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Like the Aten card, installation of the Belkin USB/Firewire combo was a breeze. It also worked just fine in both Win98 and Win2000, so users of both should have no problems with this card.

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

CD Tach 98 Results for the Belkin Card (Win2k - Win98)

It is generally accepted that, to an average user, it takes a 10% increase in performance to notice the speed difference in everyday usage. Using this as a guide, the difference between these two cards would be absolutely impossible for anyone to notice.

CD-ROM Folder read: (Win2k)

CD-ROM Folder read: (Win98)

Corroborating with the CDTach results are these numbers. Performance-wise, these cards are one and the same.

Conclusion

With identical performance to the Aten Firewire card, the score for this card comes down to box contents, features, and overall value. The Belkin Combo card offers two unique features over Aten’s offering: 2 USB ports and an internal Firewire port. Belkin also includes some complimentary software in their package whereas the Aten includes none.

The Belkin card is also more expensive, running around $95 which is about $30 more than the Aten card. Depending on your needs, either card would be a good choice. For basic Firewire needs, the Aten IC-1394 is the better choice, but for those wanting the more configuration options and a couple more USB ports as well as some basic software, the Belkin USB/Firewire combo is the only way to fly.

Bottom Line

Overall Score: 84%

Find the Lowest Prices for the Belkin Firewire USB Combo Card