Alternate solutions to add USB 2.0 to desktop?

[hamburglar]

The situation is that the desktop has no more pci slots so I can't add a usb 2.0 pci card. Is there any other alternative to adding usb 2.0 to my desktop? I do have firewire, so perhaps a firewire -> usb adapter? Thanks for your help

Ted

 

[Joker81]

does your desktop have firewire built in or fire pci card?, Oh probably its a sound card huh.

What other cards are you running maybe there is a way to 1 card to do multiple tings.

If its firewire pci there are firewire + usb cards out there.

 

[hamburglar]

The firewire is built into the motherboard. I have 3 pci slots, and they are filled up with a sound card, tv card, and a 2nd video card. I don't think any of them can incorporate usb. Maybe I am wrong?

Thanks for your help Joker81

 

[Joker81]

You could buy an All in Wonder AGP or PCI(for your second video card).

 

[NutBucket]

Get an Audigy. Those have a firewire port on them.

 

[hamburglar]

Clarification: I am trying to add usb 2.0, not firewire. Thanks for the input, but its kinda pricey. Any other suggestions?

 

[kt]

upgrade motherboard?

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: kt
upgrade motherboard?

That's what I would do.

Most newer mobo's have USB 2.0 on board.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Get a good motherboard, and throw away that three pci garbage.

 

[Ameesh]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Get a good motherboard, and throw away that three pci garbage.

yep get a new MB

 

[MrBond]

If you have an AGP video card now, get a better one that supports dual monitors. My MSI Geforce4 Ti4200 has dual head support (it was the retail version) and came with the DVI->VGA adapter. That card should be pretty affordable now.

Then just get a USB 2.0 card for your computer.

That'd be the easiest thing to do, short of a Firewire->USB2.0 adapter, which I'm not sure exists. Replacing the MB might be cheaper then a new video card+usb2.0 card, but it requires more technical know-how (and sometimes a format/reinstall of your OS)

 

[Joker81]

why do you need usb 2.0?

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: Joker81
why do you need usb 2.0?

That's actually a good question.. The only thing that I would need usb 2.0 for is external HDs.. but those are usually firewire compatible too

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: Joker81
why do you need usb 2.0?

That's actually a good question.. The only thing that I would need usb 2.0 for is external HDs.. but those are usually firewire compatible too

 

[Kenazo]

yup. sell your tv card and your video cards on the FS/T forum, buy a GF4, or Radeon of some sorts that has VIVO, and dual channel. There ya go, two open PCI slots

Option #2: Get rid of your sound card, buy a USB 2.0 PCI Card, buy a SB Extigy for your sound needs.

 

[Joker81]

yeah I bought a external HD case with both. Since my laptop had firewire but on usb 1.0. firewire I think is more stable then usb 2.0 but thats just me.

 

[shenaniganz]

I am using zero PCI slots in my computer. You can use one of mine if you want.

 

[hamburglar]

I need usb 2 because of my card reader. usb 1 is just too slow for transferring numerous pictures.

 

[Hubris]

Originally posted by: hamburglar
I need usb 2 because of my card reader. usb 1 is just too slow for transferring numerous pictures.

If it's just a matter of speed, and you're strapped for cash, then just suck it up and start the transfer before you go to bed or something. Other than that, there have been multiple suggestions here that'll work.

 

[KGB1]

Get an Adaptec DUO card.. has 3 iEEE 1394 and 4 USB (1 of each internal also, which is great for internal flash card readers like I have )

Place the sole Fireware card in another system, if no other system is available... Make one

/Problem Solved

 

[loup garou]

Serious reading comprehension issues in this thread.

Anyways, get a new motherboard.

 

[NokiaDude]

Originally posted by: hamburglar
I need usb 2 because of my card reader. usb 1 is just too slow for transferring numerous pictures.

You're SOL. It's time to upgrade buddy!

 

[Joker81]

http://www.sandisk.com/retail_ultra_firewire.html

 

[hamburglar]

Thanks for all your help. I decided on going with the dual monitor video card. Does anybody recommend any good ones in particular?

 

[Kenazo]

do you do alot of gaming? if yes, go for a Radeon 9600xt, they go for about $150 used on the forums, less depending on the brand. If you don't game get a 9600 (non pro), they are fairly cheap already. I'm not sure but 9200's might have dual head too.