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(Dell Optiplex 380) Is it possible to install a card reader?
Hello!
I have a Dell Optiplex 380 SFF that I've been wanting to upgrade. The floppy bay is empty, and floppy diskettes are obsolete now. I want to install a card reader, (SD Card, Memory Stick, Flash, etc.)
Is there a way to install one in the floppy bay?
Chuck322
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January 2nd, 2018 18:00
I was not aware the Opti 380 SFF had an internal header connection on the motherboard for a card reader. But if it does, yes, you should be able to do this. Just make sure the SFF actually has an internal connection for it.
However, if all you want to do is read SD and Micro SD cards, you can find cheap, generic USB SD and MicroSD card readers on ebay. They look like a USB thumb drive but you insert your SD and Micro SD cards in slots on the side. One side plugs into a regular USB slot, like on your PC and the other side plugs into a micro USB, like on a smartphone. Got it for less than $5 shipped. You can get it even cheaper if you buy from a China-based seller. I was in a hurry to get it so I bought locally. Just search for "Micro USB OTG to USB 2.0 Adapter SD/Micro SD Card Reader With Standard USB NEW" on ebay.
RoHe
10 Elder
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43.8K Posts
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January 2nd, 2018 18:00
The bigger question is whether there's a connector on the motherboard where you can connect an internal card reader. Most card readers use an (internal) USB connector but I don't see a USB header on the motherboard diagram for the 380 SFF.
downloads.dell.com/.../optiplex-380_service manual3_en-us.pdf
Would you be better off just getting an external, portable USB card reader? They're not expensive.