Installing a CD/DVD Drive in PowerEdge and Blade Servers

CD/DVD-ROM drives play a critical role in our expanding world of computers and technology. Because we have so many different models of computers, it's important to know how to replace the CD-ROM drives in all of them. In this article we will be discussing how to replace the CD-ROM drive in DELL's PowerEdge rackmount series. With DELL's innovative design to maximize efficiency and reduce space, it has become a bit cumbersome to remove the CD-ROM drive without proper instruction. Most assume it's self explanatory, when in fact - for any new timer, it can be a total maze.

Before removing the drive, you will want to make sure you have prepared properly. The first preparation step is simply too disconnect the power cable. You never want to work on a live computer. Remove the front bezel from the server and remove the chassis cover. Most of the PowerEdge servers use the same method for removing the chassis cover but a lot of the mid-range and high end models have been optimized to make it even easier, so be sure to check the documentation regarding the removal of the chassis cover.

Continuing with the removal, you will need to disconnect the drive cable from the back of the CD-ROM drive and remove it gently. When CD-ROM drives are damaged, the usual cause for it is damage to the drive cable, so be sure to take caution. Now comes the most difficult yet simple part, lift the locking lever and push the drive forward.

The location of the locking lever should be within the chassis right around the CD-ROM bay. It is different for almost every model so be sure to look closely. On some models like the 1950, the lever is actually color coded, but on models like the 1550 - it's barely apparent that it's a lever. Lift the lever and push the drive forward out of its bay.

Once the drive has popped out on the end, gently pull it out and be sure to not entangle the drive cable if left attached. Remove the metal retention bracket carefully and remove the drive from the brackets.

To install a CD-ROM drive, you do the exact opposite - except you need to be more careful when sliding the drive back in due to the design allowing barely enough space for it to fit. This lack of space means higher efficiency but requires more consistency and effort when replacing drives like this.