PCIe
Also: PCI Express, PCIe x16
The long slot on the motherboard where the graphics card plugs in.
The fuller definition
PCI Express is the connection standard between the motherboard and expansion cards such as graphics cards. A full-length x16 slot provides the most lanes for a card.
- Slot
x16 length
- Lanes
Data paths
- Card
Plugs in
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
The graphics card goes in the top full-length PCIe x16 slot, nearest the processor.
The distinction that matters
Once a model is loaded, PCIe speed matters little for a single card; it matters more when splitting a model across cards or memory.
Related terms
Where it is taught
Understand the hardware a local model needsSource and further reading
Hugging Face · Model inference and quantizationThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.