ASUS CD-ROM Internal Desktop CD, DVD & Blu-ray Drives

Choosing CD-ROM Internal Desktop Drives

A CD-ROM drive can be installed directly into your desktop computer if you do not have one. These drives are used to play back or read data and media files or create new discs like a DVD-RW. 

How Much Speed Do I Need?

As you look for an ASUS device, you must look at how fast it runs. Check on the maximum data read speed or data transfer rate for your DVDs. This measurement lists how much data can be read in one second from the driver.

For CD playback, the ripping speed is critical. The ripping speed refers to how quickly data can be read from a CD or DVD and then converted into a digital format.

You may also see a number like 4x, 8x or 16x when looking at this hardware. The value refers to the drive speed or read access time. The X is a multiplier of the original burner standard of 150 kilobytes or KB per second. Therefore, a 4x CD-ROM drive will read data at up to 600 KB per second. An 8x or higher model will read at least 1 MB each second. This is vital for RW processes as it determines how quickly a personalized CD or DVD can be produced.

How Will the Drive Work?

Your ASUS device will work through an optical drive system. Laser light will be utilized to identify what is on the disk. The light reads the microscopic grooves and relays that information to a driver. The data is read by the computer and is then played back or reviewed in real time. A driver for Windows is also needed alongside the drive to read the information and to convert the content quickly and accurately.

What Discs Are Supported?

The discs that your drive can read or write must be explored. While it is important to have a CD-ROM drive, your drive may also support other units, thus adding to its versatility. You will need the appropriate driver for any option you choose as well:

• CD - Traditional compact discs, including ones that store music, can be played back on many drives. You can also burn a CD-R or CD-RW on many models.
• DVD - The digital video disc or DVD format includes both video discs and data that contain several gigabytes of data. You have the option to create your DVD-ROM or get a DVD-RW produced.
• Blu-ray - The Blu-ray standard produces ultra high-resolution video quality with a single unit storing as much as 25 GB of content. Your DVD drive could read or edits these discs, but that depends on the model.

How Will You Install It?

The installation process for your drive will require you to follow a few steps:

1. Check on the drive you will use before you install it. Make sure the drive can handle the version of the Windows operating system you are using and that the drive is compatible with the power source on your motherboard.
2. You must review any power cables that link up to your computer versus the cables that come with your CD drive. You should have a Molex or SATA cable.
3. Review the rails inside your desktop or any compatible slots in a laptop before installing. This gives you an idea of where the drive should be physically installed.
4. Link the data and power cables on your CD drive to the motherboard.
5. Install the software on your drive. You might have to go online to download a driver update.
6. Review the Device Manager on your operating system. It should list the new drive and give you the option to update your CD or DVD drivers.