FireWire

Developed by Apple in the 80’s, FireWire—originally called IEEE 1394—is a means of high speed communication and data transfer between computers. FireWire is often used with external hard drives and video cameras for the fastest transfer speeds. They are connected to the computer through a FireWire card and FireWire cable. FireWire cards are a standard on both desktop computers and laptops and are found as either 4-circuit connectors or 6-circuit connectors. These connectors can be distinguished by their respective size, with the 4-circuit being smaller.

FireWire cards come in several interface formats in order to accommodate different types of computers and motherboards. Users can identify which interface format to purchase by understanding the different types and what type of computer technology they have.

FireWire PCI Card
$5.95

Desktop Computers

Desktop computers are equipped with a motherboard that allows for expansion and upgrade by inserting different peripheral cards. The most common are PCI and PCI Express cards. PCI cards can be identified by the longer surface area that plugs into the motherboard slot. There are usually several PCI slots on the average motherboard and the user simply needs to slide the PCI FireWire card into a corresponding spot in order for the card to function.

PCI express cards are characterized by the smaller connection point that slides into the PCI Express slot on a motherboard. The connection point is typically at the end of the card and measures only about an inch long. There are typically less PCI Express slots on a motherboard than PCI and therefore users should make sure they have an empty PCI Express slot available before purchasing a PCI Express FireWire card.

ST Lab Firewire 800 ExpressCard/34, 2 Port
$49.18

Laptop Computers

Laptop computers will often have a FireWire connection point built directly into the computer. This connection is built into the motherboard and can be found by locating either the 4-circuit or 6-circuit connector. Most laptops will have the smaller—4-circuit—connector to save space on the computer.

For laptop computers that do not have a built in FireWire connection, users have the option of installing either a FireWire PCMCIA card or a FireWire ExpressCard. These cards can be installed through a card slot most often located on the side of the laptop.

PCMCIA cards, or PC Cards, are an older technology that is the width and length of a credit card. Users with a FireWire pcmcia card simply need to slide the card into the corresponding slot in order for the card to function.

The other laptop connection card format is the ExpressCard. They are a newer technology and have become the standard on laptop computers. They come in two sizes, 33mm and 54mm wide and slide into the corresponding laptop slot. It is important to note that the PCMCIA card and the larger ExpressCard are both the same width. Therefore it can be difficult to determine which card is compatible with a user’s individual laptop.

For each of the interface formats discussed it is important for the user to first determine which connection their computer has. This information can be found through the computer manual, the computer website, or by viewing the connection and determining the size of the card needed.