large view Empty PCI slots inside a desktop PC

 Firewire Cards
   
Purpose:
If your desktop or laptop computer does not have a built-in firewire port, or if you want to add capability for a second or third camera, you'll need to add additional firewire card(s) to your computer.

For Desktop Computers:
Referred to as a "PCI Firewire Card".  Gets installed into an open PCI slot inside your PC.  See our recommendations below.  Note that slim or small form factor computers may not allow for standard tall PCI cards to be installed.

For Laptop Computers:
Referred to as either a "PC or PCMCIA Card" (older) or "ExpressCard" (newer) firewire card, depending on which slot type your laptop has (some laptops have both).  Verify the correct slot before ordering!  See our recommendations below.

What To Avoid:
-Avoid firewire cards that combine other connection types alongside firewire ports (such as USB plus firewire) as you don't want to use the card simultaneously with other devices.
-Avoid firewire cards with newer 9-pin 800mbps ports.

NOTE- To prevent bandwidth issues, do not connect multiple cameras to a single firewire card.  Each camera needs it's own firewire input card.  You must only connect ONE camera per card, even though most firewire cards have multiple ports.

Recommendations:

Firewire PCI Card (Desktop Computers)

Laptop Firewire Card (ExpressCard Slot)

Laptop Firewire Card (PCMCIA CardBus Slot)

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