Price : Too low to display
This PCIe to PCI Adapter Card lets you use low profile PCI expansion cards in a server or desktop motherboard PCI Express slot. Compliant with PCI Express Specification 1.0a and PCI Specification 2.2, the adapter card connects through a PCIe 1x slot to provide a low profile PCI slot in its place. A spare full size bracket for PCI Express card is also included for use in larger desktop or server PCI Express slots. A versatile solution, the adapter card converts PCIe to PCI or PCI-X; a built-on LP4 power connector links the card to the computer power supply, allowing you to install universal voltage PCI cards (3.3V/5V).The adapter card offers an economical solution that lets you extend the usability of older or extra PCI Bus cards in newer PCIe capable systems. To ensure suitable installation in any low profile server or desktop computer, the PCIe/PCI adapter features an innovative bracket design that adapts and secures the low profile PCI or PCI-X card into the converted slot.
This review is from : StarTech.com PCI Express to PCI Adapter Card (PEX1PCI1)
Works as described . We are using this adapter to install ISDN adapters in rack servers that only have PCIe slots.
It works ok for what it is intended for, with no additonal drivers or whatsoever (at least under Linux). If you can live with the mechanics and the limitation to Low Profile cards, this device can provide a solution for you.
There are also external boxes where you can connect multiple PCI cards, but these are much more expensive, and have the disadvantage of "another box" and cabling.
So, zero stars to the server vendors who provide no solution to continue to use PCI cards,
and four stars to StarTech for providing a workaround.
Works as described . We are using this adapter to install ISDN adapters in rack servers that only have PCIe slots.
It works ok for what it is intended for, with no additonal drivers or whatsoever (at least under Linux). If you can live with the mechanics and the limitation to Low Profile cards, this device can provide a solution for you.
There are also external boxes where you can connect multiple PCI cards, but these are much more expensive, and have the disadvantage of "another box" and cabling.
So, zero stars to the server vendors who provide no solution to continue to use PCI cards,
and four stars to StarTech for providing a workaround.
StarTech.com PCI Express to PCI Adapter Card (PEX1PCI1) Reviews
May work for you depends on your situation. . I do not write reviews very often. I felt compelled to write one for the PEX1PCI1 in hopes it will help others.
Background:
I purchased the PEX1PCI1 to overcome my motherboard's limited PCI slot issue. Most motherboard manufacturers are slowly phasing out PCI slots and adding PCIe slots. My ASROck H67M motherboard only has one PCI slot. The PCI slot is populated with my Promise SATA controller card to control 4 of the 5 hard drives in my software Raid-5. I also wanted to use my Audigy 2 ZS sound card. In comes PEX1PCI1 from stage right to possibly fix my problem. The computer I am using the PEX1PCI1 in runs Ubuntu 10.04 64-bit.
Problem:
Based upon another review mentioning the PEX1PCI1 working in Linux, I decide to buy this and give it a go. I did realized the PEX1PCI1 is low profile and did not have a problem with that for what I was doing. I used this in my Ubuntu 10.04 64-bit computer. My problem came about when trying to use the PEX1PCI1 card with the Audigy 2 ZS in it AND the Promise SATA controller card in the PCI slot on the ASROCK H67M. I am not sure what was conflicting, but the sound card was not being recognized. The PEX1PCI1 was being recognized, but not the Audigy 2 ZS that was in it.
Here is the kicker: if I unplugged the 5th hard drive of the Raid-5 array (which was plugged into the H67M's SATA connector) the sound card would be recognized and work perfectly. Of course this meant I could no longer access my files which I wanted to use. I powered down my pc and reconnected the 5th raid hard drive to the H67M's SATA connector. I powered the pc on once again, what do you know the raid is seen and the sound card is no longer functioning. For kicks and giggles, I switched the Promise SATA controller card into the PEX1PCI1 and the Audigy 2 ZS into the motherboard's PCI slot. I powered on my pc and it had no video coming from the video card. My dream of using both the Promise SATA controller card and my sound card came crashing down. Obviously something "wonky" was happening. Yes, "wonky" is a very technical term :D
Other Thoughts & Findings:
I contacted StarTech's technical support and told them my situation. StarTech was quick to give me a response of:
"Thank you for your inquiry! We are sorry to hear about your technical difficulty.
