Unknown mpcie-type port on Alienware M17x R3 - identify?

[phikappa34]

Hi all,

 

while (so far unsuccessfully -- error 43 all the way!) trying to set up my EXP GDC 8.4d egpu I encountered this weird "big" mpcie port on my alienware's mobo - no idea what it is.

Does anyone know?

I circled it in the attached image - it actually worked when I put the mpcie connector of the egpu in, so it seems to be an additional mpcie port, but it's bigger - if you compare the normal mpcie port further down in the image, it has an additional segment! Could it be the port where the expresscard would be attached? The port is not used on the Alienware M17x R3, which ditched the expresscard slot - the R2 has it.

 

Not getting my hopes up for the egpu part, but I'm curious know. Google knows nothing of a "bigger" mpcie port version.

Anyone?

[Another Tech Inferno Fan]

There is only one type of mPCIe, and it is called mPCIe.

 

Anything else is not mPCIe.

 

6 hours ago, phikappa34 said:

Could it be the port where the expresscard would be attached?

 

Go find out what an Expresscard slot looks like. Then come back.

[phikappa34]

So you know exactly how an expresscard slot interface on the motherboard looks like for all possible notebook brands? If you had thought about it, you'd understand why your RTFM is absolutely beside the point.

 

Please, if you don't understand the question and/or can't be helpful, scroll past

[Another Tech Inferno Fan]

Yes, because manufacturers are supposed to have varying designs for one standardised interface.