Upgrade to USB 2.0 1

[JWorld]

Hi, there

i have a HP Pavilion PC I bought in 2001. It has only one USB 1.1 port in the front panel and another one in the back. I want to upgrade to USB 2.0, but not sure where to start.

I would really appreciate any input on this post. A few questions I can think of currently are:

Do I have to replace the current USB 1.1 or is it possible to make the two coexist?

What hardware do i have to purchase, and what is each of them for?

Thanks, guys

P.S. any links to relevant sites are appreciated too.

 

[JWorld]

By the way, is USB 2.0 host controller card the same as the USB PCI Card?

 

[franklin97355]

You need a USB 2.0 PCI card and depending on what you want to do with your computer you might want to consider a USB/firewire combo card. Just Google.

 

[paparazi]

JWorld
Yes a USB host controller card is the same.
These PCI addon cards give you an extra 4 ports (normally) and use there own controller chip, which means they are an extra so don't interfere with you existing USB1.1 in any way (thats good) they can be bought for $20 or less and offer upto 40X the speed of USB1.1 (absolutely essential for high speed devices like external hard drives and writers)
They don't need drives installing (XP & W2K) as long as you have later service packs installed.

Simpling plug and play, instant USB2 (well 5/10 seconds) Bobs your uncle.

Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[JWorld]

Hello, paparaza,

I just come across another question.
The step-by-step guide that I googled illustrats an installation of a front panel. But my computer tower does NOT seem to have an free bay for installing a USB panel. (Which means I have no way to access the four ports you mentioned) How could this problem be solved?


thanks

 

[franklin97355]

http://www.usb-2-0.com/usb-2-0-pci-card.html

 

[paparazi]

JWorld
Well the 4 ports end up at the back just like the others so can be permanently plugged in to periferals OR have you a spare floppy drive bay? these are pretty useful but you will still need the USB2 card AS WELL (top picture)

http://www.neticamall.com/P_1263.htm

Martin


We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[Designhaus]

I added a USB 2.0 card and mounted the interface inside a floppy port inside my old Win2000 workstation. It works great. The bezel panel that came with the kit was able to accommodate a CD (wide) bay or a floppy bay. I've got four front-accessible USB ports that work well on that system now.

Jeff Mowry
Industrial Designhaus, LLC

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

 

[bcastner]

paparazi,

Quibble: "...and use there own controller chip, which means they are an extra so don't interfere with you existing USB1.1 in any way (thats good)"

It is so that they can do USB 1.x; interference is not the issue.

(You know I love you big guy.)
Bill

 

[paparazi]

bcastner
I was just pointing out that the controller on the addon card is independant Bill, obvious to you and me but not always obvious to the poster.

I love you to!
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.