PCI-324 w/Mac instead?

[pacific202]

I have been using a number of old samplers lately which has increased my need for audio inputs, and also means that I need to run an older operating system so I can effectively use SCSI and the software that came with these older machines.

I bought a PCI-324, 2408mk2, and 24i which meets my needs pretty much exactly, but I've been really struggling to get this all working properly on Windows XP Pro.

I believe that I have two options here:

(A) Buy a Mac and keep this setup, or

(B) Sell this setup and buy a PCI-424, 2408mk3, and 24io

What is the going consensus on the PCI-324 with Macs? If option A really is an option, is there a preferred model and OS? Should I go with OSX and a G5, or maybe stick with a G4/OS9?

Many thanks in advance for your wisdom!

[mikehalloran]

A. 324 card will only work in a PCI slot. It won't work in a PCIx or PCIe slot.

This means a PPC G4 or earlier. There were some early G5 with four RAM slots that had PCI slots; those with 8 RAM slots could only take PCIx or PCIe, depending on the year.

A 324 card cannot be used with any Intel Mac.

[bayswater]

A. 324 card will only work in a PCI slot. It won't work in a PCIx or PCIe slot.

This means a PPC G4 or earlier. There were some early G5 with four RAM slots that had PCI slots; those with 8 RAM slots could only take PCIx or PCIe, depending on the year.

A 324 card cannot be used with any Intel Mac.

I have one of the early G5s with the four RAM slot and plain PCI. I bought it specifically because I had PCI cards, including the UAD-1 Mackie version, but I still had to go for the 424 upgrade. The 324 didn't fit although the UAD did.

[pacific202]

Many thanks for your help. I've got an option on borrowing a PCI-424 and will try that over the weekend.

[mikehalloran]

Oh yea, now that I recall, the card fits but the slot only works with 3.3V so you are right, the 324 doesn't work in a G5; you still need a 424x.

A PCI-424 requires a 5V PCI slot like the 324. The PCIx-424 works with 3.3V or 5V slots.

That was over ten years ago. It's coming back to me now...