What is a 6pin to 4pin firewire cable?

[lsutiger]

I'm trying to purchase a firewire pci card off Ebay, but I want to make sure I get a 6pin. Most don't say. If a card comes with a 6pin to 4pin firewire cable does that mean it is a 6pin card?

Thanks.

[ashawley]

Can't be certain, but most PCI cards have 6 pin ports (which is what you want). Can't you research the manufacturer's web site for the card in question?

sorry, never bought anything off of e-bay.

Adam

[lsutiger]

Just realized that the 6pin port is much larger. I can just tell from the photos.

Thanks.

[stasyna]

Here is the clarification.

Firewire cards are mainly for video transfer. If the card comes with a cable that has 6pin to 4 pin, it means the card will be 6 pin at the back of the PC. Most digital video cameras have 4 pin connection on them itself, and the firewire card creators assume you're buying for this purpose, so they give you a free cable.

[lsutiger]

Thanks. I'm new to Firewire. Haven't decided if I'll just get a USB2.0 cable or a cheap firewire pci card. I know the USB doesn't charge, but I don't think that would be much of an issue for me.

[stasyna]

Both types of input will be excellent investments into your PC. USB 2.0 is emerging as an excellent interface for highspeed transfer and excellent plug-and-play support. Where firewire is still the industry standard for video.

firewire 800 is also an amazing interface for connection. 800mb/s compared to firewire 400 ( 400mb/s ) and USB 2.0 @ 480mb/s.