StarTech.com 3 Port 2b 1a 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card

The StarTech.com 3 Port 2b 1a 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card (MPEX1394B3) is a purpose-built solution for professionals and enthusiasts who rely on stable, high-speed external connectivity. Designed with small form factor and embedded systems in mind, this PCI Express to FireWire adapter unlocks the full potential of legacy and modern FireWire devices alike. Whether you’re editing video, transferring large RAW photos, backing up archival drives, or connecting audio and professional video gear, this card delivers dependable performance in a compact, affordable package. Built to maximize compatibility and minimize power draw, it’s the ideal upgrade for workstations, home studios, and industrial applications where external device connectivity matters as much as internal speed. By adding two FireWire 1394b (800 Mbps) ports and one FireWire 1394a (400 Mbps) port to your PCIe-enabled system, you gain a flexible, backward-compatible interface that supports a wide range of devices—from high-speed external hard drives to consumer camcorders and professional audio interfaces. The card emphasizes low-profile installation, making it suitable for slim desktops and embedded environments without compromising on throughput or reliability.

• Tri-port FireWire capability: Two 1394b (IEEE 1394b, 800 Mbps) ports offer fast data transfer for demanding workflows, while a dedicated 1394a (IEEE 1394a, 400 Mbps) port provides broad compatibility with older hardware and devices that still depend on FireWire 400 standards.
• PCI Express interface with flexible form factor: The card uses a PCI Express (PCIe) interface, typically in an x1 slot, enabling modern systems to add high-speed FireWire connectivity without sacrificing PCIe lanes needed for other peripherals. A low-profile bracket is included to fit compact cases and embedded chassis, expanding deployment options for small form factor PCs and embedded systems.
• Broad device compatibility for multimedia and data transfer: Ideal for external storage, professional video capture, audio interfaces, digital camcorders, and legacy FireWire devices. The dual 1394b ports handle data-rich workflows with ease, while the 1394a port ensures compatibility with a vast catalog of older peripherals. This mix gives you a unified FireWire expansion solution that covers both modern and legacy ecosystems.
• Reliable performance and user-friendly installation: Designed for plug-and-play deployment with robust driver support, the card delivers stable throughput and dependable operation across supported operating systems. Its build quality emphasizes shielded design and secure port connections to minimize accidental disconnects during data-intensive sessions.
• Versatile for both professional and consumer environments: Whether upgrading a workstation, equipping a studio PC, or provisioning an embedded system, this FireWire card brings versatile I/O expansion without requiring a motherboard upgrade. It enables seamless data transfer for video editing, audio production, and archival backups, while remaining cost-effective and easy to deploy.

Technical Details of StarTech.com 3 Port 2b 1a 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card

• Model: MPEX1394B3
• Interface: PCI Express to FireWire adapter (PCIe)
• Ports: 3 IEEE 1394 FireWire ports — 2x 1394b (800 Mbps) and 1x 1394a (400 Mbps)
• Form factor: PCIe card with standard and low-profile brackets included
• Data transfer: 1394b up to 800 Mbps per port; 1394a up to 400 Mbps per port
• Compatibility: Designed to work with a broad range of FireWire devices, including external hard drives, camcorders, audio interfaces, and legacy peripherals
• Slots required: One PCI Express slot (commonly PCIe x1)
• Power requirements: Bus-powered via PCIe; no extra power supply required for typical FireWire devices
• Bracket options: Standard full-height and low-profile brackets included for versatile installation
• Physical design: Durable construction with secure port connections to reduce accidental disconnections during transfers
• Operating considerations: Plug-and-play capable with driver support across supported operating systems

How to install StarTech.com 3 Port 2b 1a 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card

• Prepare your system: Power down your computer completely and unplug the power cord. For added safety, discharge any static electricity by touching a metal surface before handling internal components.
• Open the case: Remove the computer’s side panel to access the motherboard and available PCI Express slots. If you’re using a small form factor or embedded chassis, ensure there is clearance for the PCIe card and its bracket.
• Insert the PCIe card: Locate a vacant PCIe slot (preferably PCIe x1 for this card) and firmly seat the StarTech FireWire card into the slot. Push gently but securely until the card is fully seated and the bracket aligns with the rear of the case.
• Secure the card: Fasten the card’s bracket to the case with a screw to ensure a stable installation and prevent movement during operation.
• Connect FireWire devices: Attach your FireWire cables to the appropriate ports on the card (two 1394b for high-speed devices and one 1394a for legacy devices). Ensure the connections are snug.
• Power on and install drivers: Reconnect power and boot the computer. If your operating system prompts for drivers, allow it to search or insert the StarTech driver package. In many cases, the product is recognized automatically as a standard PCIe FireWire controller, but refer to the included documentation for any OS-specific steps.
• Verify and test: Once the drivers are installed, verify that connected FireWire devices enumerate correctly in your operating system (Device Manager on Windows, appropriate system utility on macOS/Linux). Test data transfer between devices to confirm stable performance across both 1394b and 1394a ports.
• Upgrade and maintenance: Periodically check StarTech’s website for firmware or driver updates that may improve compatibility with newer devices or operating systems, ensuring continued reliability and performance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What devices can I connect with the MPEX1394B3 card?
  A: The card supports a wide range of FireWire devices, including external hard drives, camcorders, audio interfaces, professional video equipment, and older peripherals that rely on IEEE 1394a or 1394b interfaces. The dual 1394b ports provide high-speed data transfer, while the 1394a port ensures compatibility with legacy devices.
• Q: Do I need additional power for this FireWire card?
  A: No extra power is typically required. The card draws power from the PCIe slot and supports bus-powered FireWire devices. If you connect power-hungry devices, ensure your system’s power supply is stable and sufficient for all components in use.
• Q: Which systems and operating systems are supported?
  A: The card is designed to be compatible with major operating systems that support FireWire hardware, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Driver availability and installation steps may vary by OS, so refer to StarTech’s official documentation or support site for your specific version.
• Q: How many ports does the card have and what speeds do they support?
  A: The card features three ports: two 1394b (IEEE 1394b) ports capable of up to 800 Mbps each and one 1394a (IEEE 1394a) port capable of up to 400 Mbps. This configuration allows high-speed transfers for modern devices while maintaining compatibility with older hardware.
• Q: Is a low-profile bracket included?
  A: Yes, both standard full-height and low-profile brackets are included to fit a variety of chassis, including small form factor and embedded systems. This makes the MPEX1394B3 suitable for compact builds and dense environments.