DVD Optical Drive replacement for Precision 3680

3680 tech guidebook mentions

optical drive:

8x DVD±RW, slimline specifications 
Interface SATA 1.5

3680 is very new and its manual does not include description on the optical drive, but you can use its predecessor Precision 3660 for reference.  both use same slim ODD and bezel/latch.

Precision 3660 Tower Service Manual | Dell US

here are DP/N

you can buy the odd from Dell directly or on eBay etc.

the bezel and latch are found here Dell PRECISION T 3660 T3660 3680 T3680 Add ODD Optical Disk Drive Bezel w/Button | eBay

@redxps630​ 

Hi,

I'm grateful for the informations you provide me. 

I've just a few questions. 

• Is this cable mandatory to connect the unit to the mainboard? 

• Do these products come with mounting accessories or do I have to buy them? 

Sata data cable is optional.

the dvd listed are bare.  The latch provides mounting mechanism. You have to buy and use the latch (bracket).  It appears no screw is needed.

1. Align and replace the ODD bracket on the ODD.
2. Insert the ODD assembly into the ODD slot.
3. Slide the ODD assembly until it snaps into place.
4. Route the power cable and data cable through the routing guides and connect the cables to the ODD.

The bezel is snap on.

@redxps630​ 

Thank you for answers!
I've just one last question... I don't understand one thing...

Are the connection cables included in the bundles of the 4 models you indicated?

So, is the optional cable mandatory if I buy a drive other than those 4 models?

The Dell sata data cable is not included in the dvd.  It is of enough length for the precision. You can use any standard cable that is sufficiently long, preferably without angled connector.

I would be cautious buying non-Dell oem slim dvd for this model.  I had seen for example two slim dvd with slight differences in outside design such that they are not interchangeable to work with proprietary mounting latch in two different HP Elite desktop pc models.  Both were slim but on close inspection not identical in fitting so that each dvd only fits one HP model.  Even the front of bare dvd may have subtle differences that work with only certain type of bezel. They are not universally compatible as one would assume.

@redxps630​
Thanks so much! You saved me!

Hi @AlexBell121 I am in the same predicament. May you please list what you ended up purchasing and did it all work? Please provide a list of direct links if possible. Thanks!