complicate the life of even an inexperienced user.

Selecting a new drive

Most laptops have a 2.5-inch hard drive. Before the advent of the Centrino Sonoma platform (2005), mobile PCs used IDE drives, after which they were replaced by modern SATA drives. Almost all laptops that are over 4 years old have them. Before buying a new hard drive, go to the laptop manufacturer's website and determine the type disk interface, which is used in it.

If you want to squeeze out disk subsystem maximum performance, pay attention to fast SSD drives. Unlike traditional "screws", they do not use magnetized platters to write data, but an array of flash memory. On sale you can already find 128-gigabyte models at a price of about 10 thousand rubles. (not to be confused with cheap SSDs used in "netbooks" - the latter are much slower than usual hard drives). SSD hard drives consume less power than conventional hard drives hard drives, so the "new thing" will not only increase the performance of the laptop, but also extend its time battery life.

Before buying a “screw”, you should ask the manufacturer's website or search the Internet for the maximum disk capacity supported by the laptop IDE controller (if this interface is used). Sometimes it is limited to ten gigabytes. Another obstacle to hundreds of gigabytes of file storage can be an outdated OS. Let's say that Windows 98, after installing all possible patches, "sees" only partitions with a capacity of no more than 120 GB, and Windows 95 OSR2 does not accept disks with a capacity of more than 32 GB.

Hard drive replacement

1

Turn off the laptop, turn it over and look for the marks on the bottom indicating the hard drive bay

2

Loosen the screws securing the compartment cover and remove it.

3

Remove the metal frame in which the hard drive is installed

From some laptop chassis with hard drive removed from the side

4

HDD usually secured to the frame with screws. Unscrew them and remove the hard drive

Insert a new drive in its place and repeat the above steps in reverse order.

New "cutter"

Now expensive laptops often equipped with a Blu-ray cutter or combo drive with the ability to read such discs. The upgrade will allow users of older mobile computers to join the new format. Installing a new optical drive in a laptop is easier than any other system component.

Choice optical drive

Old laptops had read-only drives optical discs(from CD to DVD) or the so-called combo drives that can read both CDs and DVDs, but only allow recording on CD-blanks. Now it is advisable to buy universal drives that can work with all common types optical discs- both for reading and for writing. Having paid about 1.5 thousand rubles, you will get the opportunity not only to read, but also to burn DVD, and for 12 thousand rubles. you can buy a new generation combo drive that reads all types of discs (including Blu-ray) and can burn both CDs and DVDs. You can become the owner of a universal burner (capable of burning not only CDs and DVDs, but also Blu-ray discs) for about 20 thousand rubles.

Notebook and optical drive manufacturers usually adhere to the same standards for drives, so drives for laptops from one manufacturer will fit without problems in a mobile computer of another brand. Less common are laptops with specific slots for "optics". Before buying a new drive, you should make sure that the old one can be removed without problems, and that it uses a standard connector - the laptop manufacturer's website and search engines will help you with this.

Replacing the optical drive

1

Turn off the laptop and turn it upside down.

2

Unscrew the fixing screw on the housing opposite the drive bay

Check the user manual and website information to find it.

3

Carefully remove the drive from the bay

4

Install a new "cutter" into the body. If necessary, you can remove the front plate from the old drive and attach it to the new one.

Internal expansion boards

Most laptops are equipped with internal mini-PCI or mini-PCI-E slots, which are smaller versions of the corresponding slots (PCI and

) in desktop computers, although laptop PCI-E differs from its "big brother" in that it includes USB 2.0 and SMBus lines. Most laptops that were released no earlier than 5-6 years ago, most often have a single expansion slot occupied by a wireless card. local network, and the Bluetooth module and wireless modem (if any) are soldered directly on the motherboard or use proprietary connectors (as a result, they are difficult or almost impossible to replace at home). Some laptops have two of these connectors and one of them is free. Any card from a wide range of devices for various purposes can be connected to it: a cellular modem, a GPS receiver, a chip

and even a hardware encryption module. Sometimes even SSD drives are installed in the internal expansion slot: a flash memory array and a SATA controller on the same board.

Installing an expansion board

Follow these steps to install a new expansion card in your computer.

1

Turn off the laptop and turn it upside down.

2

Find the compartment with expansion slots on the bottom, guided by the labels on the case or information from the Internet.

3

Remove the compartment cover. In this case, it is combined with the memory module compartment. The photo shows that there is only one expansion slot, and it uses the mini-PCI-E interface - outdated mini-PCI slots are much wider

6

Install a new card in the slot and, if necessary, connect antenna wires to it.

