Small PCI Cards??

[Hideous_Hog]

I guess I must be living in a cave, but I ran across something strange today. While attempting to hook up my sister's new Gateway computer to cable internet, the case wouldn't hold a standard size PCI NIC! There were 2 expansion slots, but they are smaller in height than standard. WTF????

I was shocked enough to call Gateway tech support (yes, a contradiction in terms), and finally found someone who knew that this small case needed a special type PCI card. He alluded to Gateway not even selling these smaller PCI cards yet, and sounded like he was prepared for me to unload on him (which I didn't since it is a holiday and all).

Does anybody have the scoop on small PCI cards? Can you just replace the metal retainer?

 

[AngelOfDeath]

What in the name of %¤#*!#¤ does that mean!. Smaller PCI cards...sounds like a joke. And if that's true, then I suppose that they are responsible for distributing them...don't you???.

AoD

 

[Gunbuster]

Mini PCI? Is the slot exit port lower then the normal PCI?

 

[gamingbuddy]

I think you are talking about AMR slots.

 

[brian_riendeau]

Looks like it is time for a USB network card

 

[brian_riendeau]

Looks like it is time for a USB network card

 

[Vegito]

you mean the metal bracket is small or the slot connecting the edge of the card is smaller ?

 

[Hideous_Hog]

Lets see if I can describe this better...

The "L" shaped metal bracket of the PCI card that goes into the edge of the case and gets screwed down would need to be roughly an inch or so smaller to fit inside that POS Gateway case.

I looked for AMR PCI network cards at pricewatch.com and couldn't find anything.

 

[PCAddict]

The Gateway Essential PC's come in what is called a "flex-case" which is a small case that can be stood upright like a tower or can lay flat like a traditional desktop case. The system is legacy-free with USB ports only. Everything is integrated on the motherboard (video, audio, and 56K modem). The two expansion slots are mini-PCI. The lenth of the bracket (max height of the card) is smaller than a standard PCI card. Your best bet is to go with a USB ethernet adapter for the time being since it's just for a cable modem. Sometime in the near future you will be able to get a mini-PCI 10/100 card for it.

 

[McCarthy]

If you're not against getting out the pliers....

Several NICs I've seen, and probably most, are just half width cards to start with. So if the card itself will fit and just the bracket is the problem, why not unscrew the bracket from the card and modify it until it fits, then reattach and be on your way?

D-link NICs are small for example. My Netgear NIC is about an inch shorter than the bracket too.

Unless I'm missing something, it sounds like a common halfwidth card will fit, but the standard bracket is the big stumbling block. As for USB, I've tried those - by Dlink and Linksys - and found both to be less than inspiring. They work ok, just that the PCI NIC and my cable were more stable for gaming. If you do want to go that way though, I'll sell you one of mine for thirty bucks shipped. The D-Link DSB650 Info Page



--Mc

Edit: Fixed Link

 

[Hideous_Hog]

Modifying the metal bracket did cross my mind yesterday, but I had no tools with me. I also considered just taking the bracket off and sticking it in w/o screws, but since it wasn't my 'puter... Sounds like somebody might/should sell these stupid modified brackets.

OK, everybody, repeat after me:

GATEWAY IS SUCK
GATEWAY IS SUCK
GATEWAY IS SUCK
.
.
.
.

 

[urbantechie]

Yep. Prolly a CNR/AMR slot.

 

[Gunbuster]

urbantechie: do you think OEM's went for CNR/AMR? I have not seen one used yet.

Plus he is talking about a normal PCI slot but the external opening is not full height

 

[Ben]

What ticks me off is when these people go out and buy these POS computers, then call people like you and me to upgrade them.

 

[urbantechie]

Just read everything more carefully. It's prolly not a AMR/CNR

 

[PCAddict]

I am bumping this because you can buy a 10/100 NIC from Gateway for this case.

Here is a link.

Select the $29 10/100 Ethernet Card for Essential under HPNA & Network Cards.

 

[Viper GTS]

It is NOT a AMR/CNR slot. It is indeed a PCI slot, but it's the CASE that's non-standard, not the slot. We run into them occasionally with people ordering DSL. Confused the hell out of us the first few times we ran into an Intel 2100 that was "to tall" to fit in their PCI slots.

It's unfortunate that Gateway has chosen to take this route.

Viper GTS

 

[Leo V]

OK, I'm about to buy this ultra-slim case. The description mentions:

"Options
Customized Front bezel design
ATX R2.03 Gasket Shield
1 Slots in PCI Riser card
LCD Adapter Card port"

Does this mean I can get a riser card to accomodate a regular PCI nic?

 

[Platypussssssss]

It's not CNR/AMR.
At my previous job I purchased a bunch of IBM NetVista legacy free machines. The case was so small that the NIC was smaller than normal. There wasn't even room for a second HD, although it had to free PCI slots.