What is 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 nowadays. PCI-E card is faster than regular PCI card.
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. PCI-E card 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 PCI-E card itself.
Function
PCI-E and its variants PCI Express 16 and PCI Express 2.0 have become the standard hookup for graphics PCI-E card, 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.
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