StarTech.com PCI Express FireWire Card TAA 2x FW800 1x FW400 PEX1394B3
The StarTech.com PEX1394B3 PCI Express FireWire Card provides two FireWire 800 ports and one FireWire 400 port, enabling businesses to integrate essential legacy audio/video and storage devices into modern workstations.
- Legacy Device Integration: Connects older FireWire 800 and 400 peripherals, preserving investments in specialized equipment.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Delivers up to 0.8 Gbit/s, ensuring efficient transfer of large media files without bottlenecks.
- Native PCIe Performance: Features a single-chip PCI Express chipset for stable, high-bandwidth data flow, crucial for professional media workflows.
- TAA Compliant: Meets Trade Agreements Act requirements, simplifying procurement for government and public sector organizations.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The StarTech.com PEX1394B3 is a PCI Express FireWire card designed to add two IEEE1394b (FireWire 800) ports and one IEEE1394a (FireWire 400) port to any compatible workstation or server. This internal card ensures that businesses can maintain connectivity with high-speed legacy peripherals.
Featuring a native Texas Instruments XIO2213B chipset, this card delivers stable data transfer rates up to 0.8 Gbit/s, essential for demanding audio/video editing or data archiving tasks. Its TAA compliance further supports procurement for government and public sector deployments.
- Core Functionality: Adds two FireWire 800 and one FireWire 400 port, extending the utility of existing professional A/V and storage devices.
- Reliable Performance: Utilizes a native PCI Express chipset for consistent 0.8 Gbit/s data transfer, preventing dropped frames or data corruption during critical operations.
- Broad OS Compatibility: Supports a wide range of Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, ensuring seamless integration into diverse IT environments.
- TAA Compliance: Adheres to Trade Agreements Act standards, making it suitable for government, educational, and public sector purchasing requirements.
- Operational Value: With an MTBF of 149,905 hours, this card offers long-term reliability, minimizing the need for frequent replacements and reducing IT overhead.
This FireWire card is a strategic investment for organizations needing to bridge the gap between legacy professional hardware and modern computing platforms.
Technical Specifications
1Performance & Business Impact
2Connectivity & I/O
3Physical & Environmental
4Lifecycle, Warranty & Compliance
Full Specifications
Ports & interfaces5
Features2
Weight & dimensions4
Design3
System requirements1
Technical details1
Packaging data1
Logistics data1
Downloads1
What This Solves
Integrating Legacy A/V Equipment
Many professional environments still rely on FireWire-enabled camcorders, audio mixers, and capture cards for specialized tasks. This card provides the necessary ports to connect these devices, ensuring continued use without costly upgrades.
Media production studios, educational A/V departments, corporate communications teams
High-Speed Data Archiving
Older external hard drives and storage arrays often utilize FireWire 800 for fast data transfer, crucial for large media files or backups. The card enables rapid and reliable data archiving from these legacy storage solutions.
Data management teams, creative agencies, research facilities
Specialized Workstation Connectivity
Certain industrial or scientific instruments, as well as specific diagnostic tools, may require FireWire for data acquisition or control. This card ensures that specialized workstations can interface with these critical devices.
Engineering labs, medical imaging centers, industrial control environments
Key Features
Two FireWire 800 (IEEE1394b) Ports
Provides high-speed connectivity for modern FireWire peripherals, supporting faster data transfer for demanding applications.
One FireWire 400 (IEEE1394a) Port
Ensures backward compatibility with a wide range of older FireWire devices, protecting existing hardware investments.
Native PCI Express Chipset (Texas Instruments XIO2213B)
Delivers stable and efficient data throughput, minimizing latency and ensuring reliable performance for critical operations.
Data Transfer Rate up to 0.8 Gbit/s
Facilitates rapid transfer of large files, reducing wait times for video editing, audio production, or data backups.
TAA Compliant
Meets government procurement requirements, simplifying purchasing processes for public sector organizations and federal contractors.
Industry Applications
Media & Entertainment
Essential for connecting legacy DV camcorders and audio interfaces used in production and post-production workflows.
Education & Research
Enables universities and research institutions to utilize older, specialized lab equipment or media production gear with FireWire interfaces.
Government & Public Sector
TAA compliance simplifies procurement for agencies needing to integrate legacy data acquisition or archival systems.
Legal & Professional Services
Supports law firms and investigative services in digitizing evidence from older FireWire-based recording devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What operating systems are compatible with this FireWire card?
This card supports a broad range of operating systems including Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, 98SE, ME, and various Windows Server versions, along with Mac OS X 10.6 to 13.0, and Linux.
Can this card connect both FireWire 800 and FireWire 400 devices simultaneously?
Yes, the card features two FireWire 800 ports and one FireWire 400 port, allowing you to connect and operate devices using both standards concurrently.
Is a FireWire cable included with the card?
Yes, a FireWire cable is included in the package, along with mounting brackets, drivers, and a manual, for immediate installation and use.
What is the maximum data transfer speed supported by this card?
The StarTech.com PEX1394B3 supports a maximum data transfer rate of 0.8 Gbit/s (800 Mbps), ensuring efficient handling of high-bandwidth applications.
Warranty & Returns
Manufacturer Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer and covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
Return Policy
Returns subject to manufacturer approval
Hardware returns are governed by the manufacturer's return policy. Some products are non-returnable or subject to restocking fees. Defective items are handled under the manufacturer warranty. Contact Zent Networks before initiating any return.