Modular Design in Computer Hardware
Modular design in computer hardware is the same as modular design in other things (e.g. cars, fridges, even furniture). The idea is to build computers with easily replaceable parts that use standardized interfaces. This technique allows you to upgrade certain aspects of the computer easily without having to buy another computer altogether.
A computer is actually one of the best examples of modular design - typical modules are power supply units, processors, mainboards, graphics cards, hard drives, optical drives, etc. All of these parts should be easily interchangeable as long as you use parts that support the same standard interface as the part you replaced.
Another form of modular design in computers was introduced in January 2011 when Xi3 Corporation unveiled its Xi3 Modular Computer at the 2011 International CES trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. An Innovations Award winner in the Computer Hardware category for CES 2011, the Xi3 Modular Computer utilizes an x86-based environment the company calls the Xi3 Computer Architecture to subdivide the classic motherboard into three interconnected boards or modules: the Processor Module, the Primary I/O Module and the Secondary I/O Module. Salt Lake City-based Xi3 claims the two I/O modules can be easily replaced to modify and/or change the capabilities or performance of an Xi3 Modular Computer, making the computer modular by design and in practice. According to multiple news reports, general availability of the Xi3 Modular Computer is scheduled to begin 4 July 2011.
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