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Optical Drives

HappyBuddhaman
Level 7
Hey everyone. How many people, with a relatively new build, have an optical drive installed? I'm currently working on a new build and debating on whether or not to install a CD / DVD / BR drive. I rarely use them anymore, most of my music is digital, all of my movies are digital, I don't even own a Blu Ray player (except for the one built into the game machine in my living room) I only own one Blu Ray, and that's only because I can't find it digitally.

The rare times I've used an optical drive in my older PC's was to rip music from a CD, or to copy a CD (my wife has a job where she needs to copy a CD every now and then, but not often enough to purchase 2 drives).

I'm thinking on not wasting a bay on what I consider essentially a dead media format, thinking on just buying an external drive and using it as needed.
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Dr__Zchivago
Level 12
I have one, because they're inexpensive and because I'd hate to be overly inconvenienced for those few instances when I do need it and don't have it.

The media drive is, to me, like a pocket knife, an handkerchief, and a pen; if you need one and don't have it, then you look like a dummy. But, if you or anyone around you needs one, then you're the guy who's always prepared for the little things (not that anyone else would be using your media drive, but it's a parable).

Dr. Z

Dr. Zchivago wrote:
I have one, because they're inexpensive and because I'd hate to be overly inconvenienced for those few instances when I do need it and don't have it.

The media drive is, to me, like a pocket knife, an handkerchief, and a pen; if you need one and don't have it, then you look like a dummy. But, if you or anyone around you needs one, then you're the guy who's always prepared for the little things (not that anyone else would be using your media drive, but it's a parable).

Dr. Z

+1
you can find good Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writers on-sale for $50
Attachment leads to jealousy, the shadow of greed, that is. Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.

Arne_Saknussemm
Level 40
I have one too...ripped out of some old PC...it is in the bottom of my "bits" box for when I need it....which is never...;)

Zka17
Level 16
I do have OD too... with my TestBenches I'm using it for offline installations... - never used other drivers than those from the disks which came with the boards...

For a regular PC, specially if the space is tight, you could use an external unit... those aren't expensive either... - and when not needed, you can just toss it into a drawer...

abvolt
Level 11
I agree if you're not buying cd's or dvd's the external drive is the best way to go just in case you do need one..
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wvjeepguy81
Level 7
I put a dvd drive in my build last year and only used it about half a dozen times, so this year I bought an external drive and will be using that from now on.

I would prefer case manufacturers to just use the typical 5.25 bay area for another fan.

wvjeepguy81 wrote:
I would prefer case manufacturers to just use the typical 5.25 bay area for another fan.


You actually can use the bay are for fans... in some cases you have the choice of fan mounting (check the Case Labs ones); in others you can use an adapter...

BearCat
Level 10
I like backing up my important data to disks. Harddrives, SSD's and usb sticks fail. Pulled the head part right off a usb stick yesterday. Optical disks are suppose to be useable for 99 years.

BearCat wrote:
Optical disks are suppose to be useable for 99 years.


Nah, you will be happy if they will last 4-5 years...

At my work I've been backing up my data first on CDs, then DVDs and now BR disks... in chronological order... - like 80% of the CDs is not working anymore... BlueRay disks can fail as soon as couple months... so far DVDs seems the most reliable, but they're failing too over time...

The best way is to have backups in multiple places/multiple drives... for me the HDD ones are the most reliable, but you have to keep them in proper conditions...