[cstortion]

I am aware of a closed thread (http://forums.techguy.org/hardware/469466-hi-speed-usb-host-controller.html//") on this point, but it does not address all of my concerns. My questions are these:

I have four occupied USB ports on my computer, none of which are hi-speed (2.0). My motherboard is SiS-645.The BIOS is 6.00PG dated 2-21-02.
1. Can I remove an existing 1.0 port and install a hi-speed port in it's place?
2. Will my motherboard and current BIOS accommodate such an installation? My plan is to connect a hi-speed hub to it.
3. If it's possible to do that, are there DIY instructions that someone can direct me to?

Thanks, in advance.

[bp936]

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1008
look there, seems, it won't help you to install a USB 2.0 port

[Gulo Luseus]

The only option I see is to buy a USB Card. That should work, but as far asupgrading the physical hardware goes, no, its not feasible.

[cstortion]

The info from the link to the AOpen site was helpful because it appears that there is enough room to install a USB card since there are 6 PCI slots and I'm only using four. I found a site that tells me how to do the installation in the old thread I referred to earlier, so I'll use that as a guide.

In looking for a USB card on the Web, I found a Rosewill Low-Profile PCI to 2+1 USB2.0 Cards Model RC-100 on Egghead.com for $9.99 + $3.00 shipping. I called but couldn't get any info as to whether it would work in my motherboard. Perhaps one of you know whether it will. For $12.00, I'm willing to take a shot at it if there's a chance that it will work and the installation doesn't screw up what I have.

Thanks again for your help. It's most appreciated.

[bp936]

12 bucks is not much, but I also read somewhere, this motherboard does not read USB 2's, and I found it makes no noticeable difference what USB I have, they all seem to be fast, I have a lot of USB 1 sticks, USB external drives and card reader, if the computer has a good CPU it will transfer anyway fast. This is where I found the difference.
My desktop's CPU is 3x faster than the old laptop, but the USB';s are still all the same

[cstortion]

I found a site called Overclockersonline.com and they have a forum dedicated to motherboards. As soon as I get registered, I'll pose the question as to whether my board can accept a 2.0 USB card. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again for the help. I would still be interested to know if anyone here has an answer for me.

[win2kpro]

$12 isn't bad for a PCI USB 2.0 card. A higher quality PCI USB 2.0 card is generally $20 and up.

Unless you have a slimline chassis you don't need a low profile card. The big difference in a low profile card is the length of the mounting bar. I've attahed two pics, the 1st being a low profile PCI card, and the 2nd being a standard PCI card. You should be able to see the difference in the length of the mounting bar.

[cstortion]

Thank you for the information about the 2.0 PCI cards. I still don't know if either can be installed in my motherboard. That's the big if.

[win2kpro]

I've used 2 or 3 of these cards in upgrades on older machines, and never had any problems with them. Reasonable price, good performance.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-216-_-Product

[DoubleHelix]

No one can guarantee hardware compatibility. If the motherboard has a free PCI slot, it should work. You'll have to try and see.

[cstortion]

Thanks for all the kind replies.