StarTech PEX1394B3 3-Port FireWire PCIe Card

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87%
91%
Data Transfer Speed
89%
Ease of Installation
93%
Compatibility with Operating Systems
84%
Build Quality
88%
Reliability
85%
Performance with Legacy Devices
87%
Size and Form Factor
90%
Power Connector Support
92%
Value for Money
82%
User-Friendliness
88%
Support for High-Powered Devices
75%
Performance with Non-Standard Devices
More

Overview

The StarTech PEX1394B3 3-Port FireWire PCIe Card is a straightforward solution for adding FireWire connectivity to desktop PCs. This PCIe card features two FireWire 800 ports and one FireWire 400 port, ideal for users who need to connect legacy devices like digital cameras and audio equipment. It’s especially useful for systems that lack built-in FireWire support. The card is designed to be easy to install, making it a good choice for both home users and professionals looking to expand their desktop’s connectivity options with a simple upgrade.

Features & Benefits

This FireWire card offers a high-speed data transfer rate of 800Mbps on its FireWire 800 ports, making it suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing or transferring large files. Thanks to its native PCI Express chipset, the card provides stable and reliable performance. It also includes a low-profile bracket that allows installation in smaller PC cases, making it versatile for a variety of setups. For users requiring additional power, the internal power connector ensures support for high-powered FireWire devices.

Best For

The StarTech PEX1394B3 is best suited for users who need FireWire connectivity for legacy devices, such as older cameras, external hard drives, or audio equipment. It is a good choice for professionals in fields like video and audio editing, photography, or those dealing with large data transfers. Additionally, it works well for PC owners with a PCIe slot looking to add FireWire support to their systems without upgrading their entire setup. The card offers easy integration for users with compatible systems.

User Feedback

Users generally praise this FireWire card for its stability and reliable connection, making it a solid choice for older devices that require FireWire. Many appreciate the easy installation, particularly with the included low-profile bracket that fits into smaller cases. However, some users report that it may not work with certain non-standard FireWire devices, which could be a limitation for specific setups. Overall, the card receives high marks for its performance and compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

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Pros

  • The card provides a stable and reliable connection, making it ideal for transferring large video and audio files.
  • Easy installation with an included low-profile bracket, perfect for users with limited space in smaller PC cases.
  • Supports both FireWire 800 and 400 devices, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of legacy equipment.
  • Highly praised for its broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
  • Ideal for professionals working in video/audio editing, photography, or data transfer who require high-speed performance.
  • This FireWire card offers high-speed data transfer up to 800Mbps, handling demanding tasks with ease.

Cons

  • Some users report that the card may not work properly with certain non-standard or older FireWire devices.
  • The card’s low-profile design may not offer enough flexibility for users needing additional expansion slots or room for larger setups.
  • It’s not suitable for users looking for USB or Thunderbolt connectivity options, as it only supports FireWire.
  • The card does not come with external power support for devices requiring more power, limiting its versatility for certain setups.
  • A few users mentioned compatibility issues with very specific versions of operating systems or hardware configurations.
  • While the card is generally stable, some users experienced occasional connection drops with specific high-demand devices.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews worldwide, across multiple languages and platforms, we've gathered a balanced overview of the StarTech PEX1394B3 3-Port FireWire PCIe Card. This product received feedback from a diverse range of users, with all low-quality, duplicated, and off-topic reviews filtered out. While there are clear strengths, such as stability and ease of installation, some users did report limitations, particularly regarding compatibility with certain non-standard FireWire devices. The scores below reflect both positive and negative feedback from real customers across different regions and systems.

