56k Modem question

[Chipster]

I'm going shopping for a new modem and had a quick question. I understand that HSP and winmodems are the ones you should avoid if possible.
As far as the winmodems, how can you tell it is that type other than seeing the word "win" in the name?

Also,are winmodems that bad considering todays systems are alot faster?

 

[RSMemphis]

Below $40, it is most likely a Winmodem.

If you just use it under Windows, there is no problem with a Winmodem, even in the day of Pentium 200s the load was not that huge. Today it would most likely be minimal.

I have always had winmodems, and only regretted in when I had a UNIX operating system installed. Little did I know back then about winmodems.

 

[Quixfire]

I been very happy with my SupraMax Modem, bought it from Best Buy, you should be able to pick one up around $25-40.00 USD.

 

[John]

95+% of the PCI modems out there are Winmodems. Please read this.

 

[KyleMac]

I cannot over recomend the Diamod SupraExpress 56e PRO. I got it for about £60 ages ago and it will be about £45 now, or most likely $40.
I always consider the specs to be a give away. A hardware modem will need a 486 minimum but a software modem will need something like a pentium 133.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Thanks, John was looking for that to post...

 

[Chipster]

Well thanks all for the speedy replies. I just saw a $20 Jaton winmodem at the Staples site and I think I'll just grab that. It's actually for my sisters new system that I built for her casue her old Atech HSP 56k modem(ISA) just doesn't work with Windows Xp. She had floppies with drivers on them for win95/98/NT and I knew the chances of them working were slight and I was right. I tried to look on the net for newer drivers with no luck either.

Thanks again

 

[Mem]

<< Also,are winmodems that bad considering todays systems are alot faster? >>



That link by John to Anandtech`s FAQs on Winmodems is good however I will give you my input on the subject since I own both hardware(Diamond SupraExpress 56i V Pro) & winmodem ( Elsa 56k microlink HCF type).I get both the same pings and connection speed on both modems and to be honest there is no difference for me even in gaming.

I would say if you do buy a winmodem go with HCF type rather then HSF since as already stated in FAQs on Winmodems the HCF have an onboard DSP to take the load of the cpu while HSF type is all done via software and the cpu.


If online gaming is important then stick with a good hardware or winmodem with onboard DSP.