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If it wasn’t obvious by now, the installation process was a no brainer – two no brainers in fact as I installed it in both Win98 and Win2000. This is my first dual no-brainer action in a while.

I didn’t have any compatibility problems using the card with any of the Firewire devices I had. Quite a pleasantly benign experience indeed – much like using USB. Since the card doesn’t sing or dance (but boy how I wish PCI cards could :] ), it’s now time to look at some performance numbers.

Test System

Operating systems:
Windows 98SE (v4.10.2222 A)
Windows 2000 (v5.00.2195 w/ SP1)

Hardware:

Benchmark

CDTACH 2.0: This test was averaged on three passes and run on both Win98 and Win2k.

CD-ROM Folder read: Using a commercially pressed CD, 209MB of data were copied to disc in both Win98 and Win2k. The tests were run three times to calculated an average score.

Benchmark Results

Win2K CD Tach 98 Results for the Aten & Belkin Cards

Win98 CD Tach 98 Results for the Aten & Belkin Cards

The difference between the two Firewire cards is quite slim, but the Aten card leads in most areas, albeit only marginally. In day-to-day usage, this speed difference would not be noticed at all so functionally these cards are identical.

CD-ROM Folder read: (Win2k)
Aten Firewire: 57.2sec
Belkin Firewire/USB Combo: 56.7sec

CD-ROM Folder read: (Win98)
Aten Firewire: 58.0sec
Belkin Firewire/USB Combo: 58.4sec

Further emphasizing the identical performance are these CD read numbers. The sub-second delta could easily be attributed to random system turbulence so the difference can be all but forgotten.

Conclusion

A good performer at a solid price, the Aten IC-1394 Firewire PCI card is a kicking choice for your external expansion needs. I how nothing negative to say about this card, other than the very minor grievance regarding the lack of complimentary software included in with the package. As I mentioned, this can bring the value of the card up or bog it down depending on what the software is, so in reality it may be better that no software was included at all. It is tough to say really.

If you’re looking for some external expansion, Firewire may be the interface for you; with the ease of USB and near the speed of SCSI, Firewire is an excellent choice. The Aten IC-1394 could easily be the card that gets you there.

Bottom Line

Overall Score: 90%

Find the Lowest Prices for the ATEN IC-1394 Firewire PCI Card