7

Close the compartment and secure its lid

"Peripherals" for PC-card and ExpressCard slots

The least time-consuming way to expand the functionality of a laptop is to use USB devices or expansion cards for PC-card (also called PCMCIA and CardBus) and ExpressCard slots. The connector of the latter type is available in almost all laptops released after 2005, except for a number of beeches. The PC-card has been the current standard since the early 90s, but now its development has been discontinued, and the connector itself is installed very rarely and only in some enterprise-class laptops and workstations where compatibility with older peripherals is necessary.

The PC-card interface is an external version PCI bus, and the ExpressCard is an exposed PCI-Express x1 port. ExpressCard interface slots, as well as cards designed for them, come in two sizes - 54 and 34 mm. Small laptops usually have only a narrow slot, while large ones have a wide slot that can accommodate devices of both sizes: narrow cards are often equipped with an adapter for installation in a wide ExpressCard slot.

Battery

Unlike the main components mobile computer, which become obsolete only morally, accumulator battery laptop wears out in a physical sense. As a result, the battery, which at the time of purchase allowed the computer to work autonomously for four hours, after a few years is depleted in one hour of operation. The reason for this can be both intensive and improper operation, but in any case, an obsolete battery can be restored or replaced with a new one.

Choosing a new battery

To replace the battery, you will have to order it from the manufacturer's website or look for a "non-native" but compatible model, which is especially true for older laptops. The so-called compatible batteries are produced by third-party manufacturers that have legally or illegally gained access to the battery controller circuits of your laptop model. The quality of such solutions depends on the reliability of the manufacturer, and the price is lower on average by 1 thousand rubles: about 3 thousand rubles. for a compatible battery against 4 thousand rubles. and more - for the original (average values ​​are indicated, real prices can "float" around these numbers).

Another option is an external battery. They are very often made universal due to a set of adapters. They are not attached to the case, but are connected through the connector for the power adapter. In addition, some laptop manufacturers produce additional batteries that "mate" with the docking station connector on the bottom of the laptop or install in a "pocket" of the case instead of the optical drive. A laptop equipped with two or three batteries can sometimes last a whole working day on an autonomous power solder.

Battery maintenance and recovery

Under normal operating conditions, the life of a laptop battery is 500-800 charge / discharge cycles - this is approximately 3 years of use. With active or improper use, its service life can be reduced to a year.

To prevent this from happening, do not buy a laptop battery for future use and try to use it at least once a month, do not leave it for a long time (several months or more) without work, and if you have to, then charge it by about 60% and place it in a cool dark and dry place, away from metal objects. During storage, the battery is slowly discharged, and it will need to be fully charged before use.

A new laptop battery needs to be “trained” a little before use, that is, fully charged and discharged several times. If the laptop battery has begun to gradually lose capacity, "training" can also improve the situation.

If "training" does not help, restoring the battery will be cheaper than buying a new one. For the return to life of a worn-out battery with 6 cells, you will pay about 2 thousand rubles. Specialized workshops replace worn-out cells that are no longer capable of storing charge with new ones and connect them to the battery control circuit. In this way old battery acquires new life, and its "final" capacity depends on the capacity of new battery cells. If the workshop can supply higher capacity cells, then a remanufactured battery will offer longer battery life than a new one. Most laptop repair shops can do battery refurbishment as well.

Search for rare components

Some parts are easy to find replacements. The hard drive, RAM and any expansion cards of the right type are compatible with any PC. The exception is sometimes made by adapters for mobile Internet access: the manufacturer sometimes blocks work with "non-native" devices. Therefore, before buying a modem, make sure that it is compatible with your PC - look for information on the Internet.

But the keyboard and case of each laptop is almost always unique. If they are broken, then all hope is on service center manufacturer.

However, branded parts are very expensive. Moreover, if the laptop is very old, then they may not be on sale at all. Exotic components can be found at used hardware vendors. Points of sale "used" can be found in any computer market. Just do not forget that a used item is a lottery: it works today, but not tomorrow. It is risky to buy used hard drives. It is better to take large-capacity models (250-500 GB) - they appeared not so long ago and have not yet had time to get very old. The warranty card at the "flea market" will not be issued, but it is usually possible to agree with the seller on the return of the "piece of iron" within two weeks.

The first notebook expansion cards were in PCMCIA format with an interface based on a 16-bit "truncated" version of IDE, which was replaced in later versions by the more powerful 32-bit PC Card/CardBus format.

Physically, both versions of these boards were identical and fully compatible with each other.

For today peripherals in the CardBus format are the most common.
Since 2005, laptops have been widely adopted serial bus PCI Express.

