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DVD Writer - SATA/PATA

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by dholakiap

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Hi - I am a newbie to this forum. Please ignore in case if my question is not appropriate. I am having Dell GX240 with CDROM in it. Now I want to upgrade it and install DVD burner with SATA interface (Samsung SH-S203B) I am not sure whether this existing drivers work with new Drive (especially since it is SATA interface). Any advice is greatly appreciated.

4 replies

by thechas

I looked at the technical specifications for the GX240, and it appears that it has the standard 40 pin parallel IDE interface. If so, in order to use a SATA drive you will need to install a SATA interface controller card.

If your system does have a built in SATA interface, then the existing drivers should take care of standard access for a new DVD-RW drive.

However, for any DVD-RW drive, (or even a newer CD-RW drive) you may need to update your burning software. Also, in order to watch DVD movies on your PC you will need to install either the proper CODEC, or DVD player software such as Power DVD or Win DVD.

Chas

by dholakiap

Thanks for your reply. Though I am admin of my machine, but the machine belong to my company (but at my home) and I dont want to play around especially when it comes to H/W installation. But since I need DVD burner, I am looking this option. So instead of going in all this hassle I would go for IDE burner. Also as of now I dont have burning s/w. I think it could be managed by downloading from soemwhere. Please suggest whether is it a good idea to go ahead or i might stuck up somewhere in between after purchasing a burner. Again appreciate your reply.

by thechas

Since this is a company machine, have you considered an external USB burner?

That takes care of the hardware installation issue. And, it is easier to identify the drive as your personal property.

As to software, most retail drives come with a burning package. If you have a choice, most users find Nero to be better than Roxio.

As to free burning software, I have not used any. Check what is listed at www.nonags.com I find very little problems with the software and sites they have posted.

Chas

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