SXM4

SXM4 is a form factor and connector specification used for high-performance accelerator modules, developed to enable dense, NVLink-connected GPU configurations in data center servers. It represents a generation in NVIDIA’s SXM family of module designs and is intended for use in systems that require direct, high-bandwidth connections between multiple GPUs.

The SXM4 module houses a GPU die, associated memory and controller logic, and the necessary power delivery and cooling interfaces. It is designed to be installed into a compatible server motherboard or midplane via a dedicated edge connector, rather than through a standard PCI Express slot. The arrangement supports substantial inter-GPU communication bandwidth through NVLink, enabling scalable multi-GPU configurations that are common in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and scientific computing workloads.

Deployment and usage are typically centered in data center environments. SXM4-based configurations are found in NVIDIA-based platforms and systems designed for multi-GPU acceleration, such as certain DGX and HGX-enabled servers. These deployments emphasize high throughput, reduced latency between GPUs, and centralized, engineered cooling and power delivery appropriate for dense GPU clusters. They are not intended for consumer desktop hardware and require compatible host platforms provided by server manufacturers or NVIDIA’s enterprise partners.

Limitations and considerations include the need for a compatible motherboard or midplane, appropriate cooling solutions, and power provisioning, as well as the understanding that SXM4 modules are part of specialized data center infrastructure rather than plug-and-play PC components. Compatibility and availability depend on specific server platforms and NVIDIA product cycles.