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Best Parallel Port Cards

StarTech.com 1 Port PCI Express Dual Profile Parallel Adapter Card - SPP/EPP/ECP - 2x DB25 IEEE 1284 PCIe Parallel Card
This high performance SPP/EPP/ECP parallel card adds one DB25 parallel port, perfect for connecting printers, scanners, CD-R/RW drives, memory card readers, bar code scanners and more. With the added convenience of plug and play capability, installing the parallel adapter card is hassle-free!The PCIe Parallel Adapter card includes both standard and half-height/low profile mounting brackets and is backed by a StarTech.com two year warranty and free lifetime technical support. Use existing parallel devices such as printers, scanners, CD-R/RWs, Zip drives and memory card readers with PCI Express systems, saving the cost and hassle of upgrading peripherals to work with newer systems.
Reviews
"Every StarTech product I've purchase has lived up to my performance expectations. I expect nothing less than an easy install letting Windows 7. load any needed drivers. Always had good luck with StarTech products and given them 5 star ratings. Don't purchase this card and install it in a computer with Windows 7/64 bit OS unless you want alot of frustration. They suggested doing the following: Below are the steps that need to be taken to install the drivers from our website on a Windows 7 64bit machine: Please download the drivers for your product using this link: [...]. When you download files, Windows usually saves them in the Downloads folder which is located under your user name in the users folder on the drive where Windows is installed (for example C:\users\your name\downloads). To open Device Manager: o Press Windows Key + R. o Type - devmgmt.msc. o Click OK. Driver Installation. 1. Select "Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer." If a list of hardware types appears leave it set to show all and click Next. Repeat steps 1-5 for each serial port that appears after the OxMf or OxPCIeMf driver is installed, this time choosing "OxPCIeSer." Note: To check your System Type, click Start > right-click Computer > Properties. Since I already downloaded the .zip file I knew where to look for the drivers. Sent an email back to StarTech Tech Support suggestion they get the installation instructions updated and make mention of checking Port connection."
"The other version is the exact opposite: The half-height bracket is already installed, with a full-height bracket also included in the package."
"I installed this on a new HP Envy 750 64 bit Windows 10 computer with no problems."
"I have to give it 5 stars because everything is pretty-much how I'd like with a port card like this."
"I like this HP printer and really didn't want to replace. The parallel to USB adapters will not work with this particular HP."
"My system recognized the card but I needed to manually install the drivers which were on the supplied CD (it had versions for Win7 32-64, Vista 32-64 and earlier). Software & port lock all happy now and running fine (your mileage may vary depending on application/dongle type)."
"But since this computer never had a parallel port, it also had no LPT1."
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StarTech.com 1 Port Low Profile PCI Parallel Adapter Card PCI1P_LP
The PCI1P_LP 1 Port Low Profile PCI Parallel Adapter Card adds one IEEE 1284 port to your small form factor PC, with data transfer speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps - up to 3 times faster than on-board parallel ports. Supports SPP, EPP, ECP and BPP communication modes for maximum compatibility with your parallel peripherals.
Reviews
"Every StarTech product I've purchase has lived up to my performance expectations. I expect nothing less than an easy install letting Windows 7. load any needed drivers. Always had good luck with StarTech products and given them 5 star ratings. Don't purchase this card and install it in a computer with Windows 7/64 bit OS unless you want alot of frustration. They suggested doing the following: Below are the steps that need to be taken to install the drivers from our website on a Windows 7 64bit machine: Please download the drivers for your product using this link: [...]. When you download files, Windows usually saves them in the Downloads folder which is located under your user name in the users folder on the drive where Windows is installed (for example C:\users\your name\downloads). To open Device Manager: o Press Windows Key + R. o Type - devmgmt.msc. o Click OK. Driver Installation. 1. Select "Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer." If a list of hardware types appears leave it set to show all and click Next. Repeat steps 1-5 for each serial port that appears after the OxMf or OxPCIeMf driver is installed, this time choosing "OxPCIeSer." Note: To check your System Type, click Start > right-click Computer > Properties. Since I already downloaded the .zip file I knew where to look for the drivers. Sent an email back to StarTech Tech Support suggestion they get the installation instructions updated and make mention of checking Port connection."
"The other version is the exact opposite: The half-height bracket is already installed, with a full-height bracket also included in the package."
"I installed this on a new HP Envy 750 64 bit Windows 10 computer with no problems."
"I have to give it 5 stars because everything is pretty-much how I'd like with a port card like this."
"I like this HP printer and really didn't want to replace. The parallel to USB adapters will not work with this particular HP."
