I think I understand what it does but I just want to make sure. I have a crappy MDG computer that has 0 working USB ports, something to do with the motherboard. Anyways I have seen I can pick up a USB to PCI adapter for about 20$ so I am wondering if I buy this will it allow me to use USB keyboards/mice or am I completely not understanding it.
2007-10-31 15:46:00 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
I'm using one of those little puppies here. It works for Linux and also for Windows starting with 98SE, no drivers required. In other words, those sold today - just work.
Ancient PCs have ISA slots which are usually black and longer than the usually white PCI slots. PCI came much later. So do take a peek.
This card goes in any available PCI slot and provides USB ports for any use - including a cable connector in case you need to move the cable running to a front-panel USB outlet. Be sure you have the PCI slot in the computer, and that the $20 card spec is for 2.0 USB (they all are these days but check anyway).
Then go for it!
2007-10-31 15:50:06 · answer #1 · answered by widowmate 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well, just to be clear you want a 4 port USB PCI card.
Some have more or less ports.
That plugs into a spare PCI card slot in your computer and provides USB ports on the rear panel. They usually also have an internal connector or 2 so u can connect a front panel connector to it if u have one.
As u state it "USB to PCI" could be something different.
make sure it is USB 2 compatible. Actually, I think there is soon to be another upgrade to the spec. Not sure when.
2007-10-31 22:59:12 · answer #2 · answered by Bill R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah sounds like you have it understood right. As long as you have a good working PCI slot in your pc, you install the card, and you will have however many USB slots are available on the card (4-5 usually). Another good part, all the cards available now are USB 2.0 which is faster then USB 1.1 which was probably on your old motherboard to begin with.
2007-10-31 22:51:41 · answer #3 · answered by mbar21 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People buy this when they require more USB ports, or their onboard USB ports are not working or they require USB 2.0 ports on their USB 1.0 only system.
Remember to uninstall the USB devices in Device Manager before installing the new card.
XP has its own USB driver, the card will come with drivers for WIn 98se/ME Windows and Bios update may be required.
The card has to go into certain slot. Change to another PCI slot if you find IRQ conflict
USB card come with different chipsets - mainly NEC or VIA - I was told to avoid VIA cards.
2007-10-31 23:36:57 · answer #4 · answered by BlurredMind 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It generally depends on your computer, if you have PCI, PCI-e, or AGP. Those are the internal slots on your computer. As for what it specifically does, I am not exactly sure, I would have to see an image.
2007-10-31 22:50:05 · answer #5 · answered by goshops 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
PCI card to help connect USB things such as memory sticks, external hard drives, etc.
2007-10-31 22:53:45 · answer #6 · answered by AznKenshin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