Adding FireWire Port to Alienware X51 R3?

[joelburgher]

I am not very well versed in computer components, and I often find myself on Tom's to learn other stuff, so here goes...

My mobo does not have any free PCIe slots. I use my computer for both gaming and recording, and I was wondering if there is a way to utilize the M.2 slot to add FireWire to my computer. I would prefer not to remove my wireless card and run ethernet cables everywhere in my apartment.

Thanks!

Signed,

Confused

 

[Lutfij]

To the best of my knowledge, unfortunately, there are no solution based off of populating the M.2 slot. Most, if not all, are based on PCI-E x1 cards such as this:
https://www.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/FireWire/2-Port-1394a-PCI-Express-FireWire-Card~PEX1394A2V
while you can replace your mini PCIe slot with this:
https://www.startech.com/uk/Cards-Adapters/FireWire/3-Port-2b-1a-1394-Mini-PCI-Express-FireWire-Card-Adapter~MPEX1394B3
though the latter will force you to go with a USB dongle for wireless connectivity.

If your motherboard , by some magical stroke, has an onboard firewire header, you can make due with this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5EM2JT1747&cm_re=firewire-_-9SIA5EM2JT1747-_-Product

Out of curiosity, would you happen to have a PCI slot available? Older standard but you could make do with a PCI riser cable and some ghetto modding...perhaps? Not entirely practical but is an option.