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StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card Adapter (PEX1394B3)
StarTech.com

StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card Adapter (PEX1394B3)

Bottom line: The StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card Adapter: Two 9-pin FireWire 800 ports, each rated up to 800Mbps for DV and external drive transfers; main trade-off: fireWire 400 port is 6-pin, so 4-pin camcorders need an adapter cable.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Two 9-pin FireWire 800 ports, each rated up to 800Mbps for DV and external drive transfers
  • ✓ Native single-chip PCIe design skips the bridge chip for steadier throughput
  • ✓ One 6-pin FireWire 400 port keeps legacy IEEE 1394a camcorders and cameras usable
  • ✓ Internal power connector supplies bus-powered FireWire drives and devices
  • ✓ Includes low-profile/half-height bracket for small-form-factor and 1U cases

Cons

  • ✗ FireWire 400 port is 6-pin, so 4-pin camcorders need an adapter cable
  • ✗ Only one 400 port and two 800 ports; large 1394a rigs may want more
  • ✗ PCI Express only, no fit for older boards with just legacy PCI slots
  • ✗ FireWire cables not included; supply your own 9-pin and 6-pin cords

Manufacturer description

This 3 Port PCI Express FireWire adapter card can be installed in a PCI Express slot to add two IEEE1394b (FireWire 800 - 9 pin) ports and one IEEE1394a (FireWire 400 - 6 pin) port, providing broad compatibility with a wide range of FireWire devices (e.g. DV camcorders, external hard drives, digital cameras, etc.). The 2b, 1a card features a native (single chip) PCI Express chipset - resulting in faster, more reliable and cost effective performance than expansion cards that utilize a "bridge" chip.

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the expansion cards category. StarTech.com's expansion cards lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for expansion cards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Two 9-pin FireWire 800 ports, each with transfer rates up to 800Mbps
  • One 6-pin FireWire 400 port, each with transfer rates up to 400Mbps
  • Built with a native PCI Express chipset, no bridge chip
  • Includes low profile/half-height installation bracket
  • Internal power connector for high powered FireWire devices

Full Specifications

BrandStarTech.com
StylePCIe 1394b
Style NamePCIe 1394b
Model NumberPEX1394B3
Mfr Part NumberPEX1394B3
Number of Items1
Compatible DevicesDigital cameras, external hard drives, DV camcorders
Hardware InterfacePCI
Warranty DescriptionLifetime
Item Dimensions L x W x H3.3"L x 0.7"W x 4.7"H
Global Trade Identification Number00065030825139

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StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card Adapter (PEX1394B3) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 PCI Express FireWire Card Adapter (PEX1394B3)
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