How to Install a Sata DVD Internal Drive

A DVD drive with a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) can provide a faster transfer of data from optical discs to the computer. You can install a SATA DVD drive inside of a desktop computer yourself, providing that the computer has a SATA-compatible interface built in. The procedure does not require any special skills, but some experience in opening up a computer will be helpful. Installing an internal SATA DVD drive yourself will not void any warranties.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Phillips jeweler’s screwdriver
• Paper clip

Instructions

Installing a SATA DVD Drive in a PC

1. Unplug the power cord from the computer. Remove the screws from the side or back panel of the PC with the Phillips screwdriver. Place the side or back panel aside.

2. Remove the screws from an empty DVD drive bay with the Phillips screwdriver. Pull the DVD drive tray out of the computer.

3. Place the DVD drive tray on a table. Remove the screws from the sides of the DVD drive tray with the Phillips jeweler’s screwdriver.

4. Insert the front end of the SATA DVD drive into the slot in the DVD drive tray. Attach the screws to the sides of the DVD drive tray with the Phillips jeweler’s screwdriver.

5. Push the switch on the back of the SATA DVD drive to “Slave” using the tip of the Phillips jeweler’s screwdriver.

6. Pull the power and data plugs out of the DVD drive bay. Attach the two plugs to the appropriate connections on the back of the SATA DVD drive.

7. Place the DVD drive tray back into position inside the DVD drive bay. Attach the screws to the side of the DVD drive tray with the Phillips screwdriver.

8. Close the side or back panel of the computer. Reattach the screws. Plug the power cord back in.

Installing a SATA DVD Drive in a Mac Desktop

1. Unplug the power cord from the Mac desktop. Pull the locking lever on the back up. Remove the side panel with your hands. Place the side panel aside.

2. Pull the internal drive carrier out of the top left corner of the Mac with your hands. Remove the two plugs from the back of the existing DVD drive. Place the internal drive carrier on a table.

3. Straighten a paper clip with your fingers. Insert an end of the paper clip into the hole beneath the disc tray of the SATA DVD drive. Pull the disc tray halfway out of the SATA DVD drive. Pull the bezel off the front of the disc tray by pulling both sides up and out. Place the bezel aside. Close the disc tray.

4. Remove the two loose screws from the side of the internal drive carrier with the Phillips jeweler’s screwdriver.

5. Slide the SATA DVD drive into the empty slot in the internal drive carrier, lining up the end of the SATA DVD drive’s disc tray with the disc tray of the existing DVD drive.

6. Attach the screws to the internal drive carrier with the Phillips jeweler’s screwdriver.

7. Pull out the power and data connectors that are inside of the space now vacated by the internal drive carrier.

8. Attach a power plug to the power connection on each the two DVD drives. Attach a data connector plug to the data connection on each of the two DVD drives.

9. Slide the internal drive carrier into the space it was originally occupying. Place the side panel onto the Mac. Push down on the locking lever. Plug the power cord back in.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the strap of an anti-static strap around your wrist and the free end onto an anti-static mat placed by the computer to prevent static electricity from causing damage to the internal components of the computer.

• The SATA DVD drive will not work if the connections are done incorrectly.

References

• YouTube: Installing a Second Optical Drive in an Early 2009 Mac Pro
• YouTube; HOWTO Install A CD/DVD Drive Into A Computer

Resources

• PCmech: A Guide To Serial ATA/SATA