Data Transfer Speed
91%
Many users are pleased with the fast data transfer rates provided by the FireWire 800 ports, which offer up to 800Mbps. This speed is especially appreciated by those who need to transfer large files, like video and audio professionals, ensuring minimal delays during work.
A few buyers mentioned that the transfer speed could be inconsistent when dealing with older or non-standard FireWire devices, which sometimes limits the card's overall effectiveness in certain setups.
Ease of Installation
89%
The straightforward installation process is a standout feature for many users. The included low-profile bracket makes it compatible with various PC cases, and most buyers found the setup to be quick and hassle-free, even for those with minimal technical experience.
Some users experienced minor difficulty when installing the card into older PCs or systems with limited space. A few mentioned that the card’s low-profile bracket wasn't enough to guarantee a perfect fit in more compact cases.
Compatibility with Operating Systems
93%
This card works seamlessly across multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Users from diverse platforms appreciated the plug-and-play nature of the device, with minimal software or driver setup required.
Although the card generally offers great compatibility, a handful of users encountered issues with certain OS versions. Some reported compatibility glitches with older Windows or Linux versions, requiring additional troubleshooting.
Build Quality
84%
The overall build quality of the card is solid, with durable components that users feel can withstand everyday use. The sturdy design gives it a premium feel, and it is reported to handle regular transfers and usage without issues.
A few buyers noted that while the card is functional, the physical design seemed a bit dated compared to newer models. Some also felt that it lacked the refined build quality of higher-end PCIe adapters.
Reliability
88%
Many users report that the FireWire card offers reliable, stable connections with minimal dropout or errors during data transfers. It's a trusted solution for professional environments where consistent performance is key.
On the downside, some users did experience occasional connection instability when using the card with older devices, particularly non-standard or third-party FireWire peripherals, leading to frustration.
Performance with Legacy Devices
85%
For those needing to connect older devices, this card does an excellent job of providing FireWire connectivity. It's particularly appreciated by users working with legacy audio and video equipment, offering reliable functionality without the need for additional adapters.
However, a few users reported that certain older devices didn't always work perfectly with this card. Compatibility issues with very specific legacy equipment were noted, making it less versatile for some users.
Size and Form Factor
87%
The inclusion of a low-profile bracket allows the card to fit easily into compact desktop PCs. Users who need to conserve space in their builds find the size of the card particularly beneficial without sacrificing functionality.
Some users with larger PC builds felt the card was unnecessarily compact, leaving them wishing for more ports or a larger version to match their needs. The small form factor may also feel limiting for those looking for more expandability.
Power Connector Support
90%
The internal power connector is a strong selling point, as it ensures high-powered devices receive the necessary power. This makes it a reliable option for users who require robust power support for devices like external hard drives or professional video equipment.
However, some users mentioned that while the power connector works well, its placement inside the PC can be awkward. For some setups, this can make it difficult to connect certain devices without additional cables or adapters.
Value for Money
92%
Buyers generally find this card to offer excellent value for its price, providing a reliable solution for adding FireWire connectivity to PCs. The performance-to-cost ratio is frequently praised, especially for users who need FireWire support without breaking the bank.
While many users find the price reasonable, a few noted that similar products might offer additional features or higher port counts for just a slightly higher price. This left some feeling that they could have gotten more for their money.
User-Friendliness
82%
18%
The simplicity of the FireWire card makes it user-friendly, especially for non-technical users who need to add FireWire ports to their desktop PC. The ease of installation and solid functionality make it accessible for anyone looking to connect older devices.
Some users felt that the lack of a more detailed user manual or better online resources made setup slightly challenging. A few wished for clearer instructions or troubleshooting guides to help with installation in more complex environments.
Support for High-Powered Devices
88%
The ability to support high-powered devices through the internal power connector is a major plus. This feature makes it suitable for users working with demanding equipment that requires stable and consistent power during transfers.
However, some users pointed out that the power connector can be a bit difficult to access in tight builds, making it cumbersome to properly connect and disconnect high-powered devices.
Performance with Non-Standard Devices
75%
25%
While the card performs well with standard FireWire devices, it can still be a solid solution for users who mainly work with common FireWire peripherals, ensuring compatibility with many professional devices.
The most significant downside is the card's occasional issues with non-standard FireWire devices. Some users experienced erratic performance or complete failure to connect when trying to use the card with less common FireWire products.

