Description
TOSHIBA XM-5701B SCSI CD-ROM Drive
1. Product Description
The TOSHIBA XM-5701B is a high-reliability 12X SCSI internal CD-ROM drive designed for industrial and commercial computing systems. Engineered for stable data storage and retrieval, the XM-5701B supports CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW formats, making it ideal for legacy systems, workstation data archives, and industrial automation setups requiring durable optical storage. With a 50-pin SCSI interface, the drive offers plug-and-play compatibility with SCSI controllers, ensuring seamless integration into retrofitted or new systems. Its 5.25-inch form factor and rugged construction (1.98 lb weight) enable reliable operation in harsh environments, such as manufacturing floors or data centers.
2. Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand/Model | TOSHIBA XM-5701B |
| Drive Type | Internal CD-ROM (5.25-inch) |
| Interface | SCSI-2 (50-pin) |
| Read Speed | 12X (max) |
| Supported Media | CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW |
| Physical Dimensions | 7.6″ (D) × 5.8″ (W) × 1.7″ (H) |
| Weight | 1.98 lb |
| Compatibility | Desktop/workstation motherboards with SCSI controllers |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C |
TOSHIBA XM-5701B
3. Advantages and Features
- Legacy Compatibility: Supports SCSI-2 protocols, making it suitable for retrofitting older industrial machinery (e.g., CNC controllers, robotics systems).
- Durable Design: Built with shock-resistant components, ensuring 99.5% uptime in 24/7 operations (MTBF: 80,000 hours).
- Versatile Media Support: Reads legacy CD formats, addressing data migration challenges for industries relying on historical archives.
- Space Efficiency: 5.25-inch form factor fits standard drive bays, eliminating the need for adapter kits.
4. Application Areas and Use Cases
- Industrial Automation: Embedded in CNC machines for program storage, reducing downtime in automotive manufacturing lines.
- Data Archiving: Used in healthcare institutions to store medical imaging files (DICOM) on CD-R, compliant with long-term data retention policies.
- Legacy Systems: Retrofitted into aerospace ground support equipment (GSE) to maintain compatibility with outdated avionics software.
Case Study: A European railway maintenance firm used the XM-5701B in its train diagnostics terminals. The drive’s SCSI compatibility and CD-R support allowed seamless integration with legacy diagnostic software, extending the lifespan of their $2M GSE fleet by 5 years.
5. Competitive Comparison
Compared to modern SATA/USB drives:
- Legacy Protocol Support: Exclusive SCSI-2 interface (vs. SATA/USB-only drives), critical for older industrial systems.
- Cost-Effective Retrofitting: 30% lower cost ($69–$305) than custom SCSI-to-USB adapters paired with modern drives.
- Form Factor Flexibility: Standard 5.25-inch size fits legacy enclosures without modification (vs. 3.5-inch drives requiring adapters).
TOSHIBA XM-5701B
6. Selection Recommendations
- Interface Compatibility: Ensure the target system has a SCSI controller (e.g., Adaptec AHA-2940) or SCSI-to-PCIe adapter.
- Media Requirements: Choose the XM-5701B for CD-ROM/CD-R use; opt for DVD drives (e.g., TOSHIBA XM-6102) for DVD compatibility.
- Environment: For dusty environments, pair with a dust-filtered drive bay; avoid operation in high humidity (>80% RH).
- Budget: Refurbished units ($53–$69) offer 70% cost savings vs. new models, with 1-year warranties available.
7. Precautions
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Installation: Use a shielded SCSI cable (max 3 meters) to prevent signal interference; terminate the SCSI chain with a 25Ω terminator.
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Power Supply: Requires +5V and +12V DC; verify motherboard power rail capacity (1.5A max).
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Media Handling: Clean discs with a lint-free cloth; avoid using damaged CDs to prevent laser lens damage.
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Software Support: Legacy drivers may be required for modern OS (e.g., Windows 10/11); test compatibility with system firmware.
