130 replies to this topic

[jephree]

Ron,

My first computer was very similar to yours. An HP Vectra VL8i SFF. So from that experience I know you need a "slimline" CD drive such as these:

http://www.google.co...=...ves&spell=1

They are basically the same as CD drives used in laptops.

[Doug]

Sorry Ron, I hadn't paid close enough attention to the physical configuration of that machine.

This might get you started on optical drive
http://en.community....2...p;cs=&s=gen

Yikes! about 3x the price: http://cnet.nytimes....a...e&st=Search

[jephree]

Just to add:

From Doug's post link to the Dell Forum it reminded me if you do get a "slimline" drive you will also need the IDE "ribbon" cable for it.

Rather than the standard 40 pin ribbon these drives require a 44 pin. The extra 4 pins carry the power as the drive is not powered with a separate molex as standard drives are.

EDIT:

Ron, as you will see below this post is a moot point.

I was thinking you had no optical drive at all.

But as you are simply upgrading to a burner all the necessary cables should be in place.

Sorry for the confusion.

...

Edited by jephree, 21 March 2009 - 05:14 PM.

[Doug]

Jephree, Thanks that is very important. But I was thinking (there I go again ) that Ron already has a CD-ROM installed in the machine and only needs to replace it with a unit capable of Burning either CDs or DVDs. Therefore the correct cabling is already there? Doug

[jephree]

O yes. I must re-read this thread when I get the time. I was wondering why there was no optical drive. My bad. It just reminded me of the first time I was upgrading my Vectra and the first time I came across the 44 pin setup. Anyway: disregard my last post.

[Ron.M]

jephree & Doug:

You both have given me some great starting points in your last 5 posts (today).....

Doug:..
The CD unit in 1 of your links is a BIG YIKES...$85.00 US...Back to picking up soda cans again.... ..I'll shop around for a better price...
I DO have a CD-ROM drive with it.....Won't burn CD's .....The ribbon is about 1 & 1 / 2 inches wide , goes to the motherboard at a location marked "IDE" & has 40 pin connections there....(Yes , I counted)....And the 4 pin power molex is there also....

jephree:..

O yes. I must re-read this thread when I get the time.

...Yep !!! With all that's been discussed , the different issues , the length of this thread , etc, it's easy to lose track of important details , etc.....EVEN I get confused with what's in here & I'm talking about MY posts....I have to refresh my memory at times...Your's & Doug's efforts ARE greatly appreciated....THANK you BOTH...

Later fellas.....

[jephree]

Going back to your spec sheet:

http://support.dell..../ug/specs02.htm

Small Form-Factor computer


one bay for a slimline floppy drive
one bay for a slimline CD/DVD drive

I will just add this is an issue to bear in mind as you shop.

Many slimeline drives are 44 pin. There are also 44/40 pin adapters.

If you are certain your unit is wired at 40 pins + 4 molex then verify any drive you consider will match this and not be 44 pin.

[jephree]

Here is one at Newegg for $34.99

It appears to be 44 pin. No molex connector.

You might check your current drive as to whether or not it has an adapter plate on the rear.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827118005

This one burns CD's but not DVD's although it reads DVD.

As seen here:

http://www.newegg.co.....Model CRX890A

I cannot count the pins but I see no molex port so I assume 44 pin.

Anyway just more info.

I would verify whether or not your current unit is fitted with an adapter on the rear of the drive.

[Ron.M]

jephree:...

You might check your current drive as to whether or not it has an adapter plate on the rear.

I don't know what an "adapter plate" looks like....

If you are certain your unit is wired at 40 pins + 4 molex then verify any drive you consider will match this and not be 44 pin.

Yes , I am certain & see below quote !!==>>

I DO have a CD-ROM drive with it.....Won't burn CD's ..... The ribbon is about 1 & 1 / 2 inches wide , goes to the motherboard at a location marked "IDE" & has 40 pin connections there....(Yes , I counted)....And the 4 pin power molex is there also....

FYI: The model # for a Dell GX280 SFF CD drive is 5N051 (From the Dell site)....The unit actualy in the new Dell model # is TS-L162....Looks like Toshiba made it & apparently not the original....

For now I'd like to suspend this search for a CD-RW drive...
Reasons:
1st:..I have a time consuming endeaver to find & install MANY files & programs (too many to list here) on the new comp...As I'm on dial-up , it takes sometimes hours to download just one program...This will take me DAYS to complete....At present , I do not need a CD-RW drive for the new comp...The old Dell does have a CD-RW driver which I can & will use to make CD's for a lot of stuff...
2nd:...I'm checking out websites & contacting them for a "Small Form Factor" modem....The new comp does NOT have the protection from viruses , trojans , etc , that the old Dell has ...So it's a pain to keep switching the modem from one comp to the other...

IF & when (most likely when) I have a problem with the new comp , I'll be back....

jephree:...THANK you for ALL your help........

[jephree]

Ron,

Just for future reference I found this site that list almost all the parts for a GX280 SFF:

http://www.impactcom...orm-factor.html

The CD drive is indeed 44 pin: (they have several models)

http://www.impactcom....com/x1612.html

The cable itself is an adapter from the 40 pin mobo to the 44 pin drive with added power connections:

http://www.impactcom....com/5n051.html

They also have SFF graphics cards and one modem that is $35:

http://www.impactcom....com/c3774.html



...

Edited by jephree, 22 March 2009 - 03:17 PM.

[Ron.M]

jephree:..
They're a bit pricey at "impactcomputers.com"...Also the shipping is a bit much...$13.00 +
However the modem they have IS the one that would work...The one for about $35.00....Looks like it anyway...
They also have 2 (Yes , TWO) modems for $19.99 each... (under accessories)....Different modem model #'s...Don't know what the differences would be as there are no pictures...
Apparently I got some bum info about the Dell CD-RW model #....
The # I got was 5N051....,But according to "impactcomputers.com" that's the ribbon that connects the drive to the motherboard...BTW , that's the exact ribbon I have in the new Dell...Also pricey...

Thanks for your help....

[jephree]

Ron, Yes very pricey. I just thought it was a good reference to the parts as they cover just about everything. I find that same cable elsewhere for $5 but you already have the cable. I will keep an eye out for more modems.

[jephree]

Dell claims this modem will fit your computer but it still looks like a standard bracket to me unless they have the picture wrong:

http://accessories.u...3-2518#Overview

[Ron.M]

jephree:..

Dell claims this modem will fit your computer but it still looks like a standard bracket to me unless they have the picture wrong..

I can tell you that IF the pix is right , NO way will that one work!!
It's priced reasonably, tho....So is shipping...
I just got off of a "Live Chat" at Dell.....I talked to 3 people ??
I asked about the accuracy of the photo of the modem bracket...
My DOG knows more than those %$*#...,,,
I could NOT get a straight answer as to whether or not that modem bracket matches the pix shown....
I may order it AFTER I talk to a live person on the phone...


Best regards....Ron...

Edited by Ron.M, 23 March 2009 - 07:20 PM.

[jephree]

Ron, Best of luck with Dell. The picture is a standard bracket but as they list it for not only the SFF but also a full tower perhaps they supply both bracket types in the package. That would be my assumption but you know what they say about assumptions.