serial ports

adam_castell · 3 Sep 2010 at 10:12

hi,

just doing a new build, i need RS232 serial ports on my machine, overlooked this when specing as i am used to mobos coming with them as standard (old hack now, but still required for the developments i am involved in).

whats the best solution, PCI card or USB adaptors?

my mobo is P6X58D-E

ruskie · 3 Sep 2010 at 11:26

I can't say there is much difference which one you go with. A PCI card is more convenient as its always installed and less like to loose it. A USB->Serial is useful when you need to use it on different computers.

So technically it doesn't matter. Its the software that is utilising the serial ports you should turn to. You might find some applications insist on using built in Serial1/2 ports.

adam_castell · 3 Sep 2010 at 11:43

i have programs that only alow you to select com 1 to 4, has been a hassle in the past on a previous lappy, but i have always managed to reassign them. can you specify the com port number on PCI cards?

i have also found some usb device that actually retain the com port number even when it has been disconnected and reconnected, which is a nice little perk.

typically i would have a serial cable plugged into a pc and running up to my desk ready for connection.

ruskie · 3 Sep 2010 at 17:28

Its very easy to renumber your COM ports. Just go to Device Manager->Ports (COM & LPT)->ComPort(N)->Port Settings->Advanced-Com Port Number:

There is a drop down box to change the port number.

Chaos · 3 Sep 2010 at 17:42

I use a usb > serial and never had any probs with it.