This trend has not bypassed expansion cards: modern laptops have them new type- ExpressCard, based, of course, on the PCI-Express interface.

ExpressCards are slightly smaller than CardBus cards and come in two types - ExpressCard/54 and ExpressCard/34.
Their length is 75 mm, and the width is 54 mm and 34 mm, respectively.

In addition to being smaller, ExpressCards offer data transfer speeds of up to 250 Mbps, significantly outperforming CardBus (132 Mbps).

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An expansion port refers to any slot on the motherboard that contains a port for installing additional computer functionality, such as a video card, network card, or sound card. The card plugs directly into the port so the motherboard has direct access to the hardware. Since there are a limited number of slots on each computer, it is important to open the computer prior to purchase and check.

Some older systems require the use of a vertical board to add additional cards. Modern PCs are also equipped with the ability to increase functionality, and contain functions built directly into, which eliminates the need for a number of expansion cards.

Various types of expansion slots

There have been several connector types over the years including AMR, CNR, ISA, EISA, and VESA, but the most popular is PCIe. While some newer desktops still have PCI and AGP slots, PCIe has replaced all the older technologies.

ePCIe or External PCI Express is another way to increase external functionality. This requires a special type of cable that comes out of the motherboard on the back of the computer, where it connects to the ePCIe device.

These expansion ports are used to add various hardware components to the PC, such as a new video card, network or sound card, modem, etc.

Slots have so-called data lanes, which are signal pairs. Used to send and receive data. Each pair has two wires, making the strip a total of four wires. The band can transmit packets 8 bits at a time in either direction.

Because a PCIe slot can have 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, or 32 lanes, they are written with an "x" such as "x16" to indicate that the slot is 16-lane. The number of tracks is directly related to the speed of the slot, which is why video cards are built to use the x16 format

Important facts about installing expansion cards

The card can be connected to a slot with a higher number, but not a smaller one. For example, an x1 format device will fit any port (work continues at its own speed, not the connector speed), an x16 device will not physically fit into an x1, x2, x4, or x8 slot

When installing the card, before removing the computer case, turn off the PC and unplug the power cord from the back of the power supply. Connectors are usually located in the code corner for RAM sticks, but this is not always the case.

If the port has not been previously used, a metal bracket will be installed on the back of the PC. Remove it, usually by unscrewing the bracket to access the expansion card. For example, if you're installing a graphics card, the opening provides a connection to the card using a video cable (such as VGA or DVI).

When inserting the card, make sure to hold onto the edge of the metal plate and not the gold connectors. When the gold connectors are properly aligned with the expansion slot, press firmly into the slot, making sure the edge where the cable connections are located is easily accessible from the back of the computer case.

You can remove an existing card by holding the edge of the metal plate and pushing off the system board in a straight, upright position. However, some cards have a small "clip" that holds it in place, in which case you need to hold back the "clip" before pulling it out.

Are there places to install additional expansion cards?

Whether there is open ports one depends on the other. Because not all computers have the same hardware installed. However, without opening the pc and checking manually, there is computer programs which can identify which slots are available and which are in use.

For example, Speccy is one free tool for system information, which can do just that. Look in the "Motherboard" section, and you will find a list of found slots. Read the "Port Usage" line to make sure the connector is available and in use.

Another way is to check the motherboard manufacturer. If you know the model, then you can find out how many expansion boards you can install. Install directly from the manufacturer, or by looking at the user manual (which is available as free PDF file from the manufacturer's website).

Another method you can use to check the available slots on your motherboard is to see which holes are not being used on the back of the PC. If there are two more brackets, most likely two connectors are open. This method, however, is not as reliable as checking the motherboard itself, since nothing is visible behind the unextruded brackets.

Do laptops have expansion slots?

Laptops do not have ports for increasing functionality, such as those desktop computers. The laptop instead has a small slot on the side that uses either a PC Card (PCMCIA) or for newer ExpressCard systems.

These ports can be used in a similar way to a desktop expansion slot, for example for sound cards, wireless network adapters, TV tuners, additional storage, etc.

Laptop for beginners. Mobile, accessible, convenient Kovalevsky Anatoly Yurievich

PC CARD (PCMCIA) and Express Card

PCMCIA(Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, PC Card, PC Cards, CardBus, JEIDA). Since the abbreviation itself is dissonant by ear, and the transcript even more so, a joke appeared: PCMCIA - People Can't Memorize Computer Industry Acronyms - People can't remember stupid computer abbreviations. Therefore, a shorter name was coined - PC Card ... which did not take root, because everyone was already used to PCMCIA. As a result, such adapters are sometimes referred to as PCMCIA Cards, which is incorrect. Just as the name went wrong, so did the connector itself, although you will find it in any laptop.