"My system recognized the card but I needed to manually install the drivers which were on the supplied CD (it had versions for Win7 32-64, Vista 32-64 and earlier). Software & port lock all happy now and running fine (your mileage may vary depending on application/dongle type)."
"But since this computer never had a parallel port, it also had no LPT1."
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USB Wifi Adapter, AMBOLOVE AC600Mbps Wireless Wifi Dongle Dual Band(2.4G/150Mbps+5G/433Mbps) 802.11N/G/B Antenna Network Lan Card for PC Desktop Laptop Support Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista/Mac OS/Linux
Description: Dual band wireless adapter with high gain long-range 3dBi Antenna brings you a tiny way to get speedy next generation Wi-Fi connections. ✦ 802.11ac 600Mbps: The latest and most powerful wifi technology which is three times faster than 802.11g wireless network. Great performance to reduce freezing and lags when streaming and gaming. If your computer or other machines don't have a place to insert the CD, please use online link to download the driver. Package Included: ※ 1* WiFi Adapter with Antenna. ※ 1* CD Driver. ※ 1* User Manual. ✈ EXCELLENT HIGH SPEED: AMBOLOVE wifi adapters upgrade PC/Desktop/Laptop to 802.11ac with ultra-fast AC600 speed, up to 600Mbps wifi speed on 5GHz/433Mbps or 2.4GHz/150Mbps band. ✈ JUST PLUG AND PLAY: Three steps to off you go, first plug the mini CD in package, and then install the drivers follow the user manual, last you can plug the wifi adapter to use. If needed, you can even download the drivers right now at: https://goo.gl/mz21t1. ✈ WARRANTY AND SUPPORT: Our ONE YEAR Worry-Free Warranty and incredible Customer Service will leave you with peace of mind.
Reviews
"𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐞: Plug 'n play is exactly that - no "steps" to take and no drivers to hassle with. I used my laptop to download the drivers from the link in the description to a USB drive, had to download RAR Opener or some such, extracted the files on USB drive, then transferred the drive to the desktop and clicked on what was or looked like setup.exe."
"I had bought this because my Wi-Fi on/off button on an aging Sony Vaio was defective and this saved me spending big bucks on buying a new laptop."
"This product, to the best of my knowledge, will not UP your internet download and upload speeds -- it simply makes it more consistent with a stronger WiFi signal."
"Improved my connection to full bars as where before I only had 2 or 3, really wasn't sure how good it would do since my computer is on 2nd floor and the box is on main floor but it has made my computer run like new thus saving me a thousand dollars had I went and bought new one."
"I think to be honest with whoever is reading this idk what this thing does but i followed the instruction and tested my wifi speed."
"Note - this won't make your internet faster if you don't have fast internet to begin with, and if your router is slow, this won't help."
"I ran this unit against the wifi built into my HP Spectre."
"Can a small memory chip be added to the circuit so that software can be installed from the built-in USB disk?"
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Best Computer Internal SCSI Port Cards

USB C Hub Multiport USB C to HDMI, USB C to USB Adapter, 8-in-1 Apple USB C Adapter for MacBook Pro and More with Ethernet & TF/SD Card Readers by Letscom, Aluminum Silver
★ HDMI output port: up to 4K UHD (3840x2160 @ 30Hz) or 2K/1080p/720p/480p/360p. ★ Ethernet port (RJ-45 port): 10/100/1000 Mbps. ★ USB 3.0 Type-A port: data transfer up to 5Gbps. ★ USB 2.0 Type-A port: data transfer up to 480Mbps. ★ SD/TF card slot: supported memory card capacity up to 512GB, read/write speed up to 104MB/S. ★ USB Type-C female PD charging port: charging up to 87W of power delivery (Only for laptop charging). ★ System requirements: laptop with an available USB-C port, Windows 7/8/8.1/10, macOS X v10.0 or above operating systems. The USB-C female port of this product is only for charging USB-C laptops whose USB-C port supports USB Power Delivery (PD) and does not support data transfer. Connect devices (e.g. mouse and keyboard) to USB 2.0 ports on the laptop. Connect the USB 3.0 hub to the laptop with a high-quality 1-foot or longer USB 3.0 extension cable; keep USB 3.0 devices away from the host computer. 8-in-1 multiport USB C Hub: USB-C Power Delivery Charging Port, USB C to HDMI Output, 2 x USB 3.0 Ports, USB 2.0 Port, Gigabit Ethernet port (RJ-45 port), SD card reader and TF card reader. USB 3.0/2.0 Ports allow you to connect keyboard, mouse, thumb drive to MacBook Pro, Chromebook and other Type-C devices, and access files from TF or SD card reader.
