High density disc drive apparatus that packs a large number of disc drives into a computer cabinet. The disc drives are removably installed in disc cages mounted on shelves of a drawer that slides out the front of the cabinet. A linear actuator drives the drawer and a controller moderates the actuator to ensure smooth start-up and stopping of the drawer so selected disc drives can be replaced during computer operation without disturbing the operation of the remaining disc drives. Built-in pin connectors facilitate bringing I/O and power cables to the disc drives and the desired replacement.