[howlleo]

Last time I tried an upgrade it was RAM, and I didn't realize there were so many different types out there, so I messed up big time.

My optical drive has essentially given out, and I want to upgrade it, no mistakes this time.

It's a JustLink CD-RW.

I want to upgrade to a CD-RW with a DVD reader.

First of all, are there any restrictions or potential incompatibilities based on my motherboard or other hardware that I should look out for? (My hardware is about 4 years old.)

Second of all: when I'm looking at the drives, if it says CD/DVD, can I assume it has a CD-RW, or must the specs actually say CD-RW/DVD? (Or, if I have that totally backwards, what spec should I be looking for?)

Finally, what el-cheapo companies should I avoid? (I know to avoid JustLink. The drive barely lasted 2.5 years.)

Thanks - I really appreciate this.

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Its going to be a lot easier than RAM, thats for sure

Now-a-days, all the DVD burners are also CD burners, so you're good there.

If you stick to newegg.com for parts, usually most of those low cost drives are actually name brand.

Four year old hardware, you'll probably need an IDE driver (as in, not SATA)

Here is an example of what to buy:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827106075
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827136118

[trentdk]

Its going to be a lot easier than RAM, thats for sure

Now-a-days, all the DVD burners are also CD burners, so you're good there.

If you stick to newegg.com for parts, usually most of those low cost drives are actually name brand.

Four year old hardware, you'll probably need an IDE driver (as in, not SATA)

Here is an example of what to buy:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827106075
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827136118

[Titan8990]

What you are asking for is called a "combo drive". You won't see a lot of these on Newegg but HP and Dell put one in most of their budget computers. You are going to want a DVD burner. It's not that much more money. Like Trentdk said it will be much easier than RAM. As long as you get something that uses IDE and not SATA there is no room for error. I recommend a 20X DVD-R because the costs of these drives are so simular I don't see a reason in not getting the fastest. I wouldn't concern yourself with brands. No matter what you pick it will eventually go out. Two and half years is a fairly short lifespan though.


Check this one out: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827106050.

Edited by Titan8990, 26 June 2007 - 01:26 PM.

[trentdk]

Thats a good point; few extra bucks for faster burning.

[james_8970]

Just want to point something out here, even though 2.5years seems short, these drives are built more and more cheaply all the time (you can get them for 30$ easy now). They are one of the most, if not the most likely parts on your computer to go over time. If you want a cheaper good name brand, go for lite-on. Good burners and are generally cheaper.
James

Edited by james_8970, 26 June 2007 - 03:40 PM.

[howlleo]

Thanks - exactly what I needed to know. All the best to all of you. :-)