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StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 Mini PCI Express FireWire Card, TAA (MPEX1394B3)
StarTech.com

StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 Mini PCI Express FireWire Card, TAA (MPEX1394B3)

Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 Mini PCI Express FireWire Card is a specs-and-price decision rather than a crowd-consensus one in the expansion cards category. Check the specification table below against one or two close alternatives — on price and spec fit, not on star ratings.

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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

  • ✓ 2 external 9-pin FireWire-800 ports with support for data transfer rates up to 800 Mbps
  • ✓ Backed by StarTech.com's warranty and support channels

Cons

  • ✗ Confirm socket / form-factor / power-rating compatibility against your build before ordering
  • ✗ Price, stock, shipping and returns are set by the retailer and may have changed since this page was last updated

Manufacturer description

The MPEX1394B3 3-Port Mini PCI Express FireWire Card is a PCI Express to FireWire-800/FireWire-400 adapter that enables you to add external FireWire connectivity on very small form factor or embedded systems. The PCIe FireWire card provides two FireWire-800 ports and one FireWire-400 port, this adapter card supports the latest external FireWire storage devices at data transfer speeds of up to 800 Mbps. Using the Mini PCI Express (Mini Card) form factor, this adapter card is designed for use in the latest very small form factor computer systems, such as Mini-ITX or custom embedded solutions…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 Mini PCI Express FireWire Card 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

  • 2 external 9-pin FireWire-800 ports with support for data transfer rates up to 800 Mbps
  • 1 external 6-pin FireWire-400 port with supported transfer rates up to 400 Mbps
  • Compliant with PCI Express Mini Card specification 1.2
  • Optional external power support for high-powered FireWire devices
  • Compliant with IEEE 1394b and backward compatible with IEEE 1394a - 2000 as well as 1394-1995 standards

Full Specifications

BrandStarTech.com
StyleClassic
Style NameClassic
Model NumberMPEX1394B3
Mfr Part NumberMPEX1394B3
Compatible DevicesMini-ITX
Hardware InterfaceFireWire 800
Warranty Description1 year warranty
Item Dimensions L x W x H2"L x 1.2"W x 0.2"H
Global Trade Identification Number00065030842914

Ready to buy?

StarTech 3-Port 2b 1a 1394 Mini PCI Express FireWire Card, TAA (MPEX1394B3) 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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