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Belkin USB 2.0 5-Port PCI Card

Reviews for Belkin USB 2.0 5-Port PCI Card

4 x 4-pin Type A USB 2.0 USB External, 1 x 4-pin Type A USB 2.0 USB Internal - Plug-in Card - MPN: F5U220

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|10 reviews
  • 4
  By member: retrodip - Dec 21, 2005

Works great with Linux

Strengths: Easy installation, no configuration necessary.

Weakness: Price - $10 less seems appropriate.

I purchased this USB 2.0 add-on card to speed up transfers to my MP3 player and digital camera. USB 2.0 is literally 40 times faster than USB 1.1, so I no longer have to wait and wait while transferring files to and from my devices.


Although only 3 years old, my computer lacks built-in USB 2.0 ports -- it only has 4 USB 1.1 ports. Given the number of peripherals that connect via USB, an add-on card was a must. Note that there's no use in plugging in devices like USB mice to the USB 2.0 ports, since those operate at well below the 12Mbit/second USB 1.1 transfer rate; however, the ports in this card are backwards compatible and will work with any device with a USB connector.

This card uses a NEC chipset, which is apparently much more compatible with Linux than the other common chipset made by VIA. Cheaper cards likely use the VIA chipset.

On Linux, this card loads the ohci_hcd and ehci_hcd USB hub modules, the latter being for USB 2.0. Two USB 1.1 hubs show up in lspci as "USB Controller: NEC Corporation USB (rev 43)", one with 2 ports and one with 3. One USB 2.0 hub shows up as "USB Controller: NEC Corporation USB 2.0 (rev 04)."

Note that the fifth USB port on this card will be inside your computer. That's probably not of much use to anyone.

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  • 4
  By member: davcash - Sep 17, 2004

Belkin USB 2.0 5-Port PCI Card

Strengths: Easy installation, plug and play compatible, lifetime warranty.

Weakness: Haven't noticed any.

I ordered my Belkin F5U220 through a reputable dealer and it arrived as quick as it transfers data. The card installed very easily into Windows XP and there were no driver hassles. So far, so good. I gave it 4 stars because of the short duration I have owned it at the time of this review, but I am sure that the name and quality would live up to a 5 star rating. As of now, I would purchase another and certainly recommend to others (PC Users) as well.

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  • 4
  By member: MORE4MY$ - Oct 5, 2005

Easy way to upgrade your Mac to USB 2.0

Strengths: Easy to install (all you need is a screw driver) and then you're up and running

Weakness: None

I have a G4 400 Power Mac running OS X.2.8 that had USB 1.0 and Firewire support and realized that I needed to get up USB 2.0 if I was going to add any peripherals to my machine.

Before I ordered this USB 2.0 adapter, I wanted to make sure that it was compatible with a Mac and my OS X version (as well as OS X.4). I spoke to a Belkin technician who assured me that it was.

Based on my previous experience with other Belkin products, the life time guarantee, and the free technical support, I decided to buy this adapter than another company's less expensive adapter.

In addition, I purchased the 5 port version than the 2 port version for a mere $5 more. I assumed that you can never have too many too many USB ports (sort of like never being too thin or too rich). I can now get rid of my 1.0 hub (and it's separate power supply) and use the ports on the Belkin card instead.

Installation was a breeze: I opened the case, removed the covering for the PCI card slot, inserted the Belkin USB card in the slot, closed the case, and restarted the machine. If I didn't insist on moving some of the other cards in computer around, installation would have taken less than 5 minutes.

The card works fine in my computer. Didn't need any installation software. True Plug and Play.

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  • 4
  By member: mehranpour - Jul 15, 2005

great product

Strengths: USB 2, with 5 ports!

Weakness: none

faster data transfer with USB-2. has five available ports; four external and one internal (although i'm not sure what you could use the internal one for). it is very easy to install with no driver hassles.

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  • 4
  By member: mikejudge2k1 - Dec 18, 2005

Belkin USB 2.0 PCI Card

Strengths: Easy Plug and Play installation, USB 2.0 = Fast Transfers.

Weakness: None

I wanted to upgrade the USB 1.1 that I had in my computer because I purchased an MP3 Player. The difference that 2.0 makes is great. Also now I can keep both of my printers plugged into my computer at all times thanks to having more ports.

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  • 5
  By member: wmreglist - Oct 30, 2004

Belkin USB 2.0 5-Port PCI Card

Strengths: Five Ports! Backward- compatibility with USB 1.1 devises. Don't need to buy hubs for extra ports.

Weakness: Just make sure you have an available PCI slot on your computer.

I was looking to buy a hub for extra USB ports. When I realized I could buy a PCI card and upgrade to Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and get 5 extra ports, I was a happy guy! Glad I went this route for just a few bucks more. With Windows XP it was just plug in the card and go. No drivers to worry about.

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  • 5
  By member: robertskl - Aug 12, 2005

Great 5 Port USB 2.0 PCI Solution

Strengths: Simple to install. Quality of Belkin name continues to impress.

Weakness: None.

Installation was quick, easy, and works great with Windows XP. The one internal USB is great for those cases with a USB adapter built into front panel. Definently recommend this product for its true USB 2.0 broadband connectivity.

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  • 2
  By member: bprofane - Apr 14, 2004

Belkin USB 2.0 5-Port PCI Card

Strengths: Gives me additional USB ports. Easy installation.

Weakness: Lack of tech support and proper drivers.

I am somewhat disappointed with this product. I purchased it for my Macintosh G4 desktop with the idea of adding USB 2 functionality, but it only functions at USB 1.0 speed. I called Belkin tech support to ask about the availability of drivers and was told that I did not need any with my operation system (OSX 10.3.3). The offered no other advice nor any solution to my problem. I was told that the drivers were included with my system software, but later when I called Apple, I was told they were not aware of this "fact".
I'll keep the card just for the additional USB 1.0 ports, but would not recomment it to anyone else. I think Belkin should supply the needed drivers for their product.

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  • 4
  By member: alexkakis - Apr 17, 2005

Belkin USB 2.0 5-Port PCI Card

Strengths: is fast the transfer between my computer and my hard drive external

Weakness: none yet

this is a good product i have a two hard drive external and i need fast transfer the files and was good option for me buy this product i happy

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  • 4
  By member: tekstyle - Jan 10, 2006

5 Port PCI Card Internal Bus Port

Strengths: easy to install

Weakness: need PCI slot

works great.. plug and play to WIN xp systems. and fast transfer rate. I have tried using a VIA USB 2.0 PCI card before and it only have me problems, but this one works flawlessly. More reliable than my VIA firewire transfer as well.

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