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    Question about laptop optical drives compatibility

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by t30power, Oct 8, 2008.

  1. t30power

    t30power Notebook Deity

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    I have an old Thinkpad A22e that uses the Ultrabay 2000 standard, the connector on the drive that goes to the motherboard connector looks like this

    http://www.sib-usa.com/sg/picg/73G.jpg

    But the majority of laptop optical drives have a 'standard'? connector.

    The connector on a Thinkpad drive vs a standard drive (let's say a Gateway MX3414) does not match. It seems the Thinkpad Ultrabay drive uses some kind of adapter.

    I already have a CDRW/DVDR pulled from a non-working Gateway MX3414, is it possible to get the Thinkpad Ultrabay adapter to make the Gateway drive fit the Thinkpad bay and change the bezel (maybe I need to get a non-working cheap Ultrabay CD-ROM drive) to do the replacement.

    Any thoughts.

    P.D. Or I'm better off getting a new/refurbished ultrabay 2000 drive?
     
    t30power, Oct 8, 2008
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  2. davidfor

    davidfor Notebook Consultant

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    From what I have seen, laptops optical drives are built to a standard (size shape, connector position). The laptop manufacturer then adds something to it to make it fit into their design. In this case, I would disassemble the ultrabay adapter and see what is inside it. Odds are the drive inside will be identical to the other drive.

    As you have commented, the bezel is the problem. If you can get one from a broken Ultrabay drive, you may be able to adapt it. I tried this for an old Dell (got a cheap DVD from an ACER), but the position of the eject buttons were different and I ended up cutting away the bezel on the new drive to fit the Dell caddy.

    David
     
    davidfor, Oct 8, 2008
    #2
  3. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    I'm sure if you open up the Ultrabay then you will find a standard notebook burner inside with an adaptor for the Ultrabay connector.

    See this thread for some tips on changing the fascia.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Oct 9, 2008
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  4. t30power

    t30power Notebook Deity

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    Thanks for the post John, very informative!

    However I will order a replacement drive off e-Bay since I don't have the ultrabay connector to make a standard drive work. I regret dumping the original CD-ROM drive years ago.
     
    t30power, Oct 9, 2008
    #4