Modem purchase: AMR vs. PCI

[dderolph]

The last time I purchased a modem, it was for an ISA slot. So, as you can imagine, that was quite a long time ago. Now, I have a computer with an ECS K7SEM (microATX) motherboard. It has a modem in an AMR slot, but it does not work. I've tried numerous times to get it to work, but I always get a message that the modem is not responding. The AMR type slot was new to me with this motherboard. If I get a different modem, I'm wondering whether I should try another AMR type, or would it be better/safer to go with a PCI modem? Since this is a microATX board, I only have two PCI slots. Would be nice to keep them available for other uses, but will use one of the for a modem if necessary. I'm just not sure whether there's a problem with the AMR slot on this board or whether the modem is simply bad. I've always used the LAN connection for Internet access but may be selling the computer to someone who would want a modem in it.

 

[mbackof]

Go with a PCI replacement modem. It will likely be cheaper and give you more purchasing options. The AMR slot has lost popularity since many boards put the components on the motherboard and have a slot cover with connectors and a cable run directly to the motherboard.

Mike

 

[Zepper]

I would rate modems in this order of preference: external serial, PCI, AMR, external USB. You can get a good external at http://www.acortech.com for under $15. (Check pricewatch.com for code that may save you some shipping cost). Comes with cable and all. So I won't consider anything else.
. See my review of this unit here: Review .
.bh.

 

[dderolph]

Thanks mbackof and Zepper. I'll either get a PCI or external serial modem.

 

[Amorphus]

I didn't realize they still made AMR modems...

Zepper - why is external USB so bad?

 

[Lonyo]

Maybe because it uses up a USB port that you don't need to use up.
Dialup is slow anyway (as I know 🙁) so you might as well use a serial port, sinc ehardly anything else uses it now. A USB modem would just waste a USB port.

 

[Zepper]

USB modems are also winmodems and tend to create a fairly high CPU load. And when available I like things on dedicated resources. That's why I still prefer PS/2 mice and keyboards.
.bh.