ISA AMR question

[bigpig]

Im lookin at getting a new modem which is better an isa amr or pci, and what is the differnce in them.

[Richard_Cranium72]

IF you have a older slower processor or a machine bogged down with lots of running applications all the time a "Hardware" modem is best.

ISA or External modems are reportedly all hardware driven.

Most PCI modems are software driven.
Meaning they use the CPU to operate, slowing down the machine somewhat.

If the unit is a modern one with a decent processor don't fret, save the money and get a PCI.

I've used PCI Modems on units slow as 333mhz with OK results.

Audio Modem Riser slots is a area I am basically unfamilar with, however one of mine has such with a on-mobo modem which NEVER worked.

I bought a Connextant $15 modem and kept on..

It was cheaper to buy a modem than to send the computer back and making www.halfpricepc.net (http://www.halfpricepc.net) fix it..

DrVette

[bighogjeep]

http://developer.intel.com/update/archive/issue15/stories/top2.htm sounds better i suppose to have a AMR modem

[Aleph1]

Go for an ISA or external one, as RC72 mentioned that they are both hardware modems.

[Mr.Goodbytes]

ISAs are not all hardmodems, I've got an ISA USR win/voice modem...didn't even know until I installed it...most of them are though, and the PCI hardmodems have been hard to find except on the net for me. Well worth it though IMO

[OuTpaTienT]

Take bighogjeep's link with a big'ol grain of salt. AMR specifications is Intel's work and of course they're gonna tell you it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Heck, while you're at it, why don't you go ask Bill Gates if he thinks Windoze is a decent OS.

Personally I'd stay away from any AMR device. Don't care what anyone says, there is yet to be a CPU that can take multiple hits from multiple processes without it being noticable. It's not that CPUs aren't fast enough, it's mainly due to the Windoze9x enviorment still not being a true multi-tasking OS as well as x86 code not being suited to multi-tasking.

If you have an availible ISA slot, I'd go with an ISA modem. Or I'd get a PCI fax/modem with the UART & other necessary chips on board...no Winmodems! Or, you can't go wrong with an external modem.