What I mean is, my laptop’s Toshiba SD-R2212 DVD/CD-RW combo drive has conked out and I’m going to replace it. I’d like to upgrade it, though, to a DVD±RW drive (namely, I’m liking this model). Will it be a simple swap-out? Do all laptop DVD/CD drives have the same interface type; or, at least, does the new one have the same interface as the one I’m swapping?
Also, is that a good price for such a drive?
Thanks in advance!
No they are not standardized in terms of form factors. The drive mechanisms themselves may come from a small number of vendors and use standard IDE IO protocols, but the interface designs that dock or link them to the notebook MB are all over the place. You need to get a drive specifically designed to dock with your system.
The good news is that lots of these are usually available on eBay for reasonable prices for popular notebooks.
Use Toshiba SD-R2212 a the search term on ebay. There are bunch for approx $ 90.00 buy it now which is quite reasonable. Make sure the interface in the picture matches yours.
I can easily get that model drive as a replacement for under $60; the issue is that I want to upgrade to a different drive. The one I have and the one I want to buy look identical; how can I determine if it will interface/fit properly?
A quick Google search shows that they have both “form factors” of 5". Is that what I’m looking for?
Hmm… unless were talking about refurbished drives used “pulls” from working notebooks with limited warranties, I didn’t know those drives could be had anywhere close to that cheap. Even discount internet retail pricing on them for new units is well over $100. Interesting,
NewEgg has the 2612, the model slightly faster than the one that came with my laptop, for $68; just for example.