firewire question

I have a couple of computers I use to record. One does not have a firewire port. I can get a new Echo Firewire card in trade and would like to add it to one of the computers but it does not have a firewire port. It has USB 2.0 but no firewire. What do I need to know to add a firewire port? Which one should I buy. The computer is Dell Demension E310 with some upgrades. What Specs on the computer should I check to buy a compatible Firewire port? The board is a chipset: Intel 915GV Express. Do I need to look for a port compatible with that? And ...... Will an added card work?

Hi, an added card will work if you have a spare pci slot. Look specifically for something with the Texas Instruments (TI) chipset. It is recommended by most audio interface manufacturers. Stay away from Combo cards (firewire 400/800) as some interfaces don't like them. Stick with a straight firewire 400.

^Yup. Belkin and SIIG make TI-chipped firewire cards for reasonable prices. Check newegg.com, they have 'em. (but be SURE to check the spec sheet from the manufacturer to make SURE they have TI chips in 'em!)