What's "better"--powered USB hub or internal PCI card with additional ports?

[SantiClaws]

I need some more USB ports on my machine, and an unpowered hub just ain't doing it. So, I have to choose beween an external powered hub and one that you just plug in a PCI card and it gives you an additional 4 ports. Is one better than the other just in terms of performance? My total USB ports will be 6 with either. I have a good PSW, so hopefully that wouldn't be an issue. Recommendations?

[BipolarBill]

The card is the only way to go. Many USB devices will not work on hubs. Hubs are basically splitters where more ports are, well, more ports and more bandwidth.

Here's a steal:

http://www.usbwholesale.com/pci%20usb2%20card.htm

[SantiClaws]

Thanks, Bill. Fry's is selling one that connects the PCI card into a drive bay, so you get the ports on the front (which I don't have), and it's only $20. Any reasons why that might be a bad idea?

[BipolarBill]

As long as it's not a VIA chipset, snatch it up. If it is VIA, avoid like the plague.

BTW - the one I recommended is USB 2.0 (hi-speed).

[SantiClaws]

The one Fry's is advertisins is theSoyo BayOne (http://www.soyousa.com/products/proddesc.php?id=52). Any idea if this is a VIA? Any way I could find out?

[omega31]

Hmm... I'd say it uses a VIA chipset, VT6202. This is likely the card shipped in that kit:
http://www.soyousa.com/products/proddesc.php?id=148

Edit:
CompUSA has a SIIG USB 2.0 5 port adapter for $19.99 after "instant rebate" online and in-store. It uses a NEC chipset.
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=289091

[BipolarBill]

Avoid the BayOne. We've seen many problems with it here. Get the Siig.

Here are front ports for it:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=651554/blsrt=1/ut=18ae470272704f01