Looking to add a 2.0 USB card

[Denvers Dawgs]

I just bought an mp3player (iriver) and when loading it, it says I don't have a HI-SPEED USB port(2.0). I want to add one to my computer, but have no idea what I need or how?

Also, what are the difference between these:

http://www.usb-2-0.com/2000300.html

http://www.usb-2-0.com/adaptec-1913500.html

http://www.usb-2-0.com/adaptec-1935400.html

http://www.usb-2-0.com/d-link-du-520.html

Which one would I need? I have no idea? Thanx for any responses

[stiltman]

I just bought one at Fry's

I got the PPA 5 port USB2 and 3 port firewire card for $22.99
It has the VIA chipset. (I heard there were problems with the ALI chipset)

Fry's also had a USB2 only card for $11.99 on sale this week. I think it had the NEC chipset, but I'm no positive. I wanted a card that had both USB and firewire because I knew this was my last PCI slot

I wouldn't get any of those cards, because they are name brands and you have to pay extra for name brands especially Adaptec. I would go with the least expensive card I could find with a VIA or NEC chipset.

If you want a 5 port USB2 only card, this one has a NEC chipset and it's about 1/3rd the price of the ones you link to
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=15-104-216&depa=0

[rallynavvie]

That's a bit confusing since some of those Adaptec products are discontinued. In the end any of them should be fine, Adaptec is good stuff. Do you have FireWire on your PC yet? My favorite cards are the Adaptec Duos:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=15-152-003&depa=0

$65 for both USB2.0 and FireWire400. I've got one of these in my AMD machine and have never had problems with it and at one point that PC had all 6 PCI slots occupied.

[Denvers Dawgs]

Now that you mention it, I don't have a fireWire on this pc. So I guess I should look for a card with USB2.0 and Firewire....So all I'll need is a card? What the hell are those adaptek kits?

[rallynavvie]

Probably come with cables or hubs.

[ofbarea]

Another good option for firewire/USB2 combo cards is stuff build by Orange Micro.

[Craig Tucker]

Just to let you know you need service pack 1 installed for USB2.0 to work.

[Denvers Dawgs]

Thanx Craig Tucker I'm all set with the SP1 already. So do I need just a card with USB 2.0 & firewire or do I need one of those kits?

[Craig Tucker]

All you need is the card, can be bought for less than £10 here.

[Denvers Dawgs]

Why are there such wide price ranges?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?Submit=list&catalog=73&DEPA=0&description=us...=2&listStyle=2

Im looking for a USB2.0 & firewire add-on card. What are the internal ports used for? Do I need internal ports? Also, what is ATA and what is it used for? Can You tell I bought my computer factory made. I feel like such a newb!

[Jayhawk]

The internal ports can be used to connect to front connectors that are on some cases. If your case doesn't currently have front USB / Firewire connectors you would not need them.

[Denvers Dawgs]

I have 2 usb slots in front, So would a 4 port usb and 1 firewire card fit there? Are cards the same size? Also, if I do hook up these in the back of my pc, can I have on end of the usb cable connected 24/7 in the back, and the other end unconnected hanging on desk, until I need to use it?

[Jayhawk]

I have 2 usb slots in front, So would a 4 port usb and 1 firewire card fit there? Are cards the same size? Also, if I do hook up these in the back of my pc, can I have on end of the usb cable connected 24/7 in the back, and the other end unconnected hanging on desk, until I need to use it?

Not sure exactly what you're asking but I'll take a shot at some of it. Assuming you buy a USB+Firewire PCI card that has both external (all do) and internal (some do) connectors. You MAY be able to connect your existing front ports which are USB 1.0 to the internal connector on the card thereby giving you USB 2.0 in the front. Sometimes the connector cables going to the front don't match up exactly to the pin connectors on the new card. Worst case is you would be stuck with your existing 1.0 connections in the front and 2.0 connectors in the rear.

You can hook up a cable 24/7 and have it just laying there ready for use. PC's detect the USB device being plugged in, not the cable.

[Denvers Dawgs]

Thank you very much Jayhawk. You answered exactly what I was asking. Thanx again