Tower Plus EBT2250, parallel port card doesn't reach frame

Question

I have a new Tower Plus. I am adding a parallel port card to attach an existing piece of equipment. With the card inserted into the slots, the mounting doesn't reach the frame to mount. Picture below shows how far away it is from the frame.

redxps630 · Accepted Answer

It appears card was inserted incorrectly into the PCIex4 slot on motherboard. This is a PCIex1 slot card shown below. When inserted correctly the rear edge of card should line up with pciex1 segment (the foremost segment) of the x4 slot. Currently the card is inserted in the rearmost segment of the x4 slot which explains why the parallel port does not line up with pc IO frame. This may also risk damage to the card as the power pins are mis aligned.

(edited)

Tesla1856 · Accepted Answer

Good catch @redxps630

@racerblair I'm surprised it fit-in like that. Hopefully, the card or the motherboard didn't get electrically damaged. It should work for your purpose (if not now blown).

Start with the mounting bracket touching the frame, and then gently slide it down into the slot. That first slot piece (1 of 3) notice there are no contacts on it. It goes just outside the slot.

And yes, you can normally use a PCIe-x1 card (what you have) in a PCIe-x4 slot (or even the longer PCIe-x8).

Finally, what some people do if buy a LPT1-to-USB adapter (yes, StarTech makes those also) . Or, if the printer has networking abilities, use them.

xcxccxxccxc · Answer

Try bonanza.com/1802524849

redxps630 · Answer

What is part number of this card?

racerblair · Answer

StarTech PEX1P2. Same one listed on the Dell parts order page.

racerblair · Answer

That is the only open slot. So do I need a PCIex4 card instead? Or is there another workaround?

racerblair · Answer

@Tesla1856​ I will try that. I tried a parallel to usb cable first and could not get the computer and machine to communicate. I used all the previous settings from my previous computer and couldn't get them to recognize each other. Was told that those cables are a 50/50 shot if they will work with the computer and machine.

Tesla1856 · Answer

@racerblair​ @Tesla1856​ I will try that. I tried a parallel to usb cable first and could not get the computer and machine to communicate. I used all the previous settings from my previous computer and couldn't get them to recognize each other. Was told that those cables are a 50/50 shot if they will work with the computer and machine. Fair enough. Yeah, now that you mention it, I suppose the PCIe card is better . I just mentioned it because the adapter-cable hardware just plugs-in on the outside of machine.    The deal with those adapter-cables is that it often takes some setup in Windows ... often with a hand-written batch file that needs to run at Windows startup to configure virtual COM port and redirect the LPT1: port .

racerblair · Answer

@Tesla1856​ update: it is now installed and downloaded the driver for it and is now connected and running again. Thanks for the help.

Dell Pro Desktops

Tower Plus EBT2250, parallel port card doesn't reach frame

Was this post helpful?