Low cost PCI-X USB 2.0 Solution...

[handheldgames]

Hey All...

Like most macpro owners, I'm short on USB ports and have been looking for a cost effective add-in solution that isn't hella over priced. After doing a bit of research, I think I found the item to get:

Over at NewEgg, they have this card for $23 delivered:
Rosewill 4+1 USB 2.0 Card

For comparison, here is the same card from Sonnet that sells for about $56.00 delivered:

The cards have nearly an identical layout and the same NEC chipset. I'm guessing this is the same part with the only difference being the purple PCB and a couple capacitors, which is not worth $30.00!

I've ordered mine and thought I'd share! Anyone else out there know of any low cost solutions?

 

[alphaod]

Just get the Rosewill one; also it's called PCI Express, not PCI-X

 

[handheldgames]

Just get the Rosewill one; also it's called PCI Express, not PCI-X

Already ordered. Whoops... My bad... Would change the title if I could.

 

[alphaod]

Already ordered. Whoops... My bad... Would change the title if I could.

It doesn't really matter; if you ordered you ordered; they are same though.

 

[handheldgames]

Just wanted to pass on an update.. The $23 card from new egg works great.

 

[philipma1957]

thanks for the update

 

[JustinBW]

Do you need to connect these cards to the power supply somehow?

If so, are there card that do not require external power?

Also did you have to download a driver or anything, it does not list Mac OS as supported on the newegg tech spec page.

 

[goMac]

Do you need to connect these cards to the power supply somehow?

If so, are there card that do not require external power?

Also did you have to download a driver or anything, it does not list Mac OS as supported on the newegg tech spec page.

The answers are no, no, and most likely no. OS X has drivers for common USB chipsets.

 

[philipma1957]

Do you need to connect these cards to the power supply somehow?... you snap them in an open pci e slot they all have power.

If so, are there card that do not require external power? ...yes any one that will go into a pci e slot

Also did you have to download a driver or anything, it does not list Mac OS as supported on the newegg tech spec page.... I did not have to download a driver it worked

note if you have a new mac make sure you know if you have pci slots or pci e slots this only fits pci e slots

 

[handheldgames]

The card draws the power from the PCI Express bus. It has an additional power connector on it if you needed it for some reason.

The driver is built into OS X. Just plug it in and it works. I took the risk knowing it may not work, turned out to be exactly what I needed.

Should work fine in any MacPro.

Do you need to connect these cards to the power supply somehow?

If so, are there card that do not require external power?

Also did you have to download a driver or anything, it does not list Mac OS as supported on the newegg tech spec page.