Gigabyte Xpress Install Windows 7 here. This older storage device has been replaced by other portable devices and built-in computer hardware not only because they're more common and therefore compatible with other devices, but because they're more capable and can store much more data. The used for DVDs, CDs, and Blu-rays, is one commonly used piece of hardware that has replaced the floppy drive. The Floppy Drive Is Also Known As The floppy drive goes by other names too, like floppy disk drive, disk drive, floppy diskette, diskette drive, 3.5' drive, and 5.25' drive. Important Floppy Drive Facts While still a component of some existing computers, floppy drives are essentially obsolete, replaced by inexpensive and other portable media drives. A floppy drive is no longer standard equipment in new computer systems. Traditional floppy drives that install inside of a are becoming less and less available. Floppy Drive Physical Description A traditional 3.5' floppy drive is about the size and weight of a few decks of cards.