PCI hardware modem

[Mr_Nemesis]

Howdy. I noticed that one or two of Kustom's bespoke systems use (or at least said they did) internal hardware modems. Now, as a Linux user, I am sick of PC's being shipped with winmodems (ie modems that will only work if you have the drivers for windows software only installed) and at the moment I am using a US Robotics v92 external modem through the serial port.

This was because I couldn't find an internal hardware modem ANYWHERE... so I was wondering if anyone knew a UK retailer for proper internal modems, as I might include one in my next PC if the price is right (this modem cost me £70 but it was well worth it - it's great!). My current PC is a cheap (well, not very) and cheerful OEM system that I got cos I needed it in a hurry and didn't have the time or expertise to build my own... besides, it has quite high quality components for an OEM system, but all the PCI slots are filled now (ethernet & soundcard - it's only a desktop mobo).

In fact, I hope all you performance gurus out there saddled with dialup are using proper modems too, since winmodems have a nasty habit of using up far too much processing power... :)

[The Pimp]

Conexant HCF modems work fine with Red Hat, SuSe & Mandrake kernels.

[Mr_Nemesis]

Yeah, there's quite a few linmodems about.

I just prefer modems to be purely hardware, and would rather spend more on a dedicated modem rather than one which relies on kludged drivers, albeit in windows or linux.

There have still been several compatibility issues with some linmodems too, and to be honest I don't think they're worth the bother... I have had too many bad experiences ith the damned things!

[The Pimp]

HCF modems are hardware controlled though unlike the HSF chipsets. Unfortunatly the HCF is the nearest you are going to get to a true hardware modem on a PCI slot. Diamond, MRI, etc, all use the HCF chipset on their 'hardware' modems which are significantly more expensive than a standard HCF modem (which can be bought for under £20).