NVIDIA RTX 40 mobile graphics spotted with uncommon interface
Some companies are working on new solutions that can benefit from using one type of interface for completely different devices.
Lenovo has reportedly devised a way to use a built-in M.2 slot for either expanded storage or a discrete GPU solution. The RTX 4050 Laptop GPU uses an uncommon interface, which is not the standard MXM (Mobile PCI Express Module). Instead, it uses a triple M.2 slot that can accommodate at least one standard M.2 SSD when the GPU is not in use.
This design allows companies like Lenovo, who are implementing it in their all-in-one PCs, to choose between using a discrete GPU or an SSD, depending on what is needed more. However, this solution does not seem to be standardized yet, as the presented SSD doesn’t even have a securing screw.
RTX 4050 Laptop GPU with M.2 (based) interface, Source: Weibo
Currently, the RTX 4050 is the only known mobile GPU to use this type of connector and also the only one with such low power requirements (minimum 35W). However, the PCB has room for an additional memory module, indicating it should work with the RTX 4060 GPU easily.
RTX 4050 Laptop GPU with M.2 (based) interface, Source: Weibo
Graphics cards and M.2 SSDs have much in common. In fact, there are M.2 to PCIe adapters and even graphics cards equipped with M.2 interfaces for expanded storage. This is definitely an evolving market, and one may expect similar features to be implemented in GPUs in the future, especially when they are not utilizing the full PCIe interface.