Laptop CD??

[BlindShadow2]

Working on a new miniature PC project.

I know I can use a laptop HDD with the proper adapter, but what about a laptop cd rom? Will the adapter used for the HDD work on a laptop CD rom?

The goal is for it to all fit inside an old DVD player. using a laptop Cd rom and modding the face using the old DVD tray face.

The goal here is to build a unit that fits nicely with my home theatre system.

I've already found the new Mini ITX boards with composite out which should fit perfectly into a dvd player with a laptop CD and HDD. Plus a 1U rackmount Power supply.

I'm working on scavenging the LCD(actually it's a VFD), to use with the whole setup making this look like it was built this way.

Thanks In advance

[Penguin4x4]

Originally posted by BlindShadow2
I know I can use a laptop HDD with the proper adapter, but what about a laptop cd rom? Will the adapter used for the HDD work on a laptop CD rom?

The 2.5 to 3.5 IDE Adapeter will. Not sure about the power cables, however. You'll have to PM Captain Slug about that. :)

[BlindShadow2]

Thanks, after searching ebay, I found a DVD/floppy unit that would fit perfectly too!

[Captain Slug]

Originally posted by BlindShadow2
Will the adapter used for the HDD work on a laptop CD rom?

They have completely different pin-out standards and are not interchangable. This is what you're looking for.
http://www.idot.com/Images/Products/Accessories/658_big.jpg

You can buy a Laptop CD-Drive drive that includes the IDE adapter HERE for $29 (http://www.teamexcess.com/servlet/teamx?cart=ajogfmpmbsqp&dept=Laptop+CD&item=C-TC-CD224E&action=itemdetail)

Or you can buy the adapter alone for $ (http://www.idot.com/TheStore/Peripheral/_Spec.asp?Product.id=658&Cate.id=17&Product.status=green)9

You can purchase Laptop DVD-ROM drives at surplus here (which will also require that convertor). (http://www.teamexcess.com/servlet/teamx?cart=zzzzzzzzzzzz&where=Laptop%20CD&action=itemlist&sql=sql04)

[Captain Slug]

Originally posted by BlindShadow2
I've already found the new Mini ITX boards with composite out which should fit perfectly into a dvd player with a laptop CD and HDD. Plus a 1U rackmount Power supply.

I'm working on scavenging the LCD(actually it's a VFD), to use with the whole setup making this look like it was built this way.


If you haven't done that yet I recommend using a Mini-ITX case that's currently available. It's much smaller, includes a silent power supply, and has a mounting slot for a regular size Hard drive and a laptop CD-ROM.
http://www.idot.com/Images/Products/Case/559_big.jpg
It's available in white or black for $72 (http://www.idot.com/TheStore/Desktop/559Spec.asp?Product.id=559&Cate.id=14&Product.status=green)

[BlindShadow2]

I definitely like the cd rom/convertor combo, may have to get one tonight.

The case is tempting, but the idea is to make it all fit into a DVD player case I already have, plus to use the existing display for winamp and MBM5 info.

[Captain Slug]

Originally posted by BlindShadow2
but the idea is to make it all fit into a DVD player case I already have, plus to use the existing display for winamp and MBM5 info.

I doubt that will be an easy project since the VFD in your DVD player doesn't include a controller chip. And Rackmount power supplies cost twice as much as regular ATX models (and they're alot noisier).

[Penguin4x4]

Originally posted by Captain Slug


They have completely different pin-out standards and are not interchangable. This is what you're looking for.[/URL]


Learn somethin new everyday.:o

[BlindShadow2]

Hadn't thought about the VFD C.S. Thanks, I'll have to check on that. Worst case I buy something close in size from BG Micro.

I alread have a source for a PS, The network admin. at work is a friend of mine, he has a few that need attention, some as simple as a bad fan to major work, I have 1 already here at the house I've fixed (Noisy fan). I plan on bringing the lot home and seeing what I can do. (Seti Farm, here I come)

[Doofie27]

Heh this looks like a fun project. I have an old pentium mmx hp system, and i saw it again recently. Immediatly i thought of capn slug and his great mini mods. I almost decided to use it, but its got one of those old motherboards where the pci slots come off the mb on like a 90 degree angle.... So thats a no go there.

[BlindShadow2]

With the new mini ITX mobos, everythings integrated, only 1 PCI slot, but good enough for what I'm looking to use it for.

Not sure what I'd even use the extra slot for, but i"d have to use a 90 degree angle adapter

[Captain Slug]

Originally posted by BlindShadow2
With the new mini ITX mobos, everythings integrated, only 1 PCI slot, but good enough for what I'm looking to use it for.

Not sure what I'd even use the extra slot for, but i"d have to use a 90 degree angle adapter

If you simply purchase low-profile PCI cards (ethernet, modem, or other) you won't need a riser card.