MiniPCI slot

MiniPCI slot The MiniPCI slot is a miniaturized version of the PCI slot, generally implemented as a 124-pin connector. The other implementation uses a 100-pin connector, which is not used in any known ThinkPad. The 124-pin MiniPCI slot will accept any Type IIIA or IIIB card, but it will not accept any Type IA, IB, IIA, or IIB card as they are only meant for the 100-pin MiniPCI slot. Also, keep in mind that some ThinkPads are noted to have 124-pin MiniPCI slots that can't accept Type IIIA cards. This is due to a space limitation, which only allows Type IIIB or shorter cards. Wikipedia article on Mini PCI

Overview

The MiniPCI slot is technically a 32-bit only, 33 MHz, 3.3V PCI slot (also supports 5V operation according to the pin-outs). The PCI version depends on the I/O controller, but it can't be older than PCI version 2.2.

On newer models with a BIOS whitelist, only whitelisted MiniPCI cards can be installed. If you attempt to install a non-whitelisted MiniPCI card into a ThinkPad with a BIOS whitelist, the said machine will throw an 'Error 1802' message and will then refuse to boot. See Problem with unauthorized MiniPCI network card for more info and solutions.

Modem MiniPCI cards

• Mini-PCI Modem card

Ethernet MiniPCI cards

• Mini-PCI Ethernet card

WiFi MiniPCI cards

• Cisco Aironet Wireless 802.11b
• Intel PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter
• Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Mini-PCI Adapter
• Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Mini-PCI Adapter
• IBM High Rate Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Adapter III
• IBM Dual-Band 11a/b Wi-Fi Wireless Mini PCI Adapter
• IBM 11b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter
• IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter
• IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II

Combo Ethernet and Modem MiniPCI cards

• 3Com 10/100 Ethernet Mini-PCI Adapter with 56K Modem
• Xircom 10/100 EtherJet Mini PCI Adapter with 56K Modem
• Intel 10/100 Ethernet Mini-PCI Adapter with 56K Modem
• Intel PRO/100 SP Mobile Combo Adapter

Combo WiFi and Modem MiniPCI cards

• IBM High Rate Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Adapter with Modem
• IBM High Rate Wireless LAN Mini-PCI Adapter with Modem II

Linux support

MiniPCI adapters are seen as regular PCI devices, and handled by the Linux PCI subsystem.

Models featuring this technology

with a PCI 2.2 interface

• i Series 1124, i Series 1157, i Series 1300, i Series 1330, i Series 1370, i Series 1420, i Series 1421, i Series 1422, i Series 1441, i Series 1442, i Series 1460, i Series 1480, i Series 1483, i Series 1492, i Series 1540, i Series 1541, i Series 1542, i Series 1560, i Series 1562, i Series 1592, i Series 1620, i Series 1720, i Series 1721, i Series 1800
• 130
• 240, 240X, 240Z
• 390E, 390X
• 570, 570E
• 600X
• A20m, A20p, A21e, A21m, A21p, A22e, A22m, A22p, A30, A30p, A31, A31p
• T20, T21, T22, T23, T30, T40, T40p, T41, T41p, T42, T42p
• X20, X21, X22, X23, X24, X30, X31, X32
• R30, R31, R32, R40, R40e, R50, R50e, R50p, R51
• G40, G41
• S30, S31
• TransNote

with a PCI 2.3 interface

• T43, T43p
• R51e, R52
• X40, X41, X41 Tablet
• Z60m