Firewire/USB/PCI

[ecc83]

Now don't groan, I do not want to get into that debate (again!).

My question is, are firewire sockets common on pc's Stateside?

I ask because this option is often given out to noobs and the fact is that very few machines in UK are so endowed and noobs are not likely to have a cutting edge, dual4core Deep Thought clone. The pci/fw add on card is of course a bit fraught as well. It should be pointed out that laptops are almost always 4pin fw and therefore cannot power out board gear(unlike usb).

While this pc T as S person is here, how can I tell if my new (Ei-Systems) pc has a firewire chip in it and if so does that mean I just need a back/front plate with connectors?

Dave.

[itsplayed]

If your computer has an firewire port, then there is a firewire controller chip on-board. If not, then an add-in card is needed.

[ecc83]

Yes but,
I saw a statement to the effect that a pc might have a fw chip in it (causing a problem) without any outward sign. Also my pc is a "special" from PCWorld and has Med cen e software on it but none of the hardware e.g. remote or tv tuner. It does however has some blanked off ports next to the usb's and I wondered if the MOBO might have fw capability.
My other pc, some 2yrs older, has I know a header for a digital sound backplate. I could never find one and now I have disabled the sound anyway.

I do not have any need for fw at the moment but if I just need a backplate I might investigate it.

Dave.

[itsplayed]

I have never heard of a system that sports a firewire controller chip but failed to make use of it, but I guess it's possible. Have you looked in the device manager for signs of a firewire controller? You can also run this diagnostic software to see what's up with the system....
http://www.sisoftware.net/index.html?dir=&location=downandbuy&langx=en&a=

[ecc83]

Thanks, I ran the software. I have used it some time ago, it is much easier to understand now.
It seems my pc does not have any fw capability, never mind.

The scan showed up that I could get a memory bandwidth improvement if I fitted a separate graphics card. I have an ATI Rage 128 in an old pc, would it be worthwhile to fit it?

Dave.

[itsplayed]

If your looking to increase the bandwidth, then yes....but it may not be as strong in the graphics department as your current graphics chip. I would look to see what graphics port you have, Sandra should tell you. If it's an AGP port then using an AGP graphics card would be best.