NEC CDR-1300A 6x IDE Internal CD-ROM Drive

NEC CDR-1300A 6x IDE Internal CD-ROM Drive

The NEC CDR-1300A is a 6x speed IDE/ATAPI CD-ROM drive designed for internal installation in desktop computers. This drive connects via a standard 40-pin IDE ribbon cable and draws power from a standard 4-pin Molex connector, making it compatible with most desktop computer systems from the mid-1990s through early 2000s. The 6x speed designation indicates a data transfer rate of approximately 900 KB/second — sufficient for audio CD playback, data retrieval, and software installation on vintage systems.

Specifications & What's Included

• Model: NEC CDR-1300A
• Drive Speed: 6x (approximately 900 KB/s)
• Interface: IDE/ATAPI 40-pin
• Form Factor: 3.5 inch internal half-height drive
• Power Connector: 4-pin Molex
• Data Format: CD-DA and CD-ROM modes
• Manufacturer: NEC (Japan)
• Condition: Tested and in working order

Applications

This drive is typical of the mid-1990s CD-ROM era when optical media became standard for software distribution and data storage. The NEC CDR-1300A was widely used in personal computers for installing operating systems (Windows 95/98/ME, early Linux distributions), productivity software, games, and reference materials on disc. Today, it remains a practical choice for vintage computer restoration and retro builds, allowing users to boot and run original era-appropriate software from CD media. These drives are also valued by vintage computer enthusiasts for authenticity in period-correct system configurations. The 6x speed is still adequate for casual music playback and data access, though noticeably slower than modern standards.