StarTech.com
3 Port Low Profile PCI Express FireWire 1394b Card
Best connectivity upgrade for legacy FireWire device users.
Enhance your desktop connectivity with the StarTech.com 3 Port PCI Express FireWire Card, adding two native FireWire 800 ports and one FireWire 400 port. This adapter is ideal for connecting DV camcorders, external hard drives, and digital cameras. It includes both low-profile and full-size brackets for flexible installation in standard or small form factor PCs. Utilizing a native PCI Express chipset ensures faster, more reliable performance. This versatile adapter is TAA compliant and backed by a lifetime warranty for long-term peace of mind.
$65.08
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
198
/ 1154
#198 in Computer Interface Cards & Adapters
Price vs Category Average
-89%
Below average
Interface
PCI Express
/ PCI Express
Who it's for
- Audio and video professionals using legacy high-speed hardware
- System builders working with compact or standard desktop chassis
- Users needing to connect multiple FireWire peripherals simultaneously
Who should skip it
- Modern users seeking current connectivity standards for new hardware
- PC builders lacking available internal power supply connectors
- Non-technical users avoiding complex driver or OS compatibility troubleshooting
Performance breakdown
Data Throughput
Native PCIe chipset ensures consistent 800Mbps speeds for demanding media transfers.
Installation Versatility
Included low-profile and full-size brackets fit almost any desktop chassis.
Device Compatibility
Seamlessly bridges legacy FireWire peripherals with modern Windows and Mac systems.
Build Reliability
Lifetime warranty underscores the robust engineering of this interface card.
Port Configuration
Smart mix of 800 and 400 ports covers all legacy connection needs.
System Integration
Native chipset architecture minimizes driver overhead for a smoother user experience.
Key Specs
Interface
PCI Express
Ports
2x FireWire 800 (9-pin), 1x FireWire 400 (6-pin)
Maximum Data Transfer Rate
800 Mbit/s (FireWire 800)
Chipset
Native PCI Express
Form Factor
Low profile (includes full-profile bracket)
Compatibility
Windows, Mac OS X (10.6 to 13.0), Linux (3.5.x+)
Model Number
PEX1394B3LP
Certification
TAA Compliant
Features
- Adds two FireWire 800 and one FireWire 400 port.
- Includes low-profile bracket for SFF PCs.
- Features a native PCI Express chipset for reliability.
- Supports high-powered FireWire devices easily.
- Compatible across Windows, Mac, and Linux OS.
- Delivers fast data transfers up to 800Mbps.
- Backed by a lifetime warranty for performance assurance.
- Enables connection of various FireWire peripherals.
What customers say
Customers highly value this StarTech.com FireWire card for its exceptional compatibility and reliability in connecting legacy devices like MiniDV camcorders and professional audio gear. The plug and play installation is remarkably straightforward across Windows and macOS systems. Reviewers frequently praise the stable performance when transferring large files or maintaining audio streams. A significant advantage is the inclusion of both standard and low profile brackets, offering versatility for various PC cases. This card effectively extends the life of expensive older peripherals, representing excellent value. It is consistently reported as a dependable solution that fulfills a critical need for users still relying on FireWire technology.
Know before you buy
Yes, the card comes with both a low-profile bracket for small form factor systems and a standard full-size bracket, making it compatible with most desktop tower configurations.
The card is designed to support high-powered FireWire peripherals directly through the PCI Express slot. However, for power-hungry devices, ensure your system's power supply can handle the additional load.
It supports a wide range of systems, including Windows, Linux (3.5.x and later), and macOS versions from 10.6 up to 13.0.
A native PCI Express chipset provides a direct, reliable connection to your motherboard, which typically results in faster, more stable data transfer speeds compared to cards that use a bridge chip.
Yes, the card allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously, supporting both FireWire 800 (9-pin) and FireWire 400 (6-pin) connections across its three ports.
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