# Turn Your Old CD-ROM Drive Into a Retro Music Player With This DIY Kit A Korean design project gives new purpose to obsolete computer parts. - **Source:** [Yanko Design](https://brifing.si/source/41d28791-ef47-4e0b-a40a-2a5efca0c11b) - **Published:** 2026-08-18 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7af1c41e-ace2-4b1b-8ee3-814fb4f90a2e ## Breathing new life into old tech South Korean design studio das_POD has developed a kit that transforms old CD-ROM drives into functional music players. The CD-ROM PLAYER 01 project allows users to create personalized audio systems using their own drives. The kit includes an aluminum casing, control board, and solder-free assembly instructions. While the exterior boasts minimalist design, the interior preserves the industrial aesthetic of the original drive. ## Simple assembly process Users need to provide their own CD-ROM drives for the kit, which takes 30-60 minutes to assemble using just a multi-bit screwdriver. Each drive creates a unique appearance in the system. das_POD also offers refurbished drives priced between $10-$40. The casing comes in three options: matte black, orange, or anodized aluminum, priced from $190 to $220. ## Minimal control interface The front panel features a small dot-matrix display showing track numbers and time, plus five buttons for eject, play, stop, and skip functions. The original drive branding remains visible, creating a visual contrast between the polished metal surface and aged plastic drive. This design choice intentionally tells the story of technological evolution. ## Limited to IDE drives The project only works with IDE drives over 15 years old, as these models contain analog audio outputs. Modern SATA drives require additional hardware and aren't compatible. This limitation means the pool of compatible drives will continue shrinking, which the designers see as part of the project's 'second chance' philosophy for outdated technology. ## Design philosophy das_POD's approach mirrors Teenage Engineering's free computer case from last year - both require users to provide their own hardware. The key difference lies in their business models: one was a free marketing stunt, the other a paid product. These contrasting approaches demonstrate diverse strategies in the design industry. ## Sustainable design example The project offers a creative solution to electronic waste, with global e-waste reaching 50 million tons annually. Initiatives like CD-ROM PLAYER 01 promote reuse of obsolete technology. The customizable nature of the design helps users develop emotional connections with their upcycled devices. ## Industrial design trend The project reflects the growing popularity of industrial aesthetics in consumer products. CD-ROM PLAYER 01 showcases its functional components as part of its design, aligning with the open-source hardware movement's principles in consumer electronics. ## Tech nostalgia The project serves as a nostalgic nod to 90s and early 2000s computer culture. The characteristic sounds and mechanical movements of CD-ROM drives evoke memories of a distinct technological era. Such projects aim to preserve technological heritage while introducing it to new generations. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.yankodesign.com/2026/08/18/your-dead-computers-cd-rom-drive-can-become-a-real-audio-player-thanks-to-this-upcycled-project/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=your-dead-computers-cd-rom-drive-can-become-a-real-audio-player-thanks-to-this-upcycled-project — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._