Initially, the connector was created to be able to connect additional modules in the same way as modules are connected to the PCI bus in a desktop PC. Thus, any device can be connected to high speed– USB, any memory card reader, HDD, TV/FM tuner, Enternet port, LTP port, COM port, IDE, SATA, eSATA, SCSI interface, IEEE 1394 port, S-video, DVI port, RS-232, GPS navigator, etc. Developed during a period of time when there were no high-speed connections, but now there is USB and FireWire. Therefore, in fact, it has lost its meaning, especially because of the much higher cost. Those who have a desktop PC should be aware that there is an AT-WR PCI 2411 adapter available that can be installed in a desktop PC, so that the purchased hardware will not be lost.

There are four types of PCMCIA (all have a 68-pin connector, 85.6 mm long, 54 mm wide).

Type I - 3.3 mm height, 16-bit data exchange, now almost never occur (they work only as memory cards, to emphasize the difference from flash drives, they are called "linear"). ISA bus analogue, operating voltage 3.3/5.0 V. PCMCIA 2.0 standard.

Type II – 5.0 mm height, 32-bit communication, the most common option. An analogue of the PCI bus, operating voltage 3.3 V. Type I cards can be connected to Type II, but not vice versa (this is prevented by a special metal shield with eight bulges). PCMCIA standard since 3.0.

Type III – 10.5 mm high, 32-bit communication, designed to fit two Type II cards in its place. PCI bus analog, operating voltage 3.3 V. PCMCIA standard, starting from 4.0.

Type IV – 16.0 mm height, 32-bit communication, discontinued.

In parallel with PCMCIA, Japan implemented its own standard - JEIDA. Since 1991, the JEIDA 4.1 and PCMCIA 2.0 specifications have been released and are fully compatible. Further standardization has resulted in the introduction of advanced Plug&Play features, power management and many other improvements. For this version, the name CardBus was introduced (PCMCIA 5.0 and JEIDA 4.2 specifications), as a result, modern cards are now often referred to as PCMCIA CardBus.

It should be borne in mind that PCMCIA is not an extension of RAM - the misconception arose due to the external similarity of some old RAM modules and PCMCIA cards. If the pads are not 68, but 108, then this is a Small-PCI (SPCI) standard card: similar in size to PCMCIA, divided into two types - Style A and B, can be directly connected to the PCI bus, but does not support hot plugging. SPCI is extremely rare in laptops.

The compartment should be protected from dust at least with a plastic plug, or better with a lid - try not to lose it. During operation, the card can get very hot (up to 55–60 °C) - be careful when removing it. When connecting the antenna, be sure to provide grounding.

When disassembling, keep in mind that the PCMCIA connectors are connected as a single module. Most of the screws that hold them are located in the bottom of the laptop, sometimes under the covers of other compartments, in the worst case, inside the case. After removing all the bolts, the compartment is removed as a single block.

PCMCIA cards support hot-swap, that is, the adapter can be removed / inserted into the slot without rebooting the OS (this is ensured by the fact that hardware resources are initially reserved, regardless of whether the device is connected or not). The exception is cases of incorrectly written drivers that are not able to implement the Plug&Play procedure. If this happened, let's try to figure out why. Let's look at the diagram:

Adapter > Enabler Module > Card Services Driver > Socket Services > Socket > Windows

From the presented chain, it can be seen that Windows does not have direct access to the hardware component of the card. If there are PCMCIA connectors not only in the laptop, but also in the docking station, several Socket Services drivers (there may be several) interact with one Card Services service (only one). The Enabler module receives parameters from Card Services and configures the adapter and Plug&Play (be sure to install the latest PCMCIA drivers from the laptop manufacturer and PCMCIA drivers from the card manufacturer). Sometimes, especially in OSes prior to Windows XP, a boot record is needed the right drivers in config.sys and autoexec.bat. Make sure Socket Services is loaded before Card Services.

express card makes it possible to connect additional modules in the same way as modules are connected to the PCI Express bus in a desktop PC. The main advantages are the speed of the PCI Express bus about 2 times faster, extended support for energy saving, support for drivers at the OS level. It is not backward compatible with the PCMCIA connector, it is being promoted to the market as its replacement.

Produced in two versions. Each of them is subdivided into a regular version (entirely placed in the connector) and Extended (considerably protruding from it).

SW (Single Wide), aka ExpressCard-34 - single width, 34x75x5 mm, 32-bit data exchange, operating voltage 3.3 V.

DW (Double Wide), aka ExpressCard-54 - double wide, 54x75x5 mm, 32-bit data exchange, operating voltage 3.3 V.