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How to Buy a CD-ROM Drive

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

For the last several years, most desktop computers have come with CD-ROM drives. If you're adding a drive to an older computer, make especially sure the computer fulfills the drive's system requirements. CD-ROM drives can be internal (inside the computer) or external.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Make note of your computer's processor type and speed, the amount of installed RAM and the amount of available hard disk space.

  2. Step 2

    Make sure your computer has a floppy drive, a sound card and speakers. If your computer does not have a sound card, you can buy it with the CD-ROM drive. The computer must have an available expansion bay if you wish to add an internal CD drive.

  3. Step 3

    Check the minimum system requirements of CD-ROM drives. If your computer's specifications fall short, the drive will not work in your computer.

  4. Step 4

    Compare features - you might want a headphone jack, an external volume control or software that is bundled with a particular drive.

  5. Step 5

    After narrowing your choices, make your buying decision on price and performance.

  6. Step 6

    Ignore speed specifications (such as "24X" or "32X") as most moderately-priced drives will provide the same speed. If any of your applications have specific speed requirements, check the CD-ROM drive's average access time specification.

  7. Step 7

    Find out about technical support and whether the dealer will take back a drive that doesn't work with your computer.

Tips & Warnings
  • Internal drives are faster, cost less than external drives and save space.
  • If you are buying a drive for a Macintosh, you'll find the best selection on the Internet.
  • As CD drives are short-lived products, you should buy a "name brand" and be willing to pay for a longer manufacturer's limited warranty.
  • Avoid refurbished or out-of-box drives; no matter how low the price, you are unlikely to receive good value from them.
  • Only install an internal CD drive if you are familiar with computer hardware and know what you are doing. Otherwise, ask a local dealer to install an internal drive for you, and figure the installation into the price.
  • If shopping offline, shop at computer superstores and computer stores instead of department stores, which lack product selection and knowledgeable salespeople.
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