FireWire Card Adapter StarTech.com PEX1394B3 3 Port PCI Express 800 400

The StarTech.com PEX1394B3 is a 3-port PCI Express FireWire adapter that adds two IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800, 9-pin) ports and one IEEE 1394a (FireWire 400, 6-pin) port to a desktop or small form factor computer. It uses a native PCIe chipset (Texas Instruments) to provide direct, reliable FireWire connectivity for DV camcorders, external hard drives, digital cameras and other IEEE 1394 devices, supporting data transfer speeds up to 0.8 Gbit/s.

Advantages

The adapter delivers native PCI Express performance via a single-chip design, avoiding bridge-chip bottlenecks and improving reliability and efficiency. With both FireWire 800 and 400 ports, it offers broad device compatibility and supports high-powered FireWire devices. The compact card fits standard and small form factor systems and is backed by StarTech.com’s lifetime warranty and technical support.

Suitable for

• Connecting DV camcorders for video capture and transfer
• Attaching external FireWire hard drives for backup and storage
• Connecting legacy digital cameras and audio interfaces that use FireWire

Key specifications

• Model: StarTech.com PEX1394B3
• Ports: 2 × IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800, 9-pin), 1 × IEEE 1394a (FireWire 400, 6-pin)
• Interface: PCI Express (PCIe)
• Chipset: Native Texas Instruments PCIe chipset
• Max data rate: up to 0.8 Gbit/s
• Compatibility: Windows and Mac OS
• Dimensions (approx.): 18 mm (W) × 85 mm (D) × 120 mm (H)
• Weight: 0.048 kg
• Colour: Green

How to use

Power down the computer and remove the case cover. Insert the PEX1394B3 card into an available PCIe slot and secure it to the chassis. Replace the case cover and power on the system. Install drivers if required by the operating system; Windows and Mac OS typically detect the card automatically or prompt for the supplied drivers. Connect FireWire devices to the appropriate 9-pin (800) or 6-pin (400) ports and verify device recognition in the OS.

Usage recommendations

For reliable data transfer, use quality FireWire cables rated for the corresponding port (9-pin for 800, 6-pin for 400) and avoid using long cable runs. When connecting high-powered FireWire devices, ensure the host system and card can provide necessary power or use externally powered devices where applicable.