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Margin Note: FireWire replacement cards

Margin Note: FireWire replacement cards

CNET staff

Our recent coverage of FireWire failure issues across a broad array of Mac models (Titanium PowerBook G4s and original dual-processor G4 systems seem to be most affected) has resulted in a wave of pleas for ways to revive the defunct FireWire ports.

So far, the best solution for desktop Power Macs seems to be purchasing a low-cost replacement IEE 1394 PCI expansion card.

Several vendors offer FireWire expansion cards for under US $ 20. Pricewatch.com lists a number of generic and house brand cards for about US $ 15. If you want to go with a more respected brand name, Orange Micro's 3-port IEEE 1394 card goes for US $30.

For portables, a PCMCIA or CardBus card will have to suffice. Of course, if your Mac is still covered and you can live without the system for several days, exercising the Apple warranty is the cheapest and most succinct fix.

The prices on PCMCIA and CardBus FireWire adapters are a little higher, but you shouldn't expect to go over US $ 50. CableMax offers a two port PCMCIA 32-bit CardBus 1394-FireWire Adapter, model AP-1002, with dual 400 Mbps FireWire ports at US $ 49.50.

Feedback on this issue? Let us know at late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Resources

  • recent coverage
  • generic and house brand ca...
  • Orange Micro's 3-port IEEE 1394 card
  • two port PCMCIA 32-bit Car...
  • late-breakers@macfixit.com
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