Reviews
"The USB A ports on the hub did work with my wife's computer."
"After 2 uses, I have had no problems."
"For future design, I wish the hub have either two hdmi or one hdmi and one display port for dual monitor setup."
"Drawback is that the computer doesn’t recommend using as a power source with the charger that comes with your computer."
"I bought TWO cheaper hubs before this one (to power my macbook, and use usb speakers and external drives), and both had problems."
"It gives 3 USB ports, 2 card reader ports, an HDMI port, an ethernet port and a USB-C power port."
"Excellent product, the only fault is when you connect a new device then ethernet shutdown for a second and then reconnect causing downloads to stop, same with a USB driver transmitting files."
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Best Serial Port Cards

StarTech.com 2 Port Native PCI Express RS232 Serial Adapter Card with 16950 UART (PEX2S952)
The PEX2S952 PCI Express based serial card turns a PCI Express slot into 2 RS-232 (DB9) serial connections. Native single-chip, single lane PCI Express offers increased speed and reduced CPU load by up to 48%.
Reviews
"I tried my USB-to-Serial cable that works for many of my other devices but it wouldn't work with the older software and drivers I needed for this scanner."
"Being able to have a console session open to both controllers at the same time has saved me a lot of running back and forth to switch cable connections."
"Initially purchased the Gearhead USB to serial converter from a local computer store, to use with my new Dell Inspiron 3000 PC running Windows 8.1. Six foot cable with Startech adaptor is 6 feet long; important when monitoring counts in real time from the fairly large particle counter, and must set the laptop down somewhere nearby."
"I had several Tandberg/Cisco devices that would not work with a Prolific bridge that worked with the FTDI bridge."
"The installation was problem-free and the serial card works great with both radios along with the software I use (which also upleveled)."
"We sometimes on start up have to individually disconnect and reconnect the usb ports in windows to recognize certain devices."
"An Amazon review for StarTech USB2serial indicated WIN10 works and they are likely referring to the StarTech ICUSB2324I 4-Port Industrial USB to Serial Hub, which I will order next."
"If the device is removable, remove the device and then disable/enable from device manager to recover."
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Best Internal USB Port Cards

Inateck SuperSpeed 4 Ports PCI-E to USB 3.0 Expansion Card - Interface USB 3.0 4-Port Express Card Desktop with 15 Pin SATA Power Connector, [ Include with A 4Pin to 2x15pin Cable + A 15Pin to 2X 15Pin SATA Y-Cable ], KT4001
Attention 1) if your PC's power supply unit has only free 4 pin Molex plugs left, PLEASE power the card using the enclosed 4 pin Molex to SATA converter. Please make sure the power cable Strand colors match each other when connecting to the power augmentation to avoid a faulty current. PCI Express expansion card with 4 USB 3.0 ports: with quick and easy installation, this PCI Express card expands your PC by four high-speed USB 3.0 interfaces. Backwards compatible: works great with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices.Supports USB hot Plug, Plug and play.
Reviews
"A four-port, single-controller USB hub is fine for fast transfers through one port and stable connections to printers, scanners, and other peripherals."
"I knew ahead of time that the included power cable adapters were not going to be long enough due to my case design so I ordered a 12" SATA power extension cable along with the card."
"It turned out to be a Carbonite issue but before I even had a chance to get back to Inateck support they had emailed me again asking if my problem was resolved yet and assuring me that the card was guaranteed for a year."
"I sent this Inateck adapter card back because of my mouse pointer froze for seconds at a time when it was installed."
"I installed the card in my PCI-E 1x slot, and used the included power splitter with the older Molex type connector. I simply started using one of the new USB 3.0 ports to do a full backup of my computer using a WD My Book external drive."
"Power indicator on the board lights up when the computer is turned on but the device is not detected by Windows 10. Plan is to use this with an Oculus Rift as it is recommended on their hardware/support forums for 3rd sensors on older hardware (z77 Motherboard). -- UPDATE 12/19/17--. Received the replacement card promptly on 12/11. Moved the card to PCIe 3.0 (x16 mode) slot and Windows 10 immediately detected and installed the default drivers for it."
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Best Internal FireWire Port Cards

Syba SY-PEX30016 3 Port Firewire 1394B & 1394A PCIe 1.1 x1 Card TI XIO2213B Chipset
Each posted write data queue and completion data queue can store up to 8K bytes of data. Fully Interoperable with FireWire, iLink, and SB1394 Implementation of IEEE 1394 Standard.
