Questions about Dell 8100

[lazydog5]

I have a couple questions about a Dell Dimension 8100. I know nothing about Dell because I build my own systems.

My friend bought a Dell 8100 a couple years ago. It came with Windows 98 so he replaced 98 with XP Pro. We both assume that the USB ports are USB 1, not USB 2.0, so he wants to install a USB 2.0 card and hub, along with some USB 2.0 peripherals. The specifications on the USB 2.0 card at Walmart, says to install it into a PCI 2.1 slot. I know what a PCI slot is, of course, but what is a PCI 2.1 slot? Does a Dell 8100 have PCI 2.1 slots or just plain PCI slots? Do I have to do any more than install a USB 2.0 card to make this 8100 USB 2.0 capable? Thanks in advance for all replies. Bill

 

[ski]

You can check if that system has USB 2.0 ports in Device Manager.
If DM says 'Enhanced USB', then they're USB 2.0
If DM says just 'USB', then they're USB 1.1

If they're USB 1.1, then install a USB 2.0 PCI card.
The PCI slot does not have to be 2.1 as a standard PCI slot has a 1056 mbs max capacity data rate, which can easily digest USB 2.0's 480 mbs max transfer rate.

 

[lazydog5]

Thanks Ski. Bill

 

[ski]

You're welcome.