How to Buy a CD-ROM Drive

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:

• CD-ROM Drives
• Computer Speakers
• Floppy Disk Drive
• Floppy Disks
• Sound Cards
• Floppy disks

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

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

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. 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.