StarTech.com 4 port PCI 1394a FireWire Adapter Card - 3 External 1 Internal

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

For £21.19 ex-VAT, this StarTech PCI 1394a card is a cheap way to resurrect older FireWire workflows—think legacy DV video capture, older audio/AV interfaces, or specific industrial gear that still expects FireWire. In real use, the big win here is hassle avoidance: if your existing PCI tower setup already has FireWire, this is often quicker (and far less risky) than replacing the whole kit or trying to bodge it with modern USB adapters. For a UK SMB with a few “must keep” legacy endpoints, it’s a sensible, low-cost stopgap.

That said, I wouldn’t buy it for a general-purpose “network adapter” use. It’s FireWire 400 (1394a), and modern PCs/laptops won’t have a matching slot, so you’re really buying for desktops that still use PCI. Also, the moment you need anything beyond the usual legacy peripherals—or you’re dealing with picky drivers on newer Windows builds—you may hit the classic “works or doesn’t” legacy problem. If you’ve confirmed you have a PCI desktop and the exact device(s) you’re connecting support FireWire, it’s good value. If you’re unsure, I’d spend the £21 only after you’ve checked compatibility with your specific devices/OS, because that’s where the real cost tends to show up.