Is there such a thing as a PCI-X USB card?

Chris Wilson · 11 Apr 2013 at 22:37

I have acquired a Dell Poweredge 2850 server and want to add USB2 functionality under Windows 7. Is there such a thing as a PCI-X USB2 card? The slots are definitely PCI-X (server type). Thanks.

biuro74 · 11 Apr 2013 at 23:04

PCI-X is compatible with 32-bit PCI, so you can buy simple PCI card with USB2 slots in there (make sure it conforms to 2.2 PCI standard). If you've got other PCI-X slots already populated, all cards there will run with slowest card speed.

Chris Wilson · 11 Apr 2013 at 23:33

I did a few Google searches and found several people had bought PCI cards to do just this, and found they either wouldn't fit, or wouldn't work. I also feel the cards may be half height as it's a 2U rack mount case. Thanks, will check it out if a PCI card will do. I do not want to slow other "stuff" down though. Cheers.

paradigm · 11 Apr 2013 at 23:51

If someone can't fit a PCI card in a PCI-X slot, they shouldn't be allowed near a computer, ever.

bremen1874 · 12 Apr 2013 at 02:20

Doesn't a 2850 have native support for USB 2.0? They're old, but they aren't that old!

If you want to add a USB 2.0 adapter it'll be full height, but will need to support a 3.3V slot. If the card is 5.0V only then the slot keying should stop it fitting.

I assume this is just something to play with? A 2850 makes zero sense for doing any real work; SCSI drives, limited processing power, noise and excessive power consumption are all against it.