What does PCIe stand for?

PCIe stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express. It is a high-speed interface standard used to connect components such as graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals to a computer's motherboard. This technology has evolved to support faster data transfer rates compared to its predecessors, making it essential for modern computing systems.

The term "Peripheral Component Interconnect" refers to the original PCI standard, which was primarily designed to connect peripherals to a computer's CPU. The "Express" designation indicates the advancements made over older technologies, offering higher bandwidth and reduced latency, which are critical for high-performance applications such as gaming, data processing, and graphics rendering.

Understanding PCIe is vital for recognizing its role in system architecture, as it impacts the overall performance and expandability of computers. The other options listed either incorrectly represent the abbreviation or refer to non-existent standards, which do not contribute to the technical landscape of computer hardware.