PCI or Firewire 800?

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gvdv

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In assembling my new DAW, should I be looking to go for a Firewire 800 or a PCI based system?

What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of each of these types of connection?

I think that I read somewhere that if one uses a PCI based system for audio, one has to make sure not to use anything (video card etc.) in any of the other PCI slots that may be available because of conflict problems: is that right?

Thanks,

Geert, in Toronto.
 
Unless you want to use it with a laptop or a mac that doesn't have PCI slots, it's best to stick with PCI.
You can use a PCI interface while other PCI cards are installed. However it's best to make sure that they aren't sharing the same IRQ (check the system properties for that).

I just ordered an RME Fireface 800 myself because I'm going to use it with a laptop. I trust RME's reputation so I expect it to rock.
But ouch.... it hurts in my wallet.
 
christiaan said:
I just ordered an RME Fireface 800 myself because I'm going to use it with a laptop. I trust RME's reputation so I expect it to rock.
But ouch.... it hurts in my wallet.
Click to expand...

So....no more delta 410? You giving up on pci?
 
I've had a 410 only for a short while. I've had an Audiophile for the last 10 months or so which suited my needs better (until now).

Yes, I'm giving up on PCI but only for mobility.
 
Hi Christiaan,
Thanks for the advice.

Can you tell me why it's best to stick with PCI?

And might there be any other potential hardware conflicts if I change the IRQ to avoid PCI conflicts?

Geert, in Toronto.
 
gvdv said:
Hi Christiaan,
Thanks for the advice.

Can you tell me why it's best to stick with PCI?
Click to expand...
PCI: Proven, matured technology with a higher bandwidth than Firewire. And PCI interfaces are usually cheaper than their firewire counterparts.
And might there be any other potential hardware conflicts if I change the IRQ to avoid PCI conflicts?
Click to expand...
Might? Sure. Actually happening? Hard to tell but nowadays not something to worry a great deal about, at least from my not so humble experience.
 
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