3 Best Internal PCIe Firewire Cards for Windows 11 [2023 Tested]

Have you ever wondered how to seamlessly bridge older Firewire devices with your state-of-the-art Windows 11 system? In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, ensuring compatibility between legacy hardware and new operating systems is a challenge many face.

At NerdTechy, we’ve recently taken the initiative to rigorously test and evaluate a variety of PCIe Firewire cards. Whether you’re a professional in audio production, video editing, or any field that requires high-speed data transfer from Firewire-equipped devices, our handpicked selections promise to enhance your workflow and connectivity.

Key Takeaways:

• LinksTek – Simple, inexpensive and highly reliable. Provides three external and one internal port with an upgraded VT6315 chipset.
• Vantec – The fastest data transfer rate of 800 Mbps, providing three external ports. Well made, reputable and reliable connectivity for all devices.
• StarTech – One of the only FireWire cards that supports Mac OS and Windows compatibility. Backed by an impressive 2 year warranty period.
• Need some help? Check our FAQs section for a wide range of common questions that you may be able to have quickly answered.

LinksTek 4-Port FireWire 400 Expansion Card

Key Takeaways:

• 4 IEEE 1394A FireWire ports.
• Each port provides 400Mbps (50MB/S) max data transfer.
• Plug and play installation.
• Works with Windows 11 (and previous versions) and Windows Server 2003-2022

When we first got our hands on the LinksTek 4-Port PCIe Firewire 400 Expansion Card, we were eager to see how it would fare in our rigorous testing environment.

Designed to support the IEEE 1394A FireWire 400 datalink protocol, this card promised a maximum data transfer rate of 400Mbps (50MB/S) for each of its four interfaces. Our tests showed that it lived up to these expectations, providing fast and reliable connections for all our FireWire-equipped devices.

We loved the card’s ability to automatically detect 1394A FireWire devices and negotiate the connection speed to 100Mbps, 200Mbps, or 400Mbps. This ensured that we always had the best possible connection, regardless of the device we were using.

The LinksTek card is compatible with a wide range of IEEE 1394-1995, 1394a-2000, and 1394A OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) 1.1 standard interface devices. This includes everything from digital cameras and CD-ROM drives to DV camcorders, hard drives, and media equipment. We tested it with a variety of 1394A video and audio devices, as well as printers, and found that it worked flawlessly with all of them.

Installation was a breeze; the card is Plug and Play with all versions of Windows from 98 to Windows 11, both 32-bit and 64-bit, as well as Windows Server 2003-2022. There’s compatibility with X1, X2, X4, X8, and X16 PCIe ports for use with standard sized to slim-style PCs.

All we had to do was pop it into an empty PCIe port, attach the internal 6-pin 1394A (optional) and 4-pin molex power connectors, and we were up and running. No fuss, no muss.

Vantec 2+1 FireWire 800/400 PCIe Combo Host Card

Key Takeaways:

• Provides two FireWire 800 (1394B) and one FireWire 400 (1394A) external ports.
• Offers transfer speeds up to 800 Mbps.
• Plug and play; no Molex power required unless using bus-powered devices.
• Compatible with Windows 11 and outdated versions, as well.

The Vantec 2+1 FireWire 800/400 PCIe Combo Host Card has proven itself as a reliable and robust solution for our connectivity needs. It stood strong through various tests and usages we put it through. Known for their strong reputation in the tech industry, Vantec has been a trusted brand for decades, and this is no exception to their legacy of quality products.

Featuring two external FireWire 800 (1394b) ports and one external FireWire 400 (1394a) 6-pin port, this card offers plenty of connectivity for most scenarios. The card has the ability to provide varying speeds of 100, 200, 400, and 800 Mbps, automatically adjusting based on the device we were transferring data from. This ensured optimal performance and reliability, regardless of how outdated the device may be.

The card supports hot-swapping, allowing us to connect and disconnect FireWire devices without needing to restart our computer. This is a feature that significantly streamlined our workflow. In addition, the plug-and-play installation compatibility with virtually any Windows Operating System from 98 to 11 made the setup process trouble-free on various systems.

Simply inserting the card into an available X1 PCIe slot was all it took to get up and running. While the card does include a Molex power port, we found we only needed to use it when working with bus-powered devices.

Despite its slightly larger profile compared to the LinksTek option, the Vantec card slid into our motherboard without a hitch. During our testing on various Windows operating systems, including Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 7, the card demonstrated exceptional stability. We experienced no instances of crashes, freezes, stuttering, or any other type of malfunction.

This is a PCIe FireWire card that has proven to be a dependable and high-performing addition to our tech arsenal. Its combination of available ports, automatic speed adjustments, and stability across multiple operating systems makes it an excellent choice. Whether you’re dealing with audio, video, or other media devices, this Vantec card is ready to provide a seamless and reliable performance.

StarTech.com 2-Port PCIe FireWire Card

Key Takeaways:

• Compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
• Offers two external 1394A FireWire ports.
• No Molex power required; just pop it in and go.
• Covered by a 2 year warranty.

Our experience with the StarTech.com 2 Port PCI Express FireWire Card has been nothing short of impressive. StarTech.com, known for its reputable standing in the tech world, has delivered an option that effortlessly combines compatibility, ease of use, and reliable performance.

This FireWire card is straightforward in its offerings, providing two external 1394A FireWire ports capable of delivering speeds up to 400Mbps each. While this may not be as fast as the LinksTek or Vantec options, this speed is more than sufficient for a wide range of devices. Whether we were connecting old digital cameras, external hard drives, or even our mini DV camcorder from 2002, it handled every task with ease and precision.

It offers native support for Windows systems, eliminating the need for additional drivers or software. Simply plug it in, and you’re good to go. Mac users aren’t left out either, as the card is compatible with Mac operating systems from 10.10 through 10.13, though it may require additional drivers which are easily found on the StarTech.com website.

The card makes use of an X1 PCIe slot and, notably, does not require a Molex power connection. Best of all, StarTech has thoughtfully included both full-profile and half-height installation brackets. This ensures that the card can be installed in computer cases of all shapes, sizes, and profiles.

Backed by a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase, the StarTech.com PCIe FireWire card offers a layer of assurance and reliability that we truly appreciate. It’s clear that StarTech.com has put thought and care into the simple design and functionality of this card.

PCIe FireWire Cards FAQs

What is a PCIe FireWire Card?

A PCIe FireWire card is an expansion card that you insert into a PCI Express (PCIe) slot on your computer’s motherboard to add FireWire ports to your system, allowing you to connect FireWire devices.

Do I need to install drivers for my PCIe FireWire card?

Most cards are natively supported by Windows and do not require additional drivers. All of the cards we have mentioned above are plug and play. However, Mac OS and some specific Windows configurations might require driver installation. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.

Do I need a power connection for my FireWire card?

Some cards require an external power connection (such as a Molex connector), while others draw power directly from the PCIe slot. Most of the ones that utilize Molex are for bus powered devices. Check the specifications for your specific card to determine its power requirements.

Do PCIe FireWire cards support daisy chaining?

Yes, FireWire technology supports daisy chaining, allowing you to connect multiple devices in a series. However, the total number of devices and the performance might be limited by the FireWire standard and the capabilities of the devices themselves.

Are all PCIe slots compatible with PCIe FireWire cards?

They typically require a PCIe x1 slot, but they can be inserted into larger slots (x4, x8, x16) as well. Ensure that your motherboard has a compatible PCIe slot available before purchasing a FireWire card.