I'm getting ready to build my first system, with playing graphics heavy video games in mind, is it better to go with a combo drive or get individual drives ie... CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.....

Not sure it will make a difference. However, if you plan on making backups, combo drives typically don't do well with protected games.

(in reply to _copycat_)

It depends at which you are looking for...A CD or DVD Recorder?

(in reply to vbguru_12000)

[Deleted by Admins]

(in reply to emperor)

Why a combo? - you can now get DVD Writers (most likely a 4x +R model, rather than an 8x +/-R) for the price a combo used to be - in fact, even an 8x +R / 4x -R writer is not hugely expensive, since they've been overshadowed by full 8x +/- - One drive to rule them all, if you must have only one drive, it may as well be a DVD Writer.

Though the BEST way, is to pair a DVD writer and a DVD-ROM - or if you demand good backup capabilities, A DVD Writer and a CD Writer with good EFM (to Safedisk 2.8, preferably 2.9 unassisted by "amplify weak sectors") and coverage of all kinds of protected audio between them.

A more traditional lineup, is a DVD-ROM, with a CD-RW .... the "combo" split into its two functions.

If you need to use backups (and getting a damaged original replaced is too damn hard not to), then if all your drives are writers, you do end up relying on "hide ATIP" functions in Alcohol or CloneCD.

(in reply to Deleted User)

Sorry about taking so long to read the replies. Thanks much for the advice, it has been very helpful

(in reply to Matthew)

So Copycat, what did you end up buying?

I would personally vote for a DVD Writer, I looked into a combo, and it was about the same price for a combo as a slower dvd writer so I didn't bother with the combo.

(in reply to _copycat_)

i think a DVDWriter is a good choice, given the very low prices

(in reply to digitaldoc)

Here's what I've decided on. A CD-ROM, and a DVD-ROM, and a Plextor 712A. This should cover all the bases. I hope.

(in reply to digitaldoc)

Why have you decided on. A CD-ROM with the other 2 you shouldn't need one !!!

(in reply to _copycat_)

With a DVD writer, you don't even need another drive in most cases. The DVD-ROM is overkill, there really is absolutely no need for a cd-rom drive these days if you have other optical drives. The Plextor is a good choice, enjoy!

(in reply to Laffin Assassin)

If you want to play a game backup (you're keeping the orginal safe, RIGHT?), then having a drive which is NOT a writer saves messing arounf with hide ATIP tricks that can disrupt writing software.

A DVD-ROM (especially if it's one supported for PI/PO testing if the writer isn't) and a writer are a good pair, and it shouldn't be necessary to add a CD-ROM, as a decent DVD-ROM should read CDs with no trouble.

If you want Mount Rainier support, may need a CD-RW, as I've yet to see a DVDRW drive that supports it, even though it's a feature that their chipsets are often equipped to do.

(in reply to digitaldoc)

quote:

ORIGINAL: digitaldoc

With a DVD writer, you don't even need another drive in most cases. The DVD-ROM is overkill, there really is absolutely no need for a cd-rom drive these days if you have other optical drives. The Plextor is a good choice, enjoy!

So what you are saying is that a Plextor will rip Movies as fast and read as well as a Samsung 616q and supposing he wants to copy on the fly (Which I wouldn't recommend) !!!

(in reply to digitaldoc)

CD-ROM nowdays? No chance, grab a good DVD-ROM and a good DVD-Writer

(in reply to Laffin Assassin)

My thinking is that of ware and tear. Iwould rather start and stop a cheap rom drive over and over ( which I do when I program a gamepad to emulate the keyboard and mouse for games) than I would a more expensive and saffisticated drive like the Plextor. If my thinking is wrong then yes maybe a good DVD-ROM and the Plextor is all I need. Won't constant opening and closing and starting and stopping a drive ware it out quickly?

(in reply to emperor)

As far i remember there isn't any good CD-ROM, at least to my standards. Finding a good DVD-ROM is a possibility and as for cheap DVD writer, there are many drives you can find

(in reply to _copycat_)