Computer Assembly - How To Assemble A PC
The DVD RW
I recommend a dual format DVD RW, meaning one that supports both the dash (-) and plus (+) formats, to ensure maximum compatibility. Sony, Lite-On, NEC, Samsung and others have excellent reputations for quality at a reasonable price. The optical drive I'm using is a Sony DVD RW IDE drive, model DRU-840A. It's fine to use an optical drive with a SATA interface, rather than an IDE interface. But most motherboards are equipped with one IDE connector (which supports up to two devices) that has no better use than connecting the optical drives. Performance of an optical drive over an IDE interface versus a SATA interface is the same. And while it's true that SATA cables are much less bulky than IDE ribbon cables and therefore make a tidier interior as well as being less likely to affect airflow, it's also true that it's a fairly simple matter to run the IDE ribbon cables out of the airflow.
Like most retail boxes, the retail box like I've purchased includes a good software bundle such as Nero 7 Essentials, to support the type of functions you normally want to do with a DVD RW, such as making backups, video editing and production, and music CD's. Usually extended functions, such as playing a DVD movie, is not included but can be purchased with an upgrade.
I'm installing only one optical drive because a separate CD-RW drive is not needed. A DVD RW drive does everything for a CD that a CD-RW drive does, and a DVD RW is not a costly item so there's no need to protect it from overuse by installing a second less-expensive optical drive solely for handling CD's. Notice the drive comes with a beige faceplate, but an alternate, black faceplate is included.
Here are front and rear shots of the DVD RW, plus a closer view of the mounting screws for the DVD RW.
Most optical drives, including the one I'm using, come with an alternate front panel in a different color. If you want to use the alternate front panel to better color coordinate the front of the computer case then check out my page Change the Front Panel of the DVD RW.
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