My 1st post - Minimum Sys requirements for DVD/CD-RW Drive

[Ash]

Hi - This is my first post on this board (which is great, BTW). I am thinking of buying the Samsung SM-348B 48/24/48/16 CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive, based on a review on this site. I have a 3 yr old computer and am wondering if my system configuration is sufficient to utilize this drive. Here are the specs of my machine:

AMD K-6/2 450 mHz
128 MB EDO RAM
6 GB HD

Also, I have a 48x CD-ROM drive right now - do I need to remove that to install the new one?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[cfitz]

You should be able to use the 348B with your system, although maybe not to its full capabilities. For example, although you didn't mention specifics about your video system, assuming it is comparable to the rest of your system there is a reasonable chance you won't be able to watch full-screen video at full quality. And there is a chance you may not be able to burn at 48x. But that shouldn't stop you from getting the drive if you want it. For now you can make use of the drive to the best of your current system's capabilities, and transfer it to a new system when you get one.

If you have room in your system, you won't need to get rid of the CD-ROM.

Oh, and welcome to the forums.

cfitz

[Ash]

Thanks for the input! I'll try and post the video card info once I'm home, but I guess, yeah, I'll just go with it for now and see how far that gets me.

Just one other question: If I wanted to use my TV as an output for the DVD, would I need a special cable? Also, would by system configuration effect the quality of playback on the TV as well?

Thanks again!

[cfitz]

As with all DVD-ROM drives for computers, this drive has no video signal output at all. In order to provide a video signal for your TV, you must have a graphics card with a TV-out or video-out connector. From your description of the rest of your system, I doubt you have such a graphics card. And yes, if you did have such a card, your system's configurations and capabilities would affect the final picture quality because your system has to read the digital data from the DVD, decode it, and convert it into the analog video output signal. If your system isn't powerful enough to do the job, the picture will be blocky or jumpy (or worse).

If your primary reason for the DVD portion of the drive is to watch DVD movies on your TV, then you might be better off getting a cheap, dedicated DVD player for your TV and a simple CD-RW drive for your computer. If you watch for sales, you should be able to get a passable DVD player for ~$50-$70 and a decent CD-RW for ~$30-$40.

cfitz

[Ash]

Thanks for the input cfitz! Based on your advice, I am thinking of getting the Lite-On LTR-52246S 52/24/52 CD-RW drive based on this review:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.ph ... Conclusion

I foung a $48 price for this on the web...

Thanks again!

[cfitz]

You're welcome. I hope you are happy with your new drