[RESOLVED] Abit KT7 USB 2.0 PCI Card

[ggalv]

I am looking into getting a USB 2.0 PCI card to use for external hard drives (Western Digital, Verbatim, etc) and iPods for an Abit KT7 Motherboard.

Do you guys have any recommendations (brand and model) of a card that has worked well with the Abit KT7 Motherboard?

THANKS

[DanceMan]

Look for an NEC chip on the board and avoid cards with Via chips.

[Shinma]

Ditto.

Another to avoid, those using the SiS chip.

[ggalv]

Would it be possible to give me advice on one of the cards from the site shown below. I was looking at the Belkin (F5U219-LP, F5U219v1, F5U220v1) or D-Link DU-520. I didn't see information about the chips. Really appreciate your recommendation.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...%20card&Page=1

[DanceMan]

Many of the listings on the page you linked had information on the chipset used. This one was the cheapest that speced an NEC chipset.

[ggalv]

Thanks for your help.

The link provided did not work. Also, where do you look for the type of chip being used? Hmmmm, I really did not see it in the description or speficifcations. I found a few cards that had an NEC in the model number, but there was not that many. I did not see the NEC in neither of the Belkin or D-link cards.

[DanceMan]

Sorry about that. Here's a link that works.

[Shinma]

... Also, where do you look for the type of chip being used? Hmmmm, I really did not see it in the description or speficifcations...

The good thing about newegg's website is that one can display large images.
Most of their images are good enough that you can read the chip being used on the PCI USB cards.

Forgot to mention, along with avoiding VIA and SiS chips.
Avoid those using ALi chips as well.

[ggalv]

DanceMan, I really appreciate your time and your recommendation. I don't mean to question you. But its that I am not really up to date with the pci cards, and the only brand names that I really knew was Belkin and D-link.

Do you think I should still go ahead and buy the Bytecc, even though it is not a top seller for newegg. Thanks.

[DanceMan]

I would. It's only a usb card. If they're using the same chip, I don't see how much extra value you're getting for 2 1/2 times the price.

[ggalv]

THANKS. I have placed the order.

[ggalv]

I am going to remove the original USB 1.1 card when I put the new USB 2.0 pci card.

I read somewhere to avoid putting PCI cards in slot 4 and 6, since these slots share an IRQ with USB by default.

Does this seem right? Is this applicable to all pci cards or only usb cards?

Thanks

[Shinma]

In described situation, all PCI expansion cards.

[ggalv]

What changes are typically done in the BIOS when a USB 2.0 card is being used for the ABIT KT7?

Also, do the driveres get installed by windows xp (SP3) automatically or do I need to install the drivers using the CD that comes with the card?

[Shinma]

Driver should not be required.