PC Help Jansant - Installing IDE Optical Drives
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Install CD Burner, Installing DVD Player/Recorder.
Installing an optical drive into a PC is a fairly straight forward exercise.
A CD player/writer, DVD player/burner are all optical drives. This guide
will take you through the process of installing a CD recorder or DVD player
recorder. As with all devices, read the manufacturers instructions before
you begin the install of your CD/DVD drive.
To install your CD/DVD burner you will need;
Compatible CD/DVD drive (IDE)
4 screws (supplied with drive)
IDE cable (normally supplied with drive)
Anti-ESD kit
Note: Any 2 IDE devices can connect to one IDE cable, an IDE hard drive
and IDE CD/DVD can share the same cable.
Starting the Installation of Your Optical Drive
Start by disconnecting all cables from the rear of your PC. Use your
anti-ESD kit as instructed by its manufacturer, and remove the covers
from your computer. You will need internal access to both sides of the
PC. See the Removing PC Case Cover Guide.
Next step is to remove the plastic cover from the front of the case in
the position you want to install your CD/DVD drive. Its best practice
to leave as much room between devices to allow better air flow for cooling.
If possible leave a drive bay between the device your about to install
and any existing device. While it is ok to use all drive bays, if there
are spare bays, use them to space your devices.
CD / DVD Recorder Rear Panel
The next step is to configure the DIP switches on the rear of the DVD/CD.
The correct position of the shunt is normally marked either near the DIP
switches or on a sticker on the top of the CD/DVD, it should also be referenced
in the documentation supplied with the device. The shunt simply slides
on and off the switches and can be moved to the correct position.
There are 3 options, Cable Select, Master, Slave.
Master should be selected if the CD/DVD will be the only device
on the IDE cable.
Slave should be selected if there is already a device connected
to the cable you will connect to. The device already connected to the
cable should be master, check the DIP switches on the existing device
to ensure one device will be master and one slave. Any 2 IDE devices (optical
drive/hard drive) can share a single cable. I prefer to always make a
hard drive master when sharing with an optical drive.
Cable Select can be selected as in the figure below. The connector
furthest from the motherboard is master, the middle connector is slave.
Notice the distant between the connectors, the 2 connectors closest to
each other connect to devices, the furthest connector plugs into the motherboard.
Most motherboards that use IDE devices have 2 connectors, meaning you
can connect a total of 4 IDE devices to 2 cables. Consult your motherboards
documentation as the number of IDE connectors on motherboards can vary.
Dip Switch set to Cable Select (switch under C)
C= cable select
S=slave
M=master
Insert DVD burner / CD Player
Once you have set all your DIP switches, slide the device into the drive bay until it is flush with the front of the case. Make sure there is no obstruction from stray cables etc. Take the screws supplied with the device and secure the CD burner / DVD writer in place.
Connecting IDE, Power, and Audio Cables
Once your new optical drive is in place, connect the IDE, power (from
power supply unit), and if required audio cables. IDE cables are marked
down one side with either a black or red stripe, this denotes Pin 1, match
this with Pin 1 indicated on the rear of the device. Most IDE cables can
only be inserted correctly, but check for Pin 1 before inserting. When
inserting or removing IDE cables do not push or pull on the cable, only
apply pressure by holding the plastic connector. Insert the power connector,
power cables can only be inserted the correct way; note the rounded and
sharp corners ensuring correct orientation. The power connectors run from
the power supply and PC manufacturers always provide extra connectors
for upgrading. If required, connect your audio cable to its position on
the optical drive and the motherboard. The audio cables position on the
motherboard is normally printed on the motherboard. Consult your motherboards
documentation for its position and orientation if its not obvious.
Note; while inserting the cables hold the front of the drive to
ensure the pressure you apply does not push the drive back out of the
bay.
Audio Cable in place on back of optical drive.
IDE Connector.
Note;center notch ensures correct orientation and
red stripe on top side of cable denotes pin 1.
IDE Cable, the closest connectors are for devices.
The furthest connector is attached to IDE controller on motherboard.
IDE and power sockets on optical drive. Note the gap for
notch on connector ensuring correct orientation.
Power connector. You must provide power
from the power supply unit. The shape ensures
correct orientation in the socket.
Completing the Installation
Double check all your cables are correctly seated and DIP switches are correctly set. Replace your computers covers. When you restart your PC the BIOS should automatically detect the new device. Once windows starts go to My Computer and you should see the new drive listed there. The drive letter assigned to your new device will depend on your PCs configuration. Follow the manufacturers instructions to install any software or drivers supplied on the CD.
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