PCI Express 1.0 is a high-speed interface standard used to connect various hardware components in a computer, such as graphics cards and storage devices. Introduced in 2003, it replaced the older PCI and AGP standards, offering faster data transfer rates and improved performance. The initial version supports a maximum bandwidth of 2.5 Gbps per lane, allowing multiple lanes to be combined for greater throughput. This technology uses a point-to-point architecture, meaning each device has a direct connection to the motherboard, reducing latency and increasing efficiency. PCI Express 1.0 laid the groundwork for subsequent versions, which further enhanced speed and capabilities, making it a crucial development in computer hardware design.