Upgrading DVD drive

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Upgrading DVD drive

Hi - I'm looking to upgrade the original DVD drive in my Quicksilver G4 to get better performance. Original drive is Pioner DVR-103 (2x write, but only for 2x media, which is not readily available - otherwise just 1x write).

Two questions:

(1) Is this something I can do myself or should I use a registered engineer? I am comfortable with simple stuff like installing PCI cards, but not much more technically competent than that.

(2) Any recommendations for drive to go for? A previous thread (back in Nov 05) refers to the Pioneer DVR-109 and an NEC drive, but the DVR-109 gets somewhat mixed reviews and the NEC appears to be discontinued.

Thanks for your help.

R.

Quicksilver G4 dual 1GB + iBook Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Jul 17, 2006 3:46 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 17, 2006 5:00 AM in response to rico99

The Pioneer DVR-110D or 111D work with the latest OSX and iLife.

Changing drives is not difficult. Unplugging the cables from the old drive is a bit difficult but the new drive is shorter and leaves more room at the connectors. There is a small strip of foam stuck to the front of the old drive that you may want to move to the new one. Since the new drive is shorter, the flat cable goes further into the mounting bracket and rests against the edge of the sheet metal bracket. While you have the bracket out, smooth the edge with a file and wrap it with some tape so it will not cut into the cable.

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Answer 2

Jul 17, 2006 12:10 PM in response to rico99

Hi

Instructions for replacing the optical drive, including a QuickTime movie, can be found here:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75314

Removing the old drive is pretty much just a case of undoing 4 screws to remove the drive carrier from the computer, unplugging the ribbon and power cables from the drive and undoing another 4 screws to remove the drive from the carrier. Installation of the new drive is just the reverse process.

The Pioneer DVR-111D is a popular choice and can be bought here in the UK for around £30 including VAT.

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