StarTech.com PEX1394B3LP 3-Port Low Profile PCIe FireWire Card - 2 x 1394b 800 Mbps & 1 x 1394a 400 Mbps
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This FireWire card delivers professional-grade connectivity with full compliance to IEEE 1394b standards and backward compatibility with IEEE 1394a-2000 and 1394-1995 specifications. The dual 9-pin FireWire 800 ports support data transfers at 800 MB/s, making them ideal for external storage arrays, professional audio/video equipment, and high-bandwidth peripherals.
The single 6-pin FireWire 400 port maintains compatibility with older FireWire devices, including digital cameras, scanners, and legacy storage solutions. The PCI host interface ensures broad motherboard compatibility across both modern and older systems.
Relevant factors for this section include Host Interface, Data Transfer Rate. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
A strong technical summary explains how the product's interfaces, hardware profile, and operating characteristics work together in real deployment. Buyers often need this context to confirm compatibility with existing devices, expected performance in daily use, and whether installation will be straightforward for IT staff or end users.
Key Product Advantages
This adapter stands out with its balanced port configuration, offering both modern FireWire 800 performance and legacy FireWire 400 support in a single low-profile card. The native PCIe chipset architecture ensures stable, efficient data transfers without the bottlenecks associated with bridge chip designs.
Dual-Speed Connectivity
Simultaneously connect high-speed FireWire 800 devices and legacy FireWire 400 equipment through dedicated ports, eliminating the need for multiple adapters or speed compromises.
- 800 Mbps throughput for storage and A/V
- 400 Mbps support for older peripherals
- No bridge chip latency
Flexible Installation
The included full-profile bracket and compact low-profile design accommodate both standard and small-form-factor desktop cases, providing deployment flexibility across different PC configurations.
- Low-profile card fits compact cases
- Full-profile bracket included
- Internal power connector for high-demand devices
Deployment / Use Cases
The PEX1394B3LP serves as a practical connectivity solution for workstations requiring FireWire interfaces for professional audio/video production, data backup systems, or legacy device support. Its dual-speed port configuration makes it particularly valuable in mixed-environment setups where both modern and older FireWire equipment must coexist.
Common deployment scenarios include adding FireWire 800 connectivity to newer PCs lacking built-in FireWire ports, extending the lifespan of legacy FireWire 400 devices in modern systems, and creating dedicated FireWire workstation setups for audio recording studios, video editing suites, or scientific instrumentation.
Professional A/V Workflows
Connect FireWire 800 audio interfaces, video capture devices, and external storage arrays for professional media production with minimal latency and maximum throughput.
Legacy Device Migration
Maintain access to older FireWire 400 scanners, cameras, and storage devices while transitioning to modern computer systems with PCI Express architecture.
Physical Profile
Measuring 3.30" in length, 2.30" in width, and 0.80" in height (83.82 mm x 58.42 mm x 20.32 mm), this compact plug-in card fits most desktop PCI Express slots. The lightweight 1.50 oz (42.52 g) design minimizes strain on the motherboard slot while the low-profile form factor accommodates space-constrained small-form-factor cases.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 0.80" (20.32 mm), 2.30" (58.42 mm), 1.50 oz (42.52 g). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Width
- 2.30" (58.42 mm)
- Height
- 0.80" (20.32 mm)
- Weight
- 1.50 oz (42.52 g)
- Length
- 3.30" (83.82 mm)
What's in the Box
The package includes everything needed for installation across different case types and provides comprehensive documentation for setup.
Highlights
- Two 9-pin FireWire 800 ports with 800 Mbps transfer rates
- One 6-pin FireWire 400 port for legacy device compatibility
- Native PCI Express chipset architecture without bridge chip
- Includes both low-profile card and full-profile installation bracket
- Internal power connector for high-powered FireWire devices
- Compliant with IEEE 1394b and backward compatible with 1394a standards
- Broad OS support: Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Lifetime limited warranty for long-term reliability
- TAA compliant for government procurement
- Compact dimensions: 3.30" x 2.30" x 0.80"
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PEX1394B3LP |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 3 Port 2b 1a Low Profile 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card Adapter |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | FireWire Adapter |
| Technical Information | |
| Host Interface | PCI |
| Media & Performance | |
| Data Transfer Rate | 800 MB/s |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of FireWire/i.LINK Ports | 3 |
| Number of FireWire/i.LINK 400 Ports | 1 |
| Number of FireWire/i.LINK 800 Ports | 2 |
| Software | |
| Operating System Supported | Windows 2000,Windows XP,Windows Vista,Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1,Windows 10,Windows 11,Windows Server 2003,Windows Server 2008 R2,Windows Server 2012,Windows Server 2016,Windows Server 2019,Windows Server 2022,Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard,Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion,Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite,Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan,Mac OS X 10.12 Sierra,Mac OS X 10.13 High Sierra,Mac OS X 10.14 Mojave,Mac OS X 10.15 Catalina,Mac OS X 11.0 Big Sur,Mac OS X 12.0 Monterey,Mac OS X 13.0 Ventura,Linux 3.5.x |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Plug-in Card |
| Height | 0.80" (20.32 mm) |
| Width | 2.30" (58.42 mm) |
| Length | 3.30" (83.82 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.50 oz (42.52 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 3 Port 2b 1a Low Profile 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card Adapter 1 x FireWire Cable 1 x Full Profile Bracket 1 x Software CD 1 x Instruction Manual |
| Platform Supported | PC,Mac,Linux |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of devices can I connect to this FireWire card?
You can connect a wide range of FireWire devices including external hard drives, professional audio interfaces, video capture equipment, digital cameras, scanners, and legacy storage solutions. The dual 9-pin FireWire 800 ports support high-speed devices up to 800 Mbps, while the single 6-pin FireWire 400 port maintains compatibility with older 400 Mbps equipment.
Will this card work with my small-form-factor PC case?
Yes, the card features a low-profile design measuring just 0.80" in height, making it compatible with most small-form-factor desktop cases. The package includes both the low-profile card and a full-profile bracket, allowing installation in standard desktop cases as well for maximum deployment flexibility.
What operating systems does this FireWire adapter support?
The adapter supports Windows versions from Windows 2000 through Windows 11, multiple Windows Server editions (2003 through 2022), macOS versions from OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard through macOS 13 Ventura, and Linux 3.5.x kernels. This comprehensive compatibility ensures functionality across legacy systems, modern workstations, and server environments.
How does the native PCI Express chipset benefit performance?
The native PCIe chipset architecture eliminates the bridge chip typically found in some FireWire adapters, reducing latency and improving data transfer efficiency. This direct connection to the PCI Express bus provides more stable throughput, particularly important for professional audio/video applications and high-speed storage transfers where consistent performance is critical.
What is the purpose of the internal power connector?
The internal power connector allows you to provide additional power to high-demand FireWire devices that require more power than the PCI Express bus can deliver alone. This is particularly useful for bus-powered external hard drive arrays, professional audio interfaces, or other peripherals with significant power requirements, ensuring stable operation without external power adapters.
Is this FireWire card backward compatible with older FireWire standards?
Yes, the card is fully compliant with IEEE 1394b standards while maintaining backward compatibility with IEEE 1394a-2000 and the original 1394-1995 specifications. This means you can connect both modern FireWire 800 devices and legacy FireWire 400 equipment to the appropriate ports, with the adapter automatically negotiating the correct speed for each connected device.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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