External usb or serial modems

[newz54]

I am thinking about going with an external usb modem for my new rig. I many pci cards and am concerned about irq conflicts if I go with a traditional pci modem. It seems to me the usb modem (or serial) would save me an irq and a slot. Any exerience with usb modems? Recommendations?

 

[CAMS]

If you use your computer for gaming then avoid a USB modem, they seem to suck up system performance/memory bandwidth even when not in use. Use the com port or get a PCI card modem.