Selecting an Internal DVD ROM Drive for your Acer Laptop
DVD ROM drives are hardware devices that allow you to play music or videos stored in discs from your computer. They can be internal or external. Internal or built-in drives are mounted inside the computer whereas the external ones are attached via USB cables or other means. When the internal optical drive to your Acer laptop stops functioning, you can purchase one from the variety available on eBay. From Acer Aspire to Acer Travelmate drives, you'll find the right one for your laptop.
What are the different types of optical drives?
Optical drives are of different kinds, some using only CDs while others using DVDs. CDs are able to store about 700 MB of data while DVDs store between 4.7 GB to 8.5 GB of data. Besides being used for music and videos, disc drives are necessary when you want to install computer software that comes in discs. They use laser light to read data from or write data to the discs. The following are the different types of the drives:
- CD ROM - Read-only memory (ROM) means the drive can only read the files but does not allow you to burn/write data to a disc. Being a CD drive means that you can only use CDs on it and not DVD videos, audios or ROMs. The CD ROM drive will read a variety of CDs including audios, ROMs and for others, even writable and rewritable ones.
- DVD ROM - This type of optical drive operates both CDs and DVD (audios, ROMs, writable and rewritable) but just like CD-ROM, they only read data. This allows you to watch, play or install files but do not allow you to write or burn any data.
- CD-RW - These are also referred to as CD writers or burners. Although they can not read DVDs, you can use CD RW drivers to read as well as write data from writable compact discs, that is, CD-R and CD-RW. The CD-Rs are writable only once whereas CD-RWs allow you to write on more than once.
- DVD ROM/CD RW - Also known as combos, these devices combine the functionality of CD RWs and DVD ROMs. They are able to read both types of optical discs and also have the advantage of being able to write CDs.
- DVD writer - a DVD writer is the most versatile type as it covers for all functionalities. It is able to read and any type of optical disc and write on CD-R, DVD-R, CD RW or DVD RW discs. The device can also write on plus and minus formats. Some models will as well write dual layers.
What is the difference between IDE and SATA connectors?
SATA and IDE are interfaces used for physical and electrical connection of hard drives to a computer system bus. When replacing your Acer DVD drive, it is important to know which of the two your computer uses in order to get one that is of the same physical size.
- Serial advanced technology attachment - The commonly used term is SATA or Serial ATA. These don't use jumpers as they connect directly to the motherboard. You can set the primary drive from the computer BIOS settings. SATA provides a relatively fast connection, transmitting data at speed ranging from 150 up to 600 MBs per sec. The adapters are smaller in size and will usually have seven contacts on the data connectors and 15 on the power connector. Confirm what you have in before buying a SATA Acer CD Drive or DVD drive.
- IDE - Also referred to as parallel advanced technology attachment, (PATA) this type of connection sends data 16 bits at a time through a single 16-bit connection, used for data traveling in both directions. It can transmit at a speed of up to 133 MBs per second. IDE adapters can be recognized by their larger size and ribbon-like cables. They require 39 or 40 holes in the data cable and four pins on the power connector.
How do I a install DVD ROM disc drives to my Acer Aspire?
- Turn the laptop over, switch off any power supply and disconnect external cables
- Open the cover to the laptop by removing the screws
- Unscrew the screw that holds the optical disc drive in place and pull the drive out
- Insert the new DVD ROM drive and screw using the previously removed driver
- Close the cover and return the laptop to normal position. You can then connect the necessary cables or power supply.