usb vs. pci dsl modem

[russchar]

Does a usb modem slow down the computer noticably over a pci modem ? Also are there any recommendations for a pci dsl modem.

[kenja]

"Does a usb modem slow down the computer noticably over a pci modem ?"
I doubt it. You might take a look at dslreports.com (http://www.dslreports.com/)

I've got cable, but I use the speed test tool at that site. My dad has the same cable modem as I do, but his connection goes through an ethernet-to-USB adapter. Our download rates are the same.

[hiredgoonz]

It shouldn't make a difference unless you have several other usb devices on the same port...USB has a max bandwidth of 12mb/sec, the throughput of the usb network adapters is usually closer to 8-10 mb/sec which you'll still never get anywhere near with a dsl net connection...

But if you have a USB camera, scanner, printer, game pad, etc. all hooked up and running at the same time, you COULD bottleneck the modem...but I think it's still pretty unlikely...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.

[mjc]

Now, if you are talking about how much of the CPU cycles a USB connection would use, I'd say there may be something you might notice, if you are using a lower speed processor. When I was using my modem (56k dial-up) in USB mode, on my 500MHz Celeron, I would be at about 80%, with it in serial mode I drop back down to about 30%, so if I were to do some thing somewhat CPU intensive while online it would imediately jump up to 100% and stay there, slowing things down, but not really the connection, just things on my computer...a couple of extra seconds for a program to open or complete its task, that kind of thing. But I think as the speed of the CPU increases that would be much less of a problem. (I'm going to take a guess and say that if you have over a 750MHz CPU you wouldn't notice anything, below 500 and you probably will)

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mjc
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Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[rustycason]

I have used both the PCI and USB. I have not noticed a difference.