USB Diamond Supra Express...?

[Hurricane]

Wonder' if the USB Diamond Supra Express is just as a decent modem as the serial type. The USB is a hard modem, also, isn't. In other words it's the same thing, just on the USB, right??? Look'in for some clarification here, thanx!

[glc]

There are 3 main versions of the Supra Express - the ISA internal and external serial models are essentially the same - Rockwell/Conexant hardware chipsets. The USB model uses a Lucent hardware chipset. Note that USB modems by definition (the nature of USB) use CPU resources similar to a software modem. That said, if you must use a USB modem, this is the one to get - reboot has tested several and says that this is the only real stable one that he has found. I have my doubts whether *any* USB modem is suitable for hardcore gaming though - I would stick with the ISA or the serial model.

[Hurricane]

Thanks for replying, glc. I had a Boca Windstorm that I wanted to replace because it's so CPU intensive and have semi poor con rates (around 45-48). Yeah, that's not so bad but, it often hangs when connecting to web pages and I experience disconnects. It, also, takes a while to connect to the ISP. I snagged this USB modem because it was $45.00(half price from what I've seen). I understand that the Supra Express modems are supposed to be one of the best, but, didn't know how the USB one faired. So far it's been better than the Windstorm, but the CPU disadvantage still remains. The mainboard is an ABIT SH6; which means no ISA slots. It seems like the external serial port Supra Express seems to be a bit harder to find...especially for $45.00. Thoughts?

[glc]

Yeah - the serial Supra runs about $70. There will be zero CPU utilization with it though. If you aren't gaming, what you have should be as stable as anything you can buy. 45 to 48 is not bad at all - wish I could connect that fast.

[skeeter]

I have the Diamond Supra Express External modem and also a USB Best Data modem. In spite of what everyone says I find little difference between the two and the Best is on a computer with only a 533/66 bus computer while the Diamond is on a 800/100 computer. In fact the Best usually connects at a slightly higher rate. It is as stable if not more than the Diamond. It is much easier to hook up (USB) so go ahead and get the USB.

[glc]

skeeter: Have you compared your ping times, throughput, and CPU utilization? Initial connect speed is almost meaningless because modems retrain according to line conditions.

[reboot]

I've had to "settle" ;) for the Diamond Supra Express USB, simply because there's no room for any more serial devices (or anything else for that matter) on my system. (OK, I kinda like the blue translucent case too :D )
After a ton of testing (Yes, I'm a Diamond fan, but not on the payroll), the USB modems that fared the best in all testing I've done, are the Lucent chipset ones. I'm also a tried and true Rockwell/Conexant fan, but have to admit that if you MUST have a USB modem, the Lucent is the only way to go.
More here: http://www.56k.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/002430.html
More here: http://www.pcmech.com/article.htm?great1

[Hurricane]

Reboot, I appreciate your input! I was looking for more information on this modem and you delivered! That's a good artical. This Supra Express USB is much better than the Boca Windstorm. I thought it was the ISP booting me off the net and here it was the dadgum modem! In this link http://www.56k.com/ubb/Forum7/HTML/002430.html
you mentioned you had to "Had to add M0L0 to get it to shut up" What do you mean? I don't understand that one. Also, I'm trying to understand what those advanced extra settings can do for a modem. Is there a link you can provide that explains those futher optimizations for that advanced settings box? Thanks!

[reboot]

Simply put, all the commands you can use are in the Standard Rockwell/Conexant (originally written/invented by Hayes) command set.
M0L0 literally tells the modem to turn off the volume (M0) and set the volume control to minimum (L0), otherwise the screeching when connecting was causing all the dogs in the neighbourhood to come running. :D
There are thousands of init string combinations, imossible to type them all here, and I do have a couple of links.
Normally, one would not have to use ANY extra settings, but there are a few that can be used for specific troubles.
If you try the modem, and DO have a specific issue with it, post here, and glc, Sarge, or I (and a couple of others) will find you an init string for it.

[Hurricane]

Hey, thanx for replying, reboot! So far there no negative issues with this USB Supra Express. Only had problems with that Boca Windstorm as I had mentioned in the above posts. I will, however, be using that modem in the near future as I am piecing together a computer for my daughter. So, I'll worry about that as I get closer to making that 'puter more functional. Thanx again!