What are the reasons for having 2 optical drives?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Flor
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Flor

I am putting together my first homebuilt PC and was planning on
getting only 1 DVD/RW drive: either the Sony DRU510A or Plextor
PX708A. I noticed some pre-built machines, such as the high end Falcon
Mach V, have a second DVD drive (Toshiba 16x). Is that used only if
you want to copy movies? Are there other advantages to having 2
optical drives?

I need the DVD drive only for back up purposes and watching the
occasional movie.

Also, would I need to get some kind of software decoder for watching
movies? If so, what't recommended (both commercial and freebies)?

Thanks!
 
Flor said:
I am putting together my first homebuilt PC and was planning on
getting only 1 DVD/RW drive: either the Sony DRU510A or Plextor
PX708A. I noticed some pre-built machines, such as the high end Falcon
Mach V, have a second DVD drive (Toshiba 16x). Is that used only if
you want to copy movies? Are there other advantages to having 2
optical drives?

I need the DVD drive only for back up purposes and watching the
occasional movie.

Also, would I need to get some kind of software decoder for watching
movies? If so, what't recommended (both commercial and freebies)?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I put in 2 DVD drives just to save wear and tear on the Sony burner. But if
you aren't backing up a lot of dvd's it's probably not necessary. The DVD
drive you decide on will come with software for watching movies. Probably
PowerDVD which is fine. WMP works fine, too.

One point on the Sony, their dvd burners are not very good at
reading/ripping discs. I.E. Slow as molasses. Another reason I have the
Lite-on combo drive.

HTH...
 
I am putting together my first homebuilt PC and was planning on
getting only 1 DVD/RW drive: either the Sony DRU510A or Plextor
PX708A. I noticed some pre-built machines, such as the high end Falcon
Mach V, have a second DVD drive (Toshiba 16x). Is that used only if
you want to copy movies? Are there other advantages to having 2
optical drives?
Click to expand...

You can use the cheaper read-only drive to read discs, extending the
lives more expensive R/W drives due to less wear.
I need the DVD drive only for back up purposes and watching the
occasional movie.
Click to expand...

You might be able to get by with one.
Also, would I need to get some kind of software decoder for watching
movies? If so, what't recommended (both commercial and freebies)?
Click to expand...

Yes, you need software, but you might get one with the DVD drive or
Mobo (for some reason, my Mobo came with a version WinDVD, branded
by the mobo manufacturer)
 
Reason:
Price of DVD burners still quite expensive so makes sense to use £18 pound
dvd reader for all reading saves burner from unnecessary wear and tear.
 
I use 2 because I can listen to music and install software, burn cd's or
whatever at the same time
 
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