USB And Firewire Add-On Cards

[ParatoOptimal]

Is it better to buy standalone USB2.0 Card and standalone Firewire Card or are combo USB2.0 AND Firewire Cards OK?

I've read that the NEC chipset is the preferred USB2.0 chipset.

I've found one 2+1/2+1 combo card with VIA for Firewire and NEC for USB2.0.

I've found many 3+1/2+1 combo cards and 2+1/2+1 combo cards with VIA chipsets for both USB and Firewire.

I've found a couple of 2+4/2+1 combo cards with an Ali chipset that also have two USB2.0 Headers on the board. Does using the Headers eliminate the internal USB2.0 Port?

All of these cards are between $17 and $22.

Thanks

 

[corkyg]

I have used a combo (Adaptec Duo-Connect) for about a year with no problems at all. You do need, however, to connect the separate power source. 2 1394 ports and 2 USB 2 ports demand a lot of voltage. Most good devices come with their own power modules.