Modem for a New System

[Procrastinator]

Modem? I know. But for many reasons, mostly out of my control, I can't get cable or DSL. Building a new system with the ABIT KT7A and I need a modem. I don't want a Winmodem (how do I tell since most modems require Windows 95 or later to run). Also, the KT7A has an ISA slot. I figure, since its there, and the modem is the only piece that can really use it, why not? Saves me a PCI slot down the road? Right? Are there any disadvantages to using ISA as opposed to PCI? Thanks.

 

[jfall]

Try a 3Com Hardware Modem or a Diamond

 

[Mookow]

PCI cards generally are generally busmaster cards, meaning that they dont require nearly as much CPU overhead. However, this is a modem, not a 100Mbit NIC, so that shouldnt be a big problem. I'd go out and get a used ISA USR hard modem.

 

[tippmann]

I dont think I have ever seen a hardware modem that is an ISA???
--- Go with a 3Com

 

[Mookow]

I think one of my friends has a hard ISA USR modem. I very easily could be wrong, the modem could be PCI. Anyway, it works well for him, and it is a hard modem.

 

[mztykal]

I have a brand new "hardware" modem I picked up from John. Will include drivers on a cd-r. It has fax and voice I think. Lemme know if you want it.

$25.00 shipped.

 

[purplecow]

"I dont think I have ever seen a hardware modem that is an ISA???
--- Go with a 3Com"

Most ISA modems are hardware, but there are some crappy ISA winmodems. The new PCI winmodems usually work great and sometimes outperform hardware modems, though. IT REALLY DEPENDS ON YOUR SITUATION! Generally hardware modems perform better under worse circumstances. For example, you could get 49333 with a hardware modem on crappy lines, and only 21600 with a winmodem. If you have a good phone line though, it may not matter, you may even get better performance with the winmodem.

Personally, to be safe, I stick with hardware modems. The best brand to go with would probably be U.S. Robotics (NOT 3COM, they are seperate again). I have a 33.6 USR modem and it works great, it performs as well as many 56k of today. I have a newer "half/half" 56k 3com. It works well, but a little slower than the completely hardware ISA 56K 3com I USED to have. Just to put things into perspective for ya.

If you want to save a buck, buy a GVC modem. Very fast and stable, and probably half the price of a USR.

 

[GregMal]

MOST ISA modems are hardware. But there are some 3COM/USR ISA
Winmodems out there. I'm currently running a Cardinal Connecta
internal ISA hardware (TI chipset) V90 modem.
I consistantly connect at 48k+..........
Greg

 

[Gorgonzola]

i have a crappy LT winmodem (PCI) and still connect at about 50.6Kbps. although you should definately get a hardware modem if you want to use it in linux as not all winmodems will work.

 

[FordLorider]

yeah, you know what, we need a modem shoot-out!

 

[Davegod75]

the LTs are actually pretty good.

 

[Procrastinator]

Wow..thanks for the input. I know creative labs makes both ISA and PCI hardware modems. I guess I'll go with the ISA. I know 6 PCI slots are a lot on a motherboard, but why take the chance on running out of room. Anyone have the Creative Labs Modem Blaster ISA? How is it?

 

[GregMal]

With the current controversies about Creative Labs (soundcards/VIA
chipsets, poor CD Roms) do ya really want a Creative Labs modem???
Greg

 

[Pikachu]

Here's something you may want to consider. An external. I'm glad I had and external or two sitting around here when I networked our PCs with an SMC7004 Barricade router instead of a hub. It not only has a print server built in, but it has a Com port to connect to an external modem. It's great to have as a backup if the DSL goes down. As long as the Barricade is switched on, any PC connected to it can dial out or print. But you'll need an external modem to take advantage of that, so it's something to consider.

BTW, I'm currently using a Creative Labs Modem Blaster Flash56. It gets the highest connect speeds of any modem I've owned, which include the Hayes 56K external, Zoom Dualmode ISA Internal, Diamond Supra Express ISA Internal and a few cheapo PCIs, like the SupraMax and a couple other generic dogs. See if somebody will sell you a used one or something. Since everyone is jumping to cable or DSL, there must be quite a few out there.