Advice on new CD burner

DarkStar · Oct 03, 2009, 14:55:04

I now have an almost dead CD/DVD burner in my computer. As I need to replace it as a matter of some urgency I am looking at either buying a new internal one and fitting it myself or getting an external one to plug into a USB socket.
So, what is involved in fitting an internal one myself - is it difficult or simply an install and use job like when I fitted new USB and the computer recognised them automatically, or is it a bit more complicated than that.
The only problem with an external USB burner is that I only have one spare USB socket available so if I need to restore a backup I will need to boot the computer using that USB socket, remove the burner from the socket, plug in the external drive with the backup on and hope it works OK

The computer is now six and a half years old and I aim to get a new one early next year. With the Hard Drive also getting a bit iffy I am reluctant to spend much on this machine.

Rik · Oct 03, 2009, 15:29:33

Depending on the case, the drive may be held by a couple of spring clips or 2-4 screws, Ian. Usually it's a s simple as unplugging the data and power leads, then removing the drive, sliding in the new one, connecting the leads and re-fixing the screws or clips. Just make sure you identify what kind of interface is in use, ie S-ATA or P-ATA.

Glenn · Oct 03, 2009, 15:36:06

Most likely 4 screws holding the drive, maybe 2 or 4 holding the side on the case. If it is 6 years old, then you may need an IDE drive, most are now SATA.

DarkStar · Oct 03, 2009, 16:24:53

Rik,
Yes, the burner is held in the 'runners' by a couple of spring clips. Should the data and power leads be disconnected from the CD burner or do they remain attached and they unplug from the Motherboard or wherever they go to? How do I identify the interface, I believe it's from the cable attached to it isn't it. Pretty sure mine has a flat grey one about an inch wide. Will have a look to be sure when I shut the machine down.

Glen,
I'm sure it is an IDE drive, will dig out the original speck I got with the computer to see if it is mentioned.

I dropped into my local computer shop yesterday and explained the situation, what the lad in there suggested was to have a new top notch CD drive and Hard Drive installed in my present machine and then when I'm ready to upgrade to a more powerful computer running Windows 7 (possibly 64 bit) to bring this old machine in and have the new CD drive and Hard Drive's swapped into the new case along with the new Motherboard etc. Not a bad idea I suppose but not sold on it yet.

Rik · Oct 03, 2009, 16:34:28

Hi Ian

Disconnect the leads from the old drive, connect them to the new, leave the mobo end well alone. It sounds like you have an IDE-connected drive, it's a standard item still.

DarkStar · Oct 03, 2009, 16:56:48

Many thanks for help Rik and Glen

will do a search on internet as soon as I have established exactly which type I have.

quandam · Oct 03, 2009, 18:36:39

Dark Star

For what it's worth I purchased a £12.00 external USB DVD/CD burner (new) via ebay for my two net books that have no DVD/CD burner facility from China and it works perfectly. To be fair I have not burned anything but have used it many times for other reasons without problem. Used my £12.00 unit only a couple of days ago and it worked perfectly.

Maybe it's worth it to chance £12.00 (or so) before you lay out large amounts?

Rik · Oct 03, 2009, 18:41:36

Just noticed this is in the wrong place... moving.

quandam · Oct 03, 2009, 18:43:16

Further to above post, the unit was VERY simple to set up and has caused no problems whatsoever. Personally I would try this before you lay out serious money

DarkStar · Oct 03, 2009, 20:26:08

Quote from: quandam on Oct 03, 2009, 18:43:16
Further to above post, the unit was VERY simple to set up and has caused no problems whatsoever. Personally I would try this before you lay out serious money

Nah, I'm not looking to splash out for this, I have a Samsung at the moment and have found an almost identical Samsung model except its a couple of years later on Amazon for £9.95 so am going for that. Keeping my money for a new machine.
The more I think about what the lad at the shop said the dafter it seems. If I went for top of the range burner and HDD I cannot believe that the ancient Motherboard in my present machine would be able to run them, the wiring on the burner alone is different.

Sebby · Oct 04, 2009, 11:43:25

Yep, definitely don't spend a lot on a replacement. It sounds like what you've found is ideal.

DarkStar · Oct 07, 2009, 16:20:49

Update.
New burner arrived this morning (or rather early afternoon, no early post any more) a 15-20 min job to fit it and running nicely

So, many thanks for advice about how to fit it, a bit of a sweaty palm moment when I started the machine up again but I can now get on with burning videos for my son in Dubai to keep him up to date.

Rik · Oct 07, 2009, 16:26:14

That's great, Ian, thanks for letting us know.

Ray · Oct 07, 2009, 16:29:51

Excellent news, Ian.

gizmo71 · Oct 07, 2009, 20:37:22

Which model did you get in the end?

After the last conversation I got myself a second Samsung TS-H653N (OEM version of the SH-203N) which doesn't appear to have changed spec at all since the last one I got nearly two years ago.

As it happens the need to have a second drive in both my workstation and games box disappeared so I could've saved the money.

Sebby · Oct 07, 2009, 22:08:31

Good stuff, Ian.

DarkStar · Oct 08, 2009, 10:41:33

Quote from: gizmo71 on Oct 07, 2009, 20:37:22
Which model did you get in the end?

After the last conversation I got myself a second Samsung TS-H653N (OEM version of the SH-203N) which doesn't appear to have changed spec at all since the last one I got nearly two years ago. As it happens the need to have a second drive in both my workstation and games box disappeared so I could've saved the money.

Sorry for the delay in getting back, have had a rather hectic few days and didn't feel too good yesterday evening

Anyway I ordered a Samsung SH-M522C:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-SH-M522C-DVD-ROM-52x32x52x-internal/dp/B000GNOS4K/ref=pd_cp_ce_1

but received this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/LiteOn-SOHC-5236K-DVD-ROM-52x32x52x-internal/dp/B000H9HM7S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1254994222&sr=8-1

Was a bit annoyed at the time but as the width and height were the same I decided to try it and see what happened. Although it isn't quite so long it fitted nice and snug and is working A1

so I'm a happy bunny

Rik · Oct 08, 2009, 10:44:44

I'd let Amazon know, Ian.