PCI vs ISA?

[varissul]

I posted a question referring to my sound card. I need to know which is better, PCI or ISA? My current card is an ISA card. Can I replace it with a PCI card?? Thanks. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Ghel]

Though the slot looks physically smaller, PCI has more bus width and is a newer technology than ISA. If you have free PCI slots in your computer (they will look somewhat smaller than ISA, and are generally white), then you can use a pci modem. If you are not sure what to look for, your best bet is to check your manuals to be sure your system can support PCI cards.

[Ghel]

Oops, I meant to say PCI sound card, not modem http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/redface.gif)

[BigBlue66]

Hi Varissul,

If your computer is newer than, say, a 486, then you should have pci slots on your motherboard. ISA slots will be the longest, usually black, and on one side of the motherboard. PCI slots will usually be in the middle of the board. They are usually white and shorter than the ISA slots.

I suggest you first take the case cover off and check to make sure you have PCI slots. I feel almost certain that you do.

PCI based components are usually better than ISA components because the PCI transfer rate is higher than the ISA transfer rate. However, for lower level components such as a parallel port card that you would hook a printer up to, it does just fine in an ISA slot. I even have a U.S. Robotics ISA hardware modem and it works good. It all depends on the transfer rate requirements of the specific component that you buy.

Hope this helps. If still confused, post back. We won't get into bus mastering at this point, but if you buy a PCI soundcard and have problems, then post back. If it doesn't work in one slot, try the next one. Not all PCI slots support bus mastering, but then, I'm not real certain you will need it for a soundcard. Read the system requirements on the box.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

[varissul]

Hey, thanks for the advise. I have 3 free PCI slots on my mobo. One is unavailable tho because the wiring for the hard drive is in the way. I have one filled with my video card. So actually, I only have two available slots. Should I install the sound card one slot away from the video card? I remember reading a post about IRQ's or something like that. Also, which card is best at a good price that supports DirectSound? Any suggestions? Thanks.

[BigBlue66]

Hey,

I don't think you have to worry about IRQ's with a plug n play system. Run the software that comes with the soundcard and everything should be set up automatically. I don't think it will make a difference which slot you use. If it were me, I would use the slot that I could get to the easiest. However, as I mentioned, sometimes PCI slots are really picky about what component they will support. If you have problems with the first slot you choose, try the other one. You will know if there are problems if you check Device Manager after you have installed everything. A yellow splat by the soundcard listing will signify a conflict. If so, try the other slot.

As for soundcards, I have recently purchased the SoundBlaster PCI512 card. It supports the hardware acceleration of Environmental Audio, DirectSound and DirectSound 3D. It has the EMU10K1 chip which is supposedly the latest and greatest audio DSP technology. I am very, very pleased with it. It supports four speakers and the Environmental Audio can be set to many, many different 3D games on the market. Or, just for listening pleasure. It's fun to just check out all the different options. Additionally, it supports movie surround sound. It is one rockin card, I tell ya. I highly recommend it!

Post back and let us know how you're doing.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66