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December 6th, 2010 23:00

Change IDE CD-RW/DVD ROM to SATA DVD-RW

I would like to take the IDE CD-RW/DVD ROM from my Dimension 4700C desktop and put in a SATA DVD-RW drive but not sure if I can.  The flat IDE cable for the existing DVD ROM has an adapter on the end converting it to a SATA connector but the connector is different on the LG  DVD-RW.  No 'dog leg' shape just a bar across the center of the connector and it won't plug into the adapter.  Looking for a little help here so I don't spend any money on the wrong stuff trying to get this figured out.

6 Operator

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34.2K Posts

December 7th, 2010 05:00

Hi Scramm383,

There is an IDE connector on the motherboard. Are you saying that it's not being used at all, and that your current drive is connected to the SATA port rather than the IDE port? That doesn't make sense to me.

4 Posts

December 7th, 2010 08:00

Goodmorning.  Sorry about the confusion.  Basically I want to replace the existing DVD rom drive( IDE?) with a SATA DVD-RW drive. Existing drive is connected to logic board via a flat cable to what I think is a IDE connector.  The other end of the flat yellow IDE cable has a connector that kinda looks like SATA but won't fit into 2009 SATA tray load DVD burner.  I do have a 2007 slot loader that WILL fit it, tho.   Lots of different kinds of connectors that I'm unfamiliar with so a little splaining would be much appreciated.  Computer is a Dell Dimension 4700C.

 

I tried to post pictures and that has also been an effort in futility.   What a week I'm havin'!

4 Posts

December 7th, 2010 08:00

Goodmorning.  Sorry about the confusion.  Basically I want to replace the existing DVD rom drive( IDE?) with a SATA DVD-RW drive. Existing drive is connected to logic board via a flat cable to what I think is a IDE connector.  The other end of the flat yellow IDE cable has a connector that kinda looks like SATA but won't fit into 2009 SATA tray load DVD burner.  I do have a 2007 slot loader that WILL fit it, tho.   Lots of different kinds of connectors that I'm unfamiliar with so a little splaining would be much appreciated.  Computer is a Dell Dimension 4700C.

 

I tried to post pictures and that has also been an effort in futility.   What a week I'm havin'!

12 Elder

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46K Posts

December 7th, 2010 13:00

 scramm383

The Dimension 4700C motherboard only supports one SATA drive and is usually the hard drive.

Details of the 4700C motherboard are HERE

The Service Manual is HERE

Bev.

6 Operator

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34.2K Posts

December 8th, 2010 04:00

What you're seeing is the connector type for those slim drives. It's not SATA.

It should be quite easy to find an IDE DVD burner on Ebay. 

4 Posts

December 8th, 2010 07:00

Osprey and others.  Thank you so much for clearing this up for me.  I know a little but not enough to stay out of trouble.  Instead of  buying another tray loading optical drive I have decided to use a slot loader superdrive which I found in my Mac parts collection.  I ordered a face plate for it, the connectors match and it works fine. Overall, I think this was the best solution from the start.  

If the pc gods will forgive me I want to wish everyone here a very enjoyable Christmas holiday and that the New Year will bring us all Health, Wealth and Happiness.

6 Operator

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34.2K Posts

December 8th, 2010 08:00

Glad to help.

A very Merry Christmas to you.

12 Elder

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46K Posts

December 8th, 2010 11:00

 scramm383

That's a great workaround you used for resolving the issue.  :emotion-2:

A Merry Christmas to both you and your family.

Bev.

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