PCI 64 bit Firewire card won't fit into PCI slot?

[jpastuch]

I have a Firewire 800/400 card that is 64-bit PCI left over from whenever. I wanted to install it in my new build (it's a Gigabyte Z77X mobo with one PCI slot available). I realize I will only be running the card 32 bit as my slot is standard PCI, but even with the overhang taken into account, I cannot seem to get the card in.

I've tried 3 or 4 times now, I line it up with both the bracket and connectors with the actual slot, and it just plain does NOT snap or slide in. I've applied some pressure but I obviously do not want to break a $140 board over a $30 card, but I really didn't want to spend the extra 30 bucks for a new PCI-e card.

Could there be something wrong with my PCI slot or maybe the card? I've lined it up perfectly, and it just does NOT go in.

 

[jaquith]

The FireWire card is incompatible if it's a 3.3V card, the Gigabyte is a 5V PCI 32-bit and overhanging the card typically doesn't work -- yep some can.

Alternatives - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008660%20600022028&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=RATING&PageSize=20
$30 Rosewill PCIe FireWire 1394b - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815166027
$28 Rosewill PCIe FireWire 1394a - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815166018

 

[jpastuch]

Yeah I found this stuff after I posted this. Looking at that picture though, my PCI card SHOULD be universal...according to the pattern. But it simply WON'T fit in right. It's hard to explain but it's like the card is too thick for the slot and it lines up weird with my back panel.

I bought that about a year ago and spent the money for nothing apparently. I really don't want to try and force the card, for whatever reason it's not fitting. I don't want to spend more cash but I REALLY don't want to break my PC either...

Thanks for the recommendations.

 

[jaquith]

Trust me I 'get' what you're saying -- IF you really must have FireWire at least (thankfully) there are some reasonable options.

Correct -- do NOT force it!!!

 

[jpastuch]

Yeah I just ordered a new PCIe card from Amazon. I only need firwire to upload old miniDV tapes for my job (video editing) and getting to some portable hard drives that only have firewire. Speed isn't all that important, just the interface...


But it just puzzles me why that card did not fit. Very strange. I at least wish I had someone who could use it but it looks pretty outdated.

 

[jaquith]

eBay.

Those PCI slots are pretty standardized and you're the first I've seen with this issue.

Good Luck & have a great weekend!

 

[Steve25g]

the 32 bit slot should have a dent in, with some cheap ? pci slots, the dent isn't deep enough it seems.
I'm going to test, to file in the dent a little deeper ( dremel ).
I'm having the same issue on a old 5dtx, while it will work on a PII board, and Socket A boards. The dent is clearly deeper there.
Was looking if the issue could be the pci version, like PCI1 vs PCI2.2, but don't get any decent info, so I go ahead. FIC 503+ same issue. Pentium pro board not even dented...