Direct Media Interface

In <a href="/facts/Computing/Kghtm9fX">computing</a>, Direct Media Interface (DMI) is <a href="/facts/Intel/SMF0gJJX">Intel</a>'s proprietary link between the <a href="/facts/Northbridge_(computing)/XFbfH4Kl">northbridge</a> (or <a href="/facts/CPU/Jxp1bqMV">CPU</a>) and <a href="/facts/Southbridge_(computing)/K0bg0LSP">southbridge</a> (e.g. <a href="/facts/Platform_Controller_Hub/6SyP8Vmj">Platform Controller Hub</a> family) chipset on a computer <a href="/facts/Motherboard/GXB10heG">motherboard</a>. It was first used between the 9xx chipsets and the <a href="/facts/I%2fO_Controller_Hub/IBDaDFXK">ICH6</a>, released in 2004.: 1  Previous Intel chipsets had used the <a href="/facts/Intel_Hub_Architecture/8TbVY3zN">Intel Hub Architecture</a> to perform the same function, and server chipsets use a similar interface called Enterprise Southbridge Interface (ESI). While the "DMI" name dates back to ICH6, <a href="/facts/Vendor_lock-in/BLndHDVl">Intel mandates</a> specific combinations of compatible devices, so the presence of a DMI does not guarantee by itself that a particular northbridge–southbridge combination is allowed.

DMI is essentially <a href="/facts/PCI_Express/ADhsLCUK">PCI Express</a>, using multiple lanes and <a href="/facts/Differential_signaling/jusjFQKo">differential signaling</a> to form a point-to-point link. Most implementations use a ×8 or ×4 link, while some mobile systems (e.g. 915GMS, 945GMS/GSE/GU and the <a href="/facts/Intel_Atom/1rB5zJyz">Atom</a> N450) use a ×2 link, halving the bandwidth. The original implementation provides 10 Gbit/s (1 GB/s) in each direction using a ×4 link. The DMI provides support for concurrent traffic and <a href="/facts/Isochronous_timing/4aX8RPCl">isochronous data transfer</a> capabilities.: 3 
DMI replaced FSB (<a href="/facts/Front_Side_Bus/LgYSB7Wl">Front Side Bus</a>) which was eliminated in 2009.

Direct Media Interface open-in-new

Direct Media Interface