New PCI Slot Computers: Buying Guide

Dec 21, 2015

NIXSYS builds new computers with 32-bit PCI slots for applications that depend on conventional PCI interface cards. They are new-production systems, not refurbished or surplus hardware. Without counting the ISA slot systems, which also carry PCI slots, the current range covers 20 systems on five Intel platforms, from 2nd-generation to 14th-generation processors, priced from $825.00 to $1,380.00. Every system ships from Irvine, California with a 2-year parts-and-labor warranty and US-based technical support.

Why 32-bit PCI Slots Still Matter

Conventional PCI interface cards remain in service across test and measurement, machine vision, motion control, industrial communications and laboratory instrumentation. Data-acquisition boards, GPIB interfaces, frame grabbers and multi-port serial cards are common examples. Mainstream motherboards dropped conventional PCI years ago, and a PCI card does not fit a PCI Express slot. A new computer that keeps 32-bit PCI slots lets these cards, and the software that drives them, stay in service.

PCI Slot Computers by Platform

Intel 12th to 14th generation, H610 chipset: NX610 series

6 serial ports, 2 PCI Express slots, Windows 10, Windows 11 and Linux.

  • NX610M-T70: 2 PCI slots; mini tower, $1,110.00
  • NX610-T90: 5 PCI slots; mid tower, $1,140.00
  • NX610-R: 5 PCI slots; 3U or 4U rackmount chassis, $1,380.00

Intel 6th to 9th generation: NX586 and NX786 series

Serial and parallel ports, 2 PCI Express slots, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Linux.

  • NX586-T50 and NX586-T70: 2 PCI slots, 6 serial ports, 1 parallel port, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0; micro or mini tower, $985.00 to $1,035.00
  • NX786-T90: 5 PCI slots, serial and parallel ports; mid tower, $1,055.00

Intel 6th and 7th generation, H110 chipset: NX110 series

2 PCI slots, 2 PCI Express slots, 1 serial port, 1 parallel port, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11 and Linux.

Intel 4th generation: NX81 series

2 PCI slots, 2 PCI Express slots, 1 serial port, 1 parallel port, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11 and Linux.

Intel 2nd and 3rd generation: NX581, NX75 and NX781 series

Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8. The NX581 and NX781 also support Windows 10.

  • NX581-T50 and NX581-T70: 2 PCI slots, 2 serial ports, 1 parallel port; micro or mini tower, $1,035.00 to $1,055.00
  • NX75-T90: 5 PCI slots, 2 serial ports, 1 parallel port; mid tower, $1,015.00
  • NX781-T90: 4 PCI slots, 3 PCI Express slots, 6 serial ports, 1 parallel port; mid tower, $1,105.00
  • NX75-R: 5 PCI slots, 6 serial ports; 3U or 4U rackmount chassis, $1,170.00

If the application also needs ISA slots, see New Computers with ISA Slots. Those 12 systems combine 1 to 3 ISA slots with 2 to 5 PCI slots.

How to Choose

  1. Count the PCI cards. Five PCI slots are available on the NX610-T90, NX610-R, NX786-T90, NX75-T90 and NX75-R. The NX781-T90 has 4. The rest have 2.
  2. Match the operating system. Windows XP points to the NX81, NX581, NX75 or NX781. Windows 11 points to the NX610, NX110 or NX81. Windows 7 is supported on every platform except the NX610.
  3. Count the serial ports. Six serial ports are available on the NX610 series, NX586 series, NX781-T90 and NX75-R.
  4. Choose the enclosure. Rackmount chassis in 3U or 4U are available as the NX610-R, NX110-R and NX75-R.

PCI Card Details to Confirm Before Ordering

  • PCI and PCI Express are not interchangeable. Confirm each card is conventional PCI and not PCI Express, and count each type separately.
  • Voltage keying. Conventional PCI cards are keyed for 5 V, 3.3 V or both (universal). Note the keying of each card and confirm slot compatibility with NIXSYS.
  • PCI-X cards. Many 64-bit PCI-X cards also run in a 32-bit PCI slot at reduced bandwidth, provided the card supports it and the keying matches. Confirm with the card vendor.
  • Drivers. Confirm the card's drivers support the operating system you plan to run, particularly for Windows 10 and Windows 11 builds.

Warranty, Shipping and Support

  • 2-year parts-and-labor warranty on complete systems; motherboards purchased separately carry 1 year. See the warranty and return policy.
  • Most orders ship within 3 to 5 business days from Irvine, California.
  • Returns are accepted within 30 days of invoice.
  • Technical support is based in the US and handled by engineers, not a call center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a new computer with PCI slots that runs Windows 11?

Yes. The NX610, NX110 and NX81 series support Windows 11. The NX610-T90 and NX610-R have 5 PCI slots and 6 serial ports.

Which PCI slot computers run Windows XP?

The NX81, NX581, NX75 and NX781 series, plus the ISA slot systems. See the Windows XP buying guide.

Is there a rackmount PCI slot computer?

Yes. The NX610-R, NX110-R and NX75-R come in 3U or 4U chassis, and several ISA slot systems are available in 2U, 3U and 4U.

Related Guides

Configure and Order a PCI Slot Computer

Request a quote: sales@nixsys.com or call (866) 464-9797.