How to install a second Cd/Dvd writier

[nlpfaff]

I'm wanting to install a second CD/DVD writer. I slipped in into the slot and plugged in the sata cord. Do I just find an unused plug to plug in the power? It makes sense to me, but I just bought a new computer and don't want to mess it up.

[DavidPK · Accepted solution]

Hi,

You're basically right so this is just to confirm .  Before you start you should ensure all power to the computer has been disconnected and that you ground yourself or wear an antistatic wrist band.

1.  Install the CD/DVD drive in a free drive bay

2.  Connect a SATA cable to your CD/DVD drive and plug the other end in to the next available SATA connector on your        Motherboard.

3.  Plug in the power connector (there will probably be a spare one very close to the power connector plugged in to your existing drive).

That is probably all you will have to do and Windows will detect your new drive as soon as you start up.  If by any chance it doesn't, you may need to enter your system Bios to enable the new SATA connection.

Hope it goes well.

DP-K

[tmy2169]

So my question is which do I plug into the sata power or sata data

[Big_Dave]

tmy2169,

The sata data cable goes from the drive to the motherboard.  The power connector goes to a cable coming from the power supply.  Usually but not always there is a spare power connector near the first optical drive bay.

  What model HP PC are you using?

[tmy2169]

I have a  t3604 emachines desktop

[tmy2169]

the only device that is using sata plugs now is the hard drive all the others are much bigger than the sata

[wlphp]

Bumping up for help with same issue.  Please . . .

I have an HPE-380t -- I thought I configured it with 2 Disk Drives:  1 Blu-Ray writer, and 1 CD/DVD writer, but it showed up with only the Blu-Ray writer (my mistake). I'm trying to add a 2nd optical drive, which came with data cable and power cable.  I have no problem with the data cable connection, but I cannot find a power source to plug the power cable into.  (My power cable has 4 prongs, if that matters.)  I looked around but the existing Blu-Ray power cable stops in 2 places:  1 end stops with a black plastic cap (over the wires); the other end goes into the power box with the rest of the wires.   

What am I missing?  Everything else looks perfectly set up for the expansion.  Any suggestions?  I'm not happy having to figure out how to go into that power supply box, nor do I think I should.

Thanks!

[williem]

Hi I would like to know where on the mother board to connect the sata cord;  is the location color coded or marked.