It sounds like there may be a conflict between the PEX1PCI1 and something with your PC.
First, if possible attempt to install the PEX1PCI1 into a different Windows based PC to test if the PEX1PCI1 is functional.
If the card functions in the different PC the drivers for devices on the original PC such as video card, bios etc. may need to be updated.
If the card does not function with the original PC please navigate to the link below to begin the exchange process."
Per their request, I did test the PEX1PCI1 in a Windows pc (Windows 7 64-bit) and it worked as it should of. The Audigy 2 ZS sound card was recognized. Super awesome fun time! Heck it does me no good if it works, but not 100% in the pc I needed it to. Another thing to note is I didn't have space to put my Promise SATA controller card in the Windows pc. I am not sure if that would of effected the results. The StarTech response was not what I was looking for, but did help me come to a conclusion.
Conclusion:
I will go out on a limb and say if your using the PEX1PCI1 for a Windows pc you "should" have no issues. The PEX1PCI1 in a Linux pc "could" or "may" work for you, but depends if the motherboard chipset will play nice. For example, if the motherboard's chipset controlling the PCI/PCIe slots will play nice with the PEX1PCI1 and whatever you have populating the PCI/PCIe slots. The cheapest non-creative labs sound card with SPDIF output which is fully supported in Linux is anywhere from $90+ to $180+. I am in the process of RMAing this back to Amazon for a refund. I hope this review is helpful in some way. I wish the StarTech PEX1PCI1 would of worked for me. $35 for the PEX1PCI1 is a paltry sum compared to replacing a $200 sound card. Hopefully it can work for you for your situation.
May work for you depends on your situation. . I do not write reviews very often. I felt compelled to write one for the PEX1PCI1 in hopes it will help others.
Background:
I purchased the PEX1PCI1 to overcome my motherboard's limited PCI slot issue. Most motherboard manufacturers are slowly phasing out PCI slots and adding PCIe slots. My ASROck H67M motherboard only has one PCI slot. The PCI slot is populated with my Promise SATA controller card to control 4 of the 5 hard drives in my software Raid-5. I also wanted to use my Audigy 2 ZS sound card. In comes PEX1PCI1 from stage right to possibly fix my problem. The computer I am using the PEX1PCI1 in runs Ubuntu 10.04 64-bit.
Problem:
Based upon another review mentioning the PEX1PCI1 working in Linux, I decide to buy this and give it a go. I did realized the PEX1PCI1 is low profile and did not have a problem with that for what I was doing. I used this in my Ubuntu 10.04 64-bit computer. My problem came about when trying to use the PEX1PCI1 card with the Audigy 2 ZS in it AND the Promise SATA controller card in the PCI slot on the ASROCK H67M. I am not sure what was conflicting, but the sound card was not being recognized. The PEX1PCI1 was being recognized, but not the Audigy 2 ZS that was in it.
Here is the kicker: if I unplugged the 5th hard drive of the Raid-5 array (which was plugged into the H67M's SATA connector) the sound card would be recognized and work perfectly. Of course this meant I could no longer access my files which I wanted to use. I powered down my pc and reconnected the 5th raid hard drive to the H67M's SATA connector. I powered the pc on once again, what do you know the raid is seen and the sound card is no longer functioning. For kicks and giggles, I switched the Promise SATA controller card into the PEX1PCI1 and the Audigy 2 ZS into the motherboard's PCI slot. I powered on my pc and it had no video coming from the video card. My dream of using both the Promise SATA controller card and my sound card came crashing down. Obviously something "wonky" was happening. Yes, "wonky" is a very technical term :D
Other Thoughts & Findings:
I contacted StarTech's technical support and told them my situation. StarTech was quick to give me a response of:
"Thank you for your inquiry! We are sorry to hear about your technical difficulty.