Reviews
"The Molex connector was firmly stuck onto the card, and in trying to remove it, I accidentally "ripped" the power connector right off the card, hence the need to purchase this one..."
"Provides INTERNAL 9-pin FIREWIRE header to connect PC front panel for new custom build with new next generation Z270 motherboard that doesn't have onboard FIREWIRE 9-pin header. FOOT NOTE: With a high end graphics card (GTX 1080) with backplate in the PCIe slot next to this card it's a tight fit for the internal FIREWIRE header but it works."
"See your editing softwares forums for details of compatibility (Or potential requirements) and why pricier cards MAY be more effective in your application."
"This card was recognized by my Windows 7 PC, but it was not recognized by my Tascam DM 4800 mixer's Firewire card."
"Attached the Satellite Duo to one of the FW800 ports on the card and the UAD-2 control panel now show the satellite running a full FW speed."
"After rebooting the drive and computer a couple times, it would eventually kick back in and be fine for a day or so. After multiple reboots and restarting the drive as Drobo recommended, I decided to just give USB a try as a last ditch resort. Upon taking out the PCIe Firewire card, I discovered that one of the 1394b ports essentially broke out of its solder joints."
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Best RAID Controllers

IO Crest 4-port SATA III PCIe 2.0 x2 Controller Card Green, SI-PEX40064
Capacity: 4-port |. Style: 4-port Marvell 88SE9215. Compliant with PCI-Express Specification v2.0 and backwards compatible with PCIex1. Supports Communication Speeds of 6.0 Gbps, 3.0 Gbps, and 1.5 Gbps.
Reviews
"While the SATA ports on the card is capable of SATA III (6 Gb/s or 750 MB/s, where Gb = Gigabit and MB = Megabyte, and 1 Gb = 125 MB), the maximum speed of this card is limited by the 1 lane of PCIe slot, which depends on the version of PCI Express on your motherboard. In the SATA III ports, the max R/W speeds are 504/457 MB/s, as measured by CrystalDiskMark 3.0.1. In the SATA II ports, the max R/W speeds are 275/262 MB/s. The max R/W speeds are 385/286 MB/s. So, the PEX-40064 is capable of delivering a higher speed than SATA II, but far from SATA III (read on if you have PCI Express 1.1). I ran the same tests on an older motherboard -- Gigabyte P35-DS4, which has only SATA II ports and supports PCIe Express 1.1. In the SATA II ports, the max R/W speeds are 260/254 MB/s, similar to those in the SATA II ports of the newer ASUS board. I then plugged the SSD into the PEX-40064, and put it into the PCIe x1 slot of the older P35-DS4 board: The max R/W speeds are 202/168 MB/s. Indeed, the PCI Express 1.1 slots are slower than the PCI Express 2.0 slots and the SATA II ports. -If you have a motherboard that has SATA II ports (but no SATA III ports), and you have PCI Express 2.0 slots, then you can use the PEX-40064 card to get a faster speed (if your SSD can achieve it) but you will not get close to SATA III speeds (even if the SSD is capable to achieve it). -If you have a motherboard that has SATA II ports but no SATA III ports, and you have PCI Express 1.1 slots, then you are better off using the SATA II ports than the PEX-40064 card. SECOND AFTER THOUGHT: It is possible to achieve close to SATA III speeds in a motherboard with PCI Express 2.0 slots with more than 2 data lanes (e.g. x4, x8, or x16) with the PEX-40054 card instead of the PEX-40064 card."
"The bad news is there are many variations of the PCI-E interface and this card based on the Marvel 88SE9215 which is only an X1 device. That means that you will only get a single channel for your data (X1) and that the ability to get a SATA 3 speed is greatly reduced."
"This is a fine card for old school mechanical drives and CD/DVD reader/writers. So the SSDD went back to the motherboard's controller, and the other drives were connected to this board."
"BTW most of the time SATA drives formatted on PCI cards generally wont be recognized as formatted when plugged into an onboard SATA port."
"Can't say much about the card as installation was a breeze as was loading drivers and recognition of the card by the WIN7-64 OS but Bottom line - my purchase of a SATA3 and a USB 3.0 PCIE x 1 card(s) and an AMD single slot 6850 for HD HDMI throughput to my flat panel I would have been better off waiting for the new AMD or Intel chipsets with native function to the mb."
"This model does not appear to support it or allow the configuration, which is the ONLY reason i bought it, there are better options for "just" hyperduo, or just raid."
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