USB hub vs. USB pci card

[petesamprs]

Just finished my new build and need a bunch more USB ports. Is it better to get one of these external 4-port hubs or a pci card with 4 more USB ports (like this)

Is there any reason to get one over the other. I'm leaning towards the latter for cleaner look

 

[LED]

Card as long as it's 1 NEC chipset...

 

[petesamprs]

Why and what does "as long as it's 1 NEC chipset" mean?

thx

 

[corkyg]

A lot depends on what devices you intend to hang on it. The PCI card approach is good - I use it - but it draws power from the same source as the mobo's USB ports - your power supply.

If you use a hub, that is normally powered separately and does not draw on your built in power supply. I use that as well.

I have BOTH installed. Once in a while, I get USB drops from the PCI card ports with certain devices, so I move them to the powered hub and there is no problem there.

 

[NateSLC]

You get one more usable port if you go the PCI card route.

 

[LED]

PCI hubs add an extra chain to the equation and although self powered are the best PCI slots are volted as well...some hubs have 7 ports so if you want plenty many the theirs a thought, not the PCI route...by running benches NEC newest chipset surpases VIA's or ULi, their counterpart

 

[alevasseur14]

One thing to consider is the amount of data you'll be sending through these ports. If you get the PCI card, each device you connect will get a shot at the PCI bus. However, if you decide to go with the hub, each device will connect to the hub and eventually end up sharing the bandwidth of the one USB port the hub is connected to. Now, if all you'll be connecting to the hub is keyboards, mice, and printers, that's great. If you connect your MP3 player, digital cam, etc... to the hub, things could get hairy.

Just something to think about.

 

[Mem]

I prefer my 7 port USB 2.0 powered hub(NEC chipset based too).

f you connect your MP3 player, digital cam, etc... to the hub, things could get hairy.

Never had any problems with my MP3 ,digital cam devices etc...I guess you can argue it is really a personal preference to what you prefer and why,bottomline I have never had any problems with my 7 port hub.

 

[petesamprs]

Are there pci cards with >4 USB ports?

EDIT: Looks like some have "internal" ports as well. What's the point of that?

 

[Mem]

Are there pci cards with >4 USB ports?

Yes.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: petesamprs
Are there pci cards with >4 USB ports? Looks like some have "internal" ports as well. What's the point of that?

The internal ports are so you can connect them to any front panel ports built in to your case. Those are very convenient.

 

[LED]

To add if you get a PCI card then consider one with a Firewire/USB connect combo

 

[petesamprs]

All good advice and info. thanks guys.