USB 2.0 NEC Chipset PCI Card ???

[yoyo813]

USB 2.0 NEC Chipset PCI Card ???
Need to buy USB 2 PCI Card. People told me NEC makes the best chipset.

NEC µPD720100A or NEC µPD720101

What is the difference? Which one is better? and why is it better?





TIA

 

[Kaido]

I bought some random 6-port off ebay (4 external on the plate, 2 internal on the card) for like $10 or $15 shipped. No problems, everything has worked fantastic. IIRC I didn't even need the driver disc, WinXP recognized it right off the bat.

 

[Steve]

Ask Bill D. at USBMan

 

[Mday]

The items you listed are chips. Most of the time (99%) you have no idea what chip you're getting anyway. A lot of the cheap USB 2 controllers use ALI chipset, and they seem to work fine. I'm using the built in one on my motherboard now. even buying from a "name brand" source does not guarantee a NEC chip let alone a SPECIFIC NEC chip.

http://www.necel.com/usb/en/product/upd720101.html
http://www.necel.com/usb/en/product/upd720100.html

Looking at the model numbers, you can assume that one is a later revision (reworked). Guess what, that assumption is correct. And judging by the specifications, they both do the EXACT SAME THING. The only difference is that the 101 had a lower pin count, probably due to optimization in core design. So, unless you're making this thing, it doesnt matter which you get. Also, if you take a look at the reference boards, it appears that the 101 can be placed on boards with low profile PCI design considerations.

Upon inspection, my initial evaluation is somewhat incorrect. There is another difference, the 101 has the potential to use less power than the 100a. Notice I said potential. The difference is negligible due to other considerations with respect to your overall computer.

 

[Mayfriday0529]

I'm going to bump this to add another question.

looking for a USB 2 card, is saw this low price ones at compusa and microcenter for 14-20 dollars should i get it, i need to transfer my compact flash pictures faster, the Belkin and big brands are like 30 dollars.

 

[Steve]

What's the brand and model name? Google for reviews on it.

What chip it uses would be even better if possible. I understand NEC is desirable, while ALi and Via aren't.

 

[Mayfriday0529]

Here are some i found that are cheap available in stores, otherwise have to order online.
FMI card for Text

ADS Technologies
Text

Iogear Text i like this one but i dont think i will find it in store.

Startech Text
Microcenter has several actually.

 

[jrichrds]

Originally posted by: Mday
Upon inspection, my initial evaluation is somewhat incorrect. There is another difference, the 101 has the potential to use less power than the 100a. Notice I said potential. The difference is negligible due to other considerations with respect to your overall computer.

The 101 is faster too. I have 2 Belkin USB 2.0 PCI cards, one with the 100 and one with the 101. The 101 provides faster transfers to/from my external hard drive. I also have a USB 2.0 PCi card with ALi chipset, and that is significantly slower than either of the NEC chipsets. I doubt the 100 is being made anymore, so unless old stock is being used, it should be the 101. Same case with the VIA VT6202 and VT6212. I haven't used a VIA-based card before, but I hear it's in the same class as ALi rather than NEC.

 

[jrichrds]

Originally posted by: Jnetty99
Here are some i found that are cheap available in stores, otherwise have to order online.
Iogear Text i like this one but i dont think i will find it in store.

This particular card was free after rebate at Fry's electronics at least a dozen times a couple years ago. IOGear used to use the NEC chipset on this card, but they switched to the the cheaper ALi chipset a while back. In fact, the IOGear is the ALi-based card I mentioned in my post above.