ResellerRatings Store Ratings - View Single Post - Do you have a crappy "winmodem" taking up a valuable PCI slot whch you need ?

MegalosSkylaki · 12-19-2001, 08:11 PM

I'm not sure if i entirely get your question, but the Q-lity internal modem uses an AMR slot. This like the CNR are usually used for OEM mobos but are hard to find in the Consumer after-market. Sometimes they come bundled with a mobo.

The advantage to one is that many mobo's--because they are also used as OEM mobos (albeit with a rev. Bios)--have these very slots which generally go to waste.

The main advantage if you have such a mobo--and a "soft modem" in a PCI slot, you could replace it with a amr or cnr slot-type "softmobo" and free up that PCI slot. Note: each is not interchangable with the other.

Look first for expansion slots on case, and how the cards are arrayed. By that I mean some 6 slot mobos may have difficulty with six cards due to to size, height,cords,fans etc. Also, expansion slots are not always "level" with how the cards fit in --or so it seems. A six on six mobo is a crowded place ! Sometimes with IRQ conflicts and poor card ventilation.

The idea is that a softmodem is essentially an interface for your telephone plugs and then some. If you are short a PCI slot, one solution is to either get an external "softmodem" on the cheap, or a cnr or amr card modem likewise.

One free PCI slot coming up !

I am thinking of changing my PCI modem for an external to put in a slot fan in a proprietary minicase.

Another solution is an external hardmodem ($60--$300), but these tend to be costly--as are internal hardmodems. They use up a serial port typically, and require configuration. Their firmware--always check this out before you buy--are upgradable. They older ones required an actual change of firmware--by purchase.

Cable modem can work off your NIC I think, but many people might still want a dial-up modem as a backup.

And yes, AMR and CNR card have been stadardized by the industry. I think there is also a third form whose name escapes me. Audio modem riser and communications network riser or such are their full names.

My guess is people tend to overlook or forget about these after a while. They look a little like short AGP slots and are usually found way on the bottom of mobo or on the top , near the AGP slot, but less wide.

12-19-2001, 08:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
MegalosSkylaki Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Nr. GroundZero NYC Posts: 1,861	I'm not sure if i entirely get your question, but the Q-lity internal modem uses an AMR slot. This like the CNR are usually used for OEM mobos but are hard to find in the Consumer after-market. Sometimes they come bundled with a mobo. The advantage to one is that many mobo's--because they are also used as OEM mobos (albeit with a rev. Bios)--have these very slots which generally go to waste. The main advantage if you have such a mobo--and a "soft modem" in a PCI slot, you could replace it with a amr or cnr slot-type "softmobo" and free up that PCI slot. Note: each is not interchangable with the other. Look first for expansion slots on case, and how the cards are arrayed. By that I mean some 6 slot mobos may have difficulty with six cards due to to size, height,cords,fans etc. Also, expansion slots are not always "level" with how the cards fit in --or so it seems. A six on six mobo is a crowded place ! Sometimes with IRQ conflicts and poor card ventilation. The idea is that a softmodem is essentially an interface for your telephone plugs and then some. If you are short a PCI slot, one solution is to either get an external "softmodem" on the cheap, or a cnr or amr card modem likewise. One free PCI slot coming up ! I am thinking of changing my PCI modem for an external to put in a slot fan in a proprietary minicase. Another solution is an external hardmodem ($60--$300), but these tend to be costly--as are internal hardmodems. They use up a serial port typically, and require configuration. Their firmware--always check this out before you buy--are upgradable. They older ones required an actual change of firmware--by purchase. Cable modem can work off your NIC I think, but many people might still want a dial-up modem as a backup. And yes, AMR and CNR card have been stadardized by the industry. I think there is also a third form whose name escapes me. Audio modem riser and communications network riser or such are their full names. My guess is people tend to overlook or forget about these after a while. They look a little like short AGP slots and are usually found way on the bottom of mobo or on the top , near the AGP slot, but less wide.