Mini-PCI Card Types and Usage

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Many recent notebook computers with built-in modem and network ports use a reduced- size version of the PCI add-on card standard known as mini- PCI to support these ports.

There are three major types of mini-PCI cards:

  • Type I

  • Type II

  • Type III

Type I and Type II cards use a 100-pin stacking connector that plugs directly into the system board. Type II cards, unlike Type I cards, have network or modem connectors built into the card. Type III, which uses an edge connector, has become the most popular of the three formats. Like Type I, Type III mini- PCI cards do not incorporate RJ-11 (modem) or RJ-45 (Ethernet network) connectors; Type I and Type III mini-PCI cards use modem and network connectors built into the system.

Although mini-PCI cards can be replaced, they are not available at retail stores; they must be purchased from the portable computer supplier because they are customized to the characteristics of a particular product family. Mini-PCI cards are used to configure different models of a particular portable computer with different features. Because mini-PCI cards can be replaced , this enables you to replace a failed or outdated network/modem component without replacing the entire motherboard.

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Typically, mini-PCI cards are used to provide dial-up (analog) modem, 10/100 Ethernet, or wireless Ethernet (Wi-Fi) network support. Some wireless routers also use radios in the mini-PCI form factor.


Figure 12.8 shows a typical Type III mini-PCI modem card and connector compared to a typical Type II PC Card.

Figure 12.8. A typical mini-PCI Type III modem (left) compared to a typical PC Card Type II network adapter (right).

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Installing and Removing Mini-PCI Cards

To remove a Type III mini-PCI card, follow this procedure:

  1. Turn off the computer.

  2. Unplug the computer and remove the battery pack.

  3. Locate the mini-PCI card in the unit. It might be accessible from the bottom of the system (see Figure 12.9 for an example), or you might need to remove the keyboard or other components .

    Figure 12.9. Removing a mini-PCI card from a typical notebook computer.

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  4. Remove the cover or other components over the card.

  5. Release the spring latches that hold the card in place.

  6. Lift the top of the card up until the card is released from the socket.

To install a mini-PCI card

  1. Push the mini-PCI card edge connector into place.

  2. Push the top of the card down into the socket until the spring clips lock into place.

  3. Replace the cover or other components you removed to gain access to the card socket.

  4. Reinstall the battery.

  5. Plug the computer in.

  6. Start the computer. Install any additional drivers required.

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Absolute Beginners Guide to A+ Certification. Covers the Hardware and Operating Systems Exam
Absolute Beginners Guide to A+ Certification. Covers the Hardware and Operating Systems Exam
ISBN: N/A
EAN: N/A
Year: 2004
Pages: 310

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