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robertsmme

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PCI compatability

My PCI question…

I have just bought a PCI card that turns out to be PCI 2.2 compatible.
My PC is running PCI 2.1, hence an having some compatibility issues.

Just wondered what my options are:
Upgrade Motherboard / Processor / BIOS? (I don't actually know what controls PCI)
Run some software PCI 2.1 -> PCI 2.2 conversion?
Get an adapter that you could plug in (to PCI or AGP slot) to allow the PCI 2.2 to run
Throw the card away and start again.

My PC is a Compaq Deskpro EN P550 machine.
The card is a TV Card: V-Stream DV/AV Expert TV Stereo PCI card

Thanks in advance.
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maramom

I had the same issue with a wireless nic on an old board
I worked around it by using a usb pci card and USB wireless nic (not as effecient, however)
If you plan to expand, get a new board and keep the card
If you just want to get it working, try a USB version of your card (but you'll need USB 2.0 port)

If you don't want to get into the expense of replacing cpu and ram, you can find compatible boards on ebay fairly cheap
Or get a barebones sytem from tiger direct: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=31
just another note...if you are using an older board, chances are your power supply is also limited, and adding devices can strain the psu, in which you will eventually have to replace it with a more powerful one.

if it's in your budget, I'd recommend a barebones... (you'll have to assemble it yourself)
the first msi board comes with cpu/ram/psu/case for $149 just add you current hard drive(s), optical drive(s)
you'll be better off reinstalling your OS, but it can sometimes be tweaked to accept the new system
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SysExpert
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sysexpert, great idea, I should have thought of it myself :(
you can probably find a pci 2.1 on ebay, but would be more difficult (but not impossible) to find retail
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ASKER

Thanks for your comments so far, but...
could you please explain the issues around this incompatability as I am not sure what the problem is?  Is it a power problem.  Is it possible to get a PCI 2.1 extension for the original machine that would enable the card to work with the existing machine?

Thanks
see

http://www.pcisig.com/specifications/conventional/conventional_pci/2_2sum1215.pdf

and
http://www.pcisig.com/specifications/conventional/conventional_pci/

for the differences.

I would return the card and get a 2.1 2.1 backward compatible card. Most are backward compatible.  
I hope this helps !