Possible to make a external Dvd+-drive?

Is it possible to make a internal DVd-+ drive into an external drive using a external 5.25ing parallel to usb enclosure? What is all needed? Is speeds comparable to internal drives speeds?

 

Is it possible to make a internal DVd-+ drive into an external drive using a external 5.25ing parallel to usb enclosure?

Yes, millions do it everyday.

What is all needed?

An external IDE to USB2 enclosure and USB cable. You need a USB2 port on your computer/laptop. USB1 is too slow. Some enclosures and chipsets work better than others.

Is speeds comparable to internal drives speeds?

Pretty close. You won't get 16X burns but you should'nt be burning that fast anyway for good quality burns. Burns up to 8X are no problem whatsoever. Above that is increasingly more difficult depending on chipsets, cables, media, etc.

 

Thanks a million dude. Really appreciate the input and advice. Let me ask you something. How about this Bytecc BT-200 USB2.0 to IDE cable with power adapter that is listed on newegg.com Do you think this will be a good choice for cables with the external enclosure and internal dvd drive?

 

novicebb, that's really for improvising a connection between an IDE device and a USB port on a computer. It's the guts of an external enclosure without the "enclosure" part. These are nice to have but are not really appropriate for what you really want. Bytecc enclosures have always been hit and miss for me. I like the Plumax enclosure with the Prolific chipset myself. I have 3 Bytecc external enclosures and they seem to work fine for hard drives but I've had mixed success with using them for burners.

 

I don't think it's the burning speed that you should be worried about, it's the ripping speed, if you use it to rip too. But if you have a USB2 you shouldn't worry. You will need a box for about 20-30 dollars ,unless you have an external drive.

 

Given my NEC 3540 rips at 9.2X in an external box, ripping speed isn't really affected much. It does the same mounted on an IDE bus.

 

But you have a USB2 right? That's what I meant. It won't matter unless you have a usb1.

 

OK, Glue, I misunderstood your point.

 

Thanks for all your help guys and yes I do have a USB 2.0 ports on my laptop.