DVD-ROM and CD-ROM Drives for PCs

Read-only drives: what they open and what they cannot

ROM means read-only: these drives open discs but cannot record them. A DVD-ROM drive reads DVDs and CDs, while a CD-ROM drive reads CDs only and will not open a DVD. The listed speeds, such as 48X for CD and 16X or 18X for DVD, are maximums reached on the outer edge of a disc, with real throughput lower. Some listings in this section are DVD writers, so check the product type. If you also need to record discs, look at writers instead.

Matching the connector, tray style and bay

Internal drives use SATA or the older IDE (ATAPI) connection, and the two are not interchangeable, so check which your motherboard offers. A standard drive fits a 5.25-inch bay; the loading mechanism may be a tray, a slot or a top-loading lid on portable units. Portable USB 2.0 drives are handy for laptops without a disc slot and are normally bus-powered. Front-panel colour, black, beige or ivory, is cosmetic, but matching it to an older case keeps a repair looking tidy.

Questions about DVD-ROM and CD-ROM Drives for PCs

Can a DVD-ROM drive burn discs?

No. ROM means read-only, so the drive cannot record. You need a DVD or CD writer for that. A DVD-ROM drive reads both DVDs and CDs, whereas a CD-ROM drive reads CDs only.

Why is my drive slower than its rated speed?

Speeds like 48X are maximums reached near the outer edge of a disc. The drive slows toward the centre and on scratched or poorly made discs, and USB 2.0 adds its own ceiling on portable models.

Do I need a driver for a USB DVD drive?

Normally not. Current operating systems recognise USB optical drives as standard devices. If a drive will not spin up, try another port or a powered hub, because some bus-powered models need more current than one port gives.