Installing 2nd DVD drive?

[mdubnik]

Hey guys--

got a technical question of sorts. i have a dell desktop that i recently placed a pioneer a05 dvd 4X burner in. my problem now is that i would like to install a cheapo dvd-rom drive to use for ripping (to increase rip speed...i'm locked at 2X) and so that i don't wear out my burner by constantly using it for ripping.

the only issue is that i only have one open bay for expansion, which is obviously where i took out my old cd burner and put in the dvd burner. i'm assuming that my only option is to buy an external dvd-rom drive? if so, can anyone suggest a relatively cheap external dvd-rom drive and where to get it?

if someone has another solution, please tell me. i have an internal dvd drive, but obvioulsy have no where to put it.

i'm open to suggestions....

[cim]

Or, you may consider visiting here: http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=12632

To upgrade your firmware... it will "unlock" your ripping limit...

[allaboutduncan]

I need a little clarification. What's you're setup now. Do you only have one drive, the DVD Burner? It seems odd that there is only one bay for a drive.

If you have to go external, USB 2 is the way to go. Just go to NewEgg.com and buy a DVD-ROM drive (about $40) and an External Drive enclosure (about $40) as well.

I have a hard drive and a CD-Burner setup this way and they work great.

[mdubnik]

I would like to stay away from upgrading my firmware, simply for personal reasons. I don't want to get into the why or how here, because that will just create a big arguement.

Actually, my setup does only have 1 bay open. I have a dell optiplex in one of those cases where the cd bay and the floppy drive are the only extras that exist in the case setup. can't take out the floppy drive because it has part of it built into the case.

so, again, my only solution is to go with an external one.

also, newegg.com does not carry any usb dvd-rom drives...any other suggestions?

[lordsmurf]

Buy a cheap DVD-ROM and a firewire kit or USB2 kit.

[allaboutduncan]

NewEgg doesn't carry them, but you buy the parts and assemble them.

Buy a Drive (Lite-On 16X for $34)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=55&manufactory=13...tby=14&order=1

Buy a case (External 3.5"/5.25" USB2 for $41)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=92&manufactory=12...tby=14&order=1

Assemble them and you've got a great external drive that you can upgrade or switch later if you want and Lite-On is a better drive than you can usually get in cheap external enclosures.

[Gurm]

I'd actually buy the Lite On burner, the enclosure (Firewire if you have it, otherwise USB2, and if you have neither you'll need an interface card since USB1 is NOT fast enough), and then slap the BURNER in the enclosure.

1. Your friends will be happy if you can bring the burner to their houses. (I speak from personal experience!)

2. You can turn it off when not in use, saving wear & tear and whatnot.

3. The DVD ROM is the one you want Windows to use as your "default" drive, so having that one on the IDE chain is better.

- Gurm

[Richard_G]

Buy a cheapo DVD ROM drive, a cheapo tower case and transfer everything over into the new case. It'll be a lot cheaper than an external drive....

[Gurm]

Ignore Richard G.

1. Cheapo tower cases come with cheapo power supplies. That's BAD for DVD burning.

2. An external enclosure is $50, give or take. The price difference on an "external drive" is $150, give or take. That's why he thinks the case would be cheaper.

Do what we've said - get an external enclosure and a cheap DVD Rom.

- Gurm

[MachineMan]

Check this forum post for adding additional drives internally if you don't have enough IDE ports.

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=172649&highlight=

[Gurm]

MachineMan:

He has ports, but not bays.

- Gurm