Firewire +External HDD

[Vinceisg0d]

I am wondering what to use to connect my FW800 to my PC. Right now I'm currently connected with USB 2.0.

I can purchase what I need either at NCIX.com or futureshop.ca

Any ideas?

 

[Zepper]

You certainly want a FW800 card if your mobo can support one. Needs a PCIe slot. I would have gone with an external SATA box in the first place - no sense in translating to FW and certainly not USB for a hard drive array.

.bh.

 

[Vinceisg0d]

I'm well aware I should have went with an external enclosure, but I couldn't for certain reasons.

Regardless, you're saying I shouldn't bother and just use a USB?

I'm using a A8N-E mobo.

 

[Zepper]

What's this FW800 you mention? I might have jumped to confusions that it was the Lacie external RAID box. Exactly what are you trying to connect to what.

.bh.

 

[Vinceisg0d]

Perhaps I should have made it more clear.

I am currently using this:

http://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=11026

It is connected with USB 2.0.

Should I upgrade(?) to FW800 (according to the box, it's over double the speed), and if so, what should I connect it with (I dont think my mobo supports it, A8N-E)

 

[Zepper]

The product you linked is eSATA and USB - no mention of FW800. For eSATA all you would need is an adapter cable for your mobo. If what you have is actually the FW800/FW400/USB version then you'll need a FW800 card for best performance. One for your PCI Express x1 slot would be the hot ticket though ones for regular PCI are available.

.bh.

 

[Vinceisg0d]

I think it's an updated model of that one, because it definitely has FW800 on it, two slots of it, to be precise =)

See any cards on ncix or futureshop I should aim at?

 

[corkyg]

Is your LaCie eSATA and FW800? Or, just FW800 and USB? If the latter - too bad. eSATA is faster than FW800.

From what you say, all you need is a FW800 card. This should do it.

FW800

 

[Zepper]

Doesn't look like either of them even have a FW800 card... Don't you have any stores up there that keep up with the tech? Generally look for a NEC chip on the FW cards and avoid Texas Instruments. Good luck.

.bh.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Zepper
Doesn't look like either of them even have a FW800 card... Don't you have any stores up there that keep up with the tech? Generally look for a NEC chip on the FW cards. Good luck.

QFT! I just searched both your suggested source sites - neither has a 1394b controller card/board.

 

[Zepper]

The board corkyg linked has the TI chip, so you don't want it. But they do ship to Canada, so see if they have something with NEC

.bh.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Zepper
The board corkyg linked has the TI chip, so you don't want it. But they do ship to Canada, so see if they have something with NEC .bh.

Good point, Zep. The chip spec is not something that is visible in most ads. Any of these work?

1394b

 

[Zepper]

I found a StarTech PCI Express x1 board based on the Agere FW chip - IDK how good that chip is but if you can't find something else, I'd be glad to get one (about $60. to get it to here) and send it on to you. It comes with Ulead video editing software and a 5 foot FW800 cable. Where do you live in Canada, east side or left side?

.bh.

 

[Vinceisg0d]

I dug in a bit more and found the right one, I think.

http://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=10922

Looks the same in the pictures, anyway.

They have so many different variations with the same name.

 

[Zepper]

Vince,
Perhaps you need to reread my last two posts above - I had already concluded that you were talking about the FW/USB version.

Here is the link to the StarTech card I mentioned above on the distributor's site:
http://www.startech.com/Produc...oductid=PEX1394B3&c=US . Some StarTech resellers discount the card substantially because eSATA kicks Firewire up and down the block for external drive purposes, so not much call for it any more. FW400 is plenty for most other uses.

Thanks corky,
The Koutech looks like the only PCI Express card there and it has the TI chips too..

.bh.