Final answer:
PCI-X is an upgraded version of the original PCI interface, offering higher bus speeds and better error correction, primarily used in servers and high-end workstations. It differs from PCI by increasing throughput and adding advanced features, but is now largely replaced by PCI Express.
Step-by-step explanation:
PCI-X (Peripheral Component Interconnect eXtended) is an enhancement to the original PCI standard, designed to meet the increased demands of high-bandwidth devices in servers and workstations. While traditional PCI operates at a bus speed of 33 or 66 MHz with a 32-bit or 64-bit interface, PCI-X increases the bus speed up to 133 MHz and can function in either 64-bit or 128-bit mode, offering a maximum throughput of over 1 GB/s. The key differences between PCI and PCI-X include increased speed and bandwidth, with PCI-X also featuring improved error detection and correction capabilities to maintain data integrity in high-performance computing environments.
PCI-X was mainly used in server and high-end workstation environments, where high-speed networking, storage controllers, and other bandwidth-intensive applications necessitated the boosted performance. However, it has largely been superseded by PCI Express (PCIe), a newer standard that offers even greater flexibility and performance through serial communication, as opposed to the parallel architecture utilized by PCI and PCI-X.