text: how do i upgrade to a firewire port in my dell optiplex? currently i have a usb 2, but it's to slow for transferring large data sets! you need to purchase a firewire pci card.  go down to your local computer store.  you should be able to pick one up for under $40.  with the computer off, open the case, plug it into an available pci slot, and voila! instant firewire.  before you buy, check if your firewire devices are 800 mb/s or 400 mb/s.  if they're only 400, don't waste the extra money on the 800 mb/s card.