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    What am I missing here... Why are there no USB to PCI adapters?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by whitrzac, Mar 11, 2012.

  1. whitrzac

    whitrzac The orange end is cold...

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    I'm looking to use my laptops with my 5.1 home setup. Expresscard or USB sound cards will work, but I can get older soundblaster cards for cheap.



    Why does no one make a usb to PCI adapter? I haven't seen anything for express card/etc that isnt DIY....


    :confused:
     
    whitrzac, Mar 11, 2012
    #1
  2. Marecki_clf

    Marecki_clf Homo laptopicus

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    Because USB wouldn't provide enough power for a PCI card to run. You would need a separate PSU to run it. Too much cost, too little market demand.
     
    Marecki_clf, Mar 11, 2012
    #2
  3. niffcreature

    niffcreature ex computer dyke

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    Also I think it would be difficult to emulate the behavior of PCI entirely.

    Not that theres nothing out there. I think there is something... Maybe I'll get back to you on that.
     
    niffcreature, Mar 11, 2012
    #3
  4. shadowarachh

    shadowarachh Notebook Evangelist

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    which laptop? a lot of newer ones have a double duty headphone/optical out.
     
    shadowarachh, Mar 11, 2012
    #4
  5. TheBluePill

    TheBluePill Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Probably cheaper to buy a USB X-Fi or similar.
     
    TheBluePill, Mar 12, 2012
    #5