StarTech.com 1-Port Parallel PCIe Card - PCI Express to Parallel DB25 Adapter Card - Desktop Expansion LPT Controller for Printers, Scanners & Plotters - SPP/ECP - Standard/Low Profile

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

If you’ve got an old-world printer, scanner or plotter that still speaks **parallel (DB25)** and you’re trying to keep that kit alive on a modern PC, this StarTech PCIe-to-parallel card is the kind of boring, practical fix that actually works. At **£20.70 ex-VAT**, it’s priced like a utility part: low cost, minimal fuss, and a good “if it breaks, I can replace it” option for small offices, design/print environments, or engineering teams with legacy equipment.

That said, I wouldn’t buy it if your business is trying to modernise workflows rather than preserve legacy hardware. Parallel peripherals are notoriously picky, and the real pain point is often **driver/compatibility** and **OS support** (especially on newer Windows builds and locked-down environments). Also, don’t expect it to be a “network adapter” replacement—this is for direct parallel device connectivity, so if your devices are USB/Ethernet-only, it’s the wrong tool. In short: buy it if you *know you need parallel* and you’re staying within typical legacy PC setups; skip it if you want something flexible, future-proof, or broad hardware compatibility.