Suitable for:

The StarTech PEX1394B3 3-Port FireWire PCIe Card is ideal for users who need to add FireWire connectivity to desktop PCs, particularly those with older devices such as video cameras, audio equipment, or external hard drives. Professionals in video and audio editing or photography, who require high-speed, stable data transfers for large files, will also benefit from this device’s robust performance. It's especially useful for those working with legacy FireWire 800 or 400 equipment. Additionally, PC owners with available PCIe slots and a need for reliable FireWire support will appreciate the easy installation process and the card's compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

Not suitable for:

This FireWire PCIe card is not suitable for users who need a solution for USB or Thunderbolt connectivity, as it only supports FireWire devices. While it excels with legacy FireWire equipment, those who rely on newer or more diverse connectivity options might find it limiting. Users with non-standard FireWire devices may experience inconsistent performance, as the card occasionally struggles with older or uncommon peripherals. Moreover, it may not be the best choice for individuals looking for a more compact form factor or additional expansion options, as the card’s low-profile design could feel restrictive in larger builds.

Specifications

  • Ports: The card features two FireWire 800 ports and one FireWire 400 port for versatile connectivity with older devices.
  • Data Transfer Rate: The FireWire 800 ports support data transfer rates of up to 800Mbps, enabling fast file transfers.
  • Chipset: It utilizes a native PCI Express chipset for improved performance and reliability.
  • Interface: The card connects via a PCIe (PCI Express) slot, ensuring fast and stable integration with the motherboard.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Windows (7/8/10), macOS (10.11 and later), and Linux systems.
  • Form Factor: The card includes a low-profile bracket, making it compatible with smaller PC cases.
  • Power Connector: An internal power connector is included to support high-powered FireWire devices like external hard drives.
  • Dimensions: The card measures 3.3″L x 0.7″W x 4.7″H, ensuring it fits within standard and small-form-factor cases.
  • Weight: Weighing 1.69 oz, the card is lightweight and easy to handle during installation.
  • Package Contents: The package includes the PCIe card and a low-profile bracket for installation in compact cases.
  • OS Support: The card supports major operating systems, including Windows 7/8/10, macOS 10.11 and later, and Linux distributions.
  • Power Requirements: The card requires an internal power connection to ensure proper functionality with high-powered devices.
  • Device Support: It supports a range of FireWire devices such as cameras, audio equipment, and external hard drives.
  • Installation: Installation is straightforward, with plug-and-play support and an included low-profile bracket for easy case fitting.
  • Bus Type: The card uses PCIe x1 for high-speed data communication with minimal latency.
  • System Requirements: Requires a desktop PC with a free PCIe slot and support for FireWire devices.

FAQ

This FireWire PCIe card is used to add FireWire connectivity to desktop PCs that lack built-in FireWire ports. It provides two FireWire 800 ports and one FireWire 400 port, ideal for connecting older devices like cameras and audio equipment.

Installation is simple. Insert the card into a free PCIe slot on your motherboard, and secure it with a screw. The package includes a low-profile bracket for fitting smaller PC cases. Once installed, connect the necessary power cables and your FireWire devices.

Yes, the card is compatible with both Windows (7/8/10) and macOS (10.11 and later). It also supports Linux systems, making it a versatile option for users across different platforms.

No, this card is specifically for FireWire connectivity and does not support USB or Thunderbolt devices. It only supports FireWire 800 and 400 devices, so you will need separate adapters or ports for USB or Thunderbolt connections.

The FireWire 800 ports on this card provide a high-speed data transfer rate of up to 800Mbps, making it suitable for tasks like video editing, data backup, and transferring large files between devices.

Yes, this FireWire card includes an internal power connector, which allows it to support high-powered FireWire devices such as external hard drives, cameras, and audio equipment that require more power for operation.

You can connect a variety of older devices, such as digital cameras, external hard drives, audio equipment, and other FireWire-enabled peripherals. The two FireWire 800 ports offer faster transfer speeds, while the FireWire 400 port is suitable for devices that use that older standard.

Some users have reported compatibility issues with non-standard or very old FireWire devices. While the card supports a wide range of FireWire devices, it's best to ensure that your equipment meets the FireWire specifications supported by this card.

Yes, the card comes with a low-profile bracket, making it compatible with smaller PC cases. If you have a compact or mini PC case, this feature ensures that the card can still be installed without issues.

Yes, this card is highly suitable for professionals in video or audio editing, photography, and similar fields. The high-speed FireWire 800 ports and stable connection make it ideal for tasks requiring fast data transfer and reliable performance with older FireWire devices.