It sounds like there may be a conflict between the PEX1PCI1 and something with your PC.
First, if possible attempt to install the PEX1PCI1 into a different Windows based PC to test if the PEX1PCI1 is functional.
If the card functions in the different PC the drivers for devices on the original PC such as video card, bios etc. may need to be updated.
If the card does not function with the original PC please navigate to the link below to begin the exchange process."
Per their request, I did test the PEX1PCI1 in a Windows pc (Windows 7 64-bit) and it worked as it should of. The Audigy 2 ZS sound card was recognized. Super awesome fun time! Heck it does me no good if it works, but not 100% in the pc I needed it to. Another thing to note is I didn't have space to put my Promise SATA controller card in the Windows pc. I am not sure if that would of effected the results. The StarTech response was not what I was looking for, but did help me come to a conclusion.
Conclusion:
I will go out on a limb and say if your using the PEX1PCI1 for a Windows pc you "should" have no issues. The PEX1PCI1 in a Linux pc "could" or "may" work for you, but depends if the motherboard chipset will play nice. For example, if the motherboard's chipset controlling the PCI/PCIe slots will play nice with the PEX1PCI1 and whatever you have populating the PCI/PCIe slots. The cheapest non-creative labs sound card with SPDIF output which is fully supported in Linux is anywhere from $90+ to $180+. I am in the process of RMAing this back to Amazon for a refund. I hope this review is helpful in some way. I wish the StarTech PEX1PCI1 would of worked for me. $35 for the PEX1PCI1 is a paltry sum compared to replacing a $200 sound card. Hopefully it can work for you for your situation.
StarTech.com PCI Express to PCI Adapter Card (PEX1PCI1) Opinions
Perfect but fragile . I've been using one of these for 6 months now with a low profile digital TV tuner.
While it is a given that this will only hold a low profile card it does it flawlessly. Just plug it into the pci-e slot, plug in the power cord and install your low profile pci card. No drivers, no software, no problems. Perfect.
My reason for not giving 5 stars was I had to return the first one I received because an electronic part (a choke) was broken off, hanging by its wires. But it still worked! I could have glued the choke back on with super glue but decided to return it for a replacement, which arrive intact.
I just purchased another one. I am adding another TV tuner to my second pci-e slot.
Perfect but fragile . I've been using one of these for 6 months now with a low profile digital TV tuner.
While it is a given that this will only hold a low profile card it does it flawlessly. Just plug it into the pci-e slot, plug in the power cord and install your low profile pci card. No drivers, no software, no problems. Perfect.
My reason for not giving 5 stars was I had to return the first one I received because an electronic part (a choke) was broken off, hanging by its wires. But it still worked! I could have glued the choke back on with super glue but decided to return it for a replacement, which arrive intact.
I just purchased another one. I am adding another TV tuner to my second pci-e slot.
Works great in Windows XP and 7 but... . I ordered 2 of these adapters because I wanted to use an old SCSI PCI card and a Sound Blaster Audigy 2ZS in motherboard which has no PCI slots. I was skeptical at first because many interface adapters I've used in the past "partly" work at best. I was pretty worried when I opened the boxes for these adapters and neither had a driver disk.
However, I simply plugged the adapters in with the two PCI cards and the PCI cards were detected and installed flawlessly. It's been alittle over a month since I started using them and I've encountered no problems. I will note that if your PCI cards are not "low profile" You WILL need to cut away part of your case if there are multiple ports on the back of the PCI card. I used tinsnips to do this but a dremel would also work.
Overall for windows XP/7 they work great, but the physical attributes of this adapter are clumsy. Just make sure you have a big enough case for this adapter before order. I didn't measure it exactly but I'd eyeball this adapter at raising the PCI card 1.5 to 2.0 inches away from the motherboard.
However, I simply plugged the adapters in with the two PCI cards and the PCI cards were detected and installed flawlessly. It's been alittle over a month since I started using them and I've encountered no problems. I will note that if your PCI cards are not "low profile" You WILL need to cut away part of your case if there are multiple ports on the back of the PCI card. I used tinsnips to do this but a dremel would also work.
Overall for windows XP/7 they work great, but the physical attributes of this adapter are clumsy. Just make sure you have a big enough case for this adapter before order. I didn't measure it exactly but I'd eyeball this adapter at raising the PCI card 1.5 to 2.0 inches away from the motherboard.
this thing ROCKS! . I have a couple of PCI items I can't live without, and as we all know, PCI is nearly gone... this saved me. The computer doesn't even seem to know its there (no drivers) it just sees the PCI card with no issues through the PCIe slot. The chassis has to be a little larger than normal because it makes your PCI card an inch taller. But I've had no problems.
Cons Review
Be Sure It'll Handle Your Situation . The key word in the description is "low profile" but what it means practically is this adapter can only handle PCI cards such as ethernet adapters requiring limited space in certain sized cabinets.
I was unable to fit an Audigy sound card in an HP Pavilion desktop without cutting away chunks of the cabinet that I'm sure would have voided my warranty. On an older machine I might have gotten out the metal snips so, if you're so inclined, perhaps this will work for you.
It's really a shame because, although I'm no hardware engineer, the problem in this case doesn't seem that complicated - attach the PCIe male on a bendable cable or some kind of bracket so as not to force the PCI card so far out of alignment with the cabinet. In the worst case, allow the PCI card to mount completely inside the case and let me run the connectors through the slot opening using a makeshift dust shield.
Even if the end result is using up the space of two PCIe slots to accomodate one PCI card, I'm sure a lot of users would consider it an acceptable interim solution for the price until they eventually shell out more for PCIe cards - which are still not ubiquitous for all applications nor have full Win 7 support.
Fortunately Amazon's return policy is very fair and I can return it.
I was unable to fit an Audigy sound card in an HP Pavilion desktop without cutting away chunks of the cabinet that I'm sure would have voided my warranty. On an older machine I might have gotten out the metal snips so, if you're so inclined, perhaps this will work for you.
It's really a shame because, although I'm no hardware engineer, the problem in this case doesn't seem that complicated - attach the PCIe male on a bendable cable or some kind of bracket so as not to force the PCI card so far out of alignment with the cabinet. In the worst case, allow the PCI card to mount completely inside the case and let me run the connectors through the slot opening using a makeshift dust shield.
Even if the end result is using up the space of two PCIe slots to accomodate one PCI card, I'm sure a lot of users would consider it an acceptable interim solution for the price until they eventually shell out more for PCIe cards - which are still not ubiquitous for all applications nor have full Win 7 support.
Fortunately Amazon's return policy is very fair and I can return it.
Feature StarTech.com PCI Express to PCI Adapter Card (PEX1PCI1)
- The unique bracket design allows a low profile/half-height PCI card to work seamlessly in a PCI Express-based expansion slot
- Backed by a StarTech.com 1-year warranty and free lifetime technical support
- Innovative bracket design adapts and secures the existing half-height/low profile bracket of the PCI Card
- PCI Express base spec 1.0a compliant for up to 250MBps of available bandwidth
- LP4 Power Connector Included for Universal Voltage PCI Cards (3.3V/5V)
- Compliant with PCI Express to PCI/PCI-X Bridge spec 1.0
- No driver or software installation
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Product Details
EAN : 1291840001343UPC : 065030834629
MPN : PEX1PCI1
Brand : StarTech
Weight : 1 pounds
Height : 2 inches
Length : 9 inches
Width : 6 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Format : CD-ROM
Hardware Platform : Pc
Manufacturer : Startech
Model : PEX1PCI1
Operating System : Windows
Platform : Windows
Publisher : Startech
SKU : 386997#0
Studio : Startech
Where To Buy
You can buy StarTech.com PCI Express to PCI Adapter Card (PEX1PCI1) on Amazon . Click here to Read More
