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Helpful Information
4.2. Interface Comparisons
Deciding which interface to use, whether it be Hi-
Speed USB 2.0, FireWire 400 or FireWire 800 can be
a complicated decision. Depending on the interfaces
your computer has, your decision should be based on
the following:
Computer With Hi-Speed USB 2.0, FireWire 400 And FireWire 800 Ports
If your computer is equipped with these three interfaces, you have several options to consider. The key decision in this
equation is, again, speed. FireWire 800 effectively offers twice the bandwidth of both Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and FireWire
400. So, if you are running bandwidth-intensive applications, such as digital audio, video or graphics, FireWire 800 is your
clear choice.
Computer With Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 Ports
If your computer is equipped with a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port and a FireWire port, you will get noticeably better perfor-
mance by using the FireWire connection. Compared to Hi-Speed USB 2.0, FireWire has higher sustained data transfer
rates, a feature especially important for audio and video editors. Also, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 will not allow you to daisy-chain
multiple hard drives to your computer.
Computer With only USB 1.1 Ports
If your computer is only equipped with a USB port, your decision is fairly simple: connect via the USB cable provided
with your drive. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 is backward compatible and can be used in USB 1.1 ports. Again, you will be limited
to USB 1.1 speeds and performance.
Another alternative is to purchase a FireWire 400,
FireWire 800 or Hi-Speed USB 2.0 host adapter card
that you would install into a PCI, PCI-X or PCI-Ex-
press slot on your computer, thereby allowing your com-
puter to take advantage of the performances that these
interfaces have to offer. Contact your LaCie reseller or
LaCie Customer Support for information about PCI,
PC, PCI-X or PCI-Express Cards, or visit our website:
www.lacie.com
.
