Replacing CD-ROM Drive

[David]

CD-ROM drive went bad on my 4 year old Dell desktop. Never replaced one. What info do I need to be aware of when going to a store to replace it? Or am I better off just calling Dell?

 

[smokemifugotem]

mine took a crap a couple years back. I just went to best buuuuyy and purchased one that was same speed and same features as stock (im not computer smart) just went home took it apart...plugged it in and fired her up. no need for programming change etc...it took with no issues. it was also a dell. so if ur just going to replace the one and not try to add any fancy add ons...it should just be a plug and play install! hope this helps!

 

[Craig Mac]

CD Drives are plug and play, just get a new one and it should be no more than three connections to plug in.

Most likely it is an IDE connection, if you aren't sure just take the drive with you and they can make sure you get one that hooks up to your machine.

 

[andy]

haven't built a rig in some time but remember to check the type of connection you need for your cdrom drive. i.e. ide or scsi.

 

[Craig Mac]

haven't built a rig in some time but remember to check the type of connection you need for your cdrom drive. i.e. ide or scsi.

scsi??? it has been a while huh, :smokingbo

David, if you aren't in a hurry you can get something like this. Plays and burns cd and dvd's. I've order many times from there.

 

[andy]

:nodlaugh: definitely. quit tech a few years back. kind of miss it. don't miss the on-calls and all night noc-overs though.

 

[tedski]

Why spend the money replacing old tech?

Replace with a dual-layer DVD burner ... about $25 - $30.
All DVD drives will read/burn CD formats.

 

[tedski]

haven't built a rig in some time but remember to check the type of connection you need for your cdrom drive. i.e. ide or scsi.

SCSI ???? :eyepoke:

It's either E-IDE or SATA these days ...

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

If you gotta replace it go with a Blu-Ray unit!

 

[jjon90]

David what is your Dell CPU's model number?? Basic info [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nff4vH_PaDU"]YouTube- Dell GX280 Replacing CD Drive[/nomedia]

 

[David]

Here is a pic of the connectors. It is weird...the drive doesn't seem to have an issue installing installation CD's like the printer and camera but it is picky with burning music CD's...even though all of them are store bought. It just doesn't recognize certain music cd's.

 

[David]

Appears to be ide, huh?

 

[jjon90]

The four pin is the power and the other (black) is an IDE

 

[David]

So all I need to tell someone at the store is I need an IDE?

 

[indyrob]

Yes David, but good luck finding one though. I went to replace one about 2 years ago and Fry's and the selection was SLIM. Everything now is SATA.

 

[David]

I found one on amazon. I got a bare bones IDE CD-ROM. I don't watch movies on the computer and anything I save is on a flash drive. Plus, the computer is 4 years old and it will replaced in the near future.

 

[swat253]

I'd get an USB/External Blu-Ray and you'll have the option of moving from PC to PC. Plus, if/when your Dell bites the dust, your external drive will move with you to the new one...

 

[andy]

I'd get an USB/External Blu-Ray and you'll have the option of moving from PC to PC. Plus, if/when your Dell bites the dust, your external drive will move with you to the new one...

+1 for the solution

 

[tmoney2007]

You are going to pay almost as much for a cd burner. You might as well put a dvd burner in there. It will help you back up files when you transfer stuff to your new computer.

Here is one that would work
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136147

I think you'll be hard pressed to find a cd burner. Just go with a dvd burner.

 

[tazbigdog]

Same thing happened to my dell. It was the IDE connection. I spent $ on a new drive and got the connection. Connected the IDE and the old one worked fine.