Winmodem help

Auric

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
9,591
2
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My friend has a PCI Winmodem which seems to be causing problems with game controllers only when playing online. It eventually got down to on-site tech support and they recommended the purchase of an external modem. I don't know why they specified external instead of hardware except maybe because all externals are hardware. The CPU is a P3 500 and the modem is based on a Conexant (formerly part of Rockwell) chip. I recall vaguely from back in the day that Winmodems use something like 12% of a P200. In any case, is it really possible that this is the problem and if so why was this major manufacturer willing to save $5-10 at the expense of a basic function of a home PC? And why not at least arrange an "upgrade" swap at cost or something now that the problem has been discovered (it's still under warranty).
 

Jonny

Golden Member
Oct 26, 1999
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Hmmmm.....win modems unfortunatly can be very frustrating. And yes, all exteral modems are hardware. I can tell you right now, you will not regret getting one of them.

However, I have used software modems (Zoltrix) and have had no trouble. However, that is on newer computers. I would recommend trying to sell the software modem and buying hardware modem. I see your frustration, but you will likely not get a refund of any type, only a replacement.
 

Modus

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,235
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First of all, not all external modems are entirely hardware based, particularly those that use USB.

But you're right, it's unlikely the Winmodem is eating enough of your CPU to cause major problems while playing online. If the problem only occurs when using a game controller, look for any IRQ conflicts/sharing between the sound card, USB, and the modem. Also keep in mind that some controllers, especially force-feedback models, will lag the game regardless of whether you are online.

And of course, update your modem drivers to their latest revision.

Modus
 

Auric

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
9,591
2
71
There are no conflicts and the latest modem (and other device) drivers have been installed and several different non-feedback joysticks and gamepads have been tried under fresh installs of both Win98 and WinME. Over the phone support guessed it was a conflict between the modem and gameport but it did not show up as a conflict in Device Manager and when the "engineer" came to the house they finally recommended the external modem. The problem is the control itself acting flaky when online. This just strikes me as weird since the P3 500 should have plenty of oomph. If there was no conflict listed could this still happen if devices were sharing IRQ's? Maybe the modem could be physically moved to another slot (the soundcard/gameport is on the mobo)?? Unfortunately they are a PC novice and I can't sort it out myself because we don't live in the same city. And guys it really is a friend not like my anonymous "friend" with alcohol/sexual/et cetera problems ;)
 

Modus

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,235
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Auric,

Sure, sure it's a friend. And does this "friend" have trouble with feelings of abandonment and self-worth? Please, what do you take us for? ;)

Well, if they get a new modem or an external modem, they're still going to have to remove the old internal one, so you might as well walk them through it and get them to try a different slot. I still think your problem is some kind of driver/resource conflict but it might come down to a mutual incompatibility that can only be solved by changing your modem or switching to a new sound card.

Modus