USB to PCI Adapter?

**pyrestriker** · April 15th, 2005, 08:53 PM

Okay. I know it seems like I am a neophite with such a topic at first glance, but let me explain the situation.

I have and older computer, (PII, 128 MB RAM, etc...) and it only has 3 PCI slots. I did not realize this when I bought two new cards for it, because the chassis revealed actually 5. I had previously installed a sound card, and it has a network card already there. I put in the Video card, but the motherboard came preset with only 2 USB 1.1 ports. I bought a USB 2.0 card so that I could more efficiently use my 120 GB Hard drive. However, with few spaces, I have come to a halt. Is there any way I can find an adapter that would allow me to put in an extra PCI card that would hook up to my USB? or do I have to resort to getting a USB wireless network adapter like I am about to do, but would rather not?

**TechZ** · April 16th, 2005, 03:26 AM

Welcome to the forums

a) If youre still sticking with 128mb of ram, get more. Using wifi does take RAM, and so does windows, esp. if youre running XP.

b) Most USB 2.0 PCI cards come with 4 ports, that should be more than enough?

**MobilePCPhysician** · April 16th, 2005, 09:01 AM

To answer the question, no, they do not make a usb device that will allow you to plug a pci card into it.

Return both cards, and buy a barebones system.

Try here: http://www.directron.com/dibusy.html

**TechZ** · April 16th, 2005, 11:29 AM

Dell is offering a 299$ pc.

Just add some Ram and its a decent PC for a Home User.

**ShadowWynd** · April 17th, 2005, 09:15 PM

For starters, I would recommend getting a new system - it will be cheaper in the long run and less of a headache.

That said, you can buy USB-> Ethernet adapters and USB sound cards. The USB NICS usually run around $50, and USB Sound cards start at $30 and go up to a few grand based on features.

So if you ditch the PCI NIC and the PCI sound card and add the USB 2.0 Card and buy a USB NIC and a USB Sound card you should be in business.

**Jeff316** · April 18th, 2005, 01:42 PM

I've never seen any CNR cards for sale but if you have a slot on your board maybe you could track down a CNR sound card or network adapter. Like I said never even seen one so you'll want to research yourself further if you happen to have one of the slots on your board (they are usually at the bottom)

ebay has a few:

Disclaimer (not recommending this product & this is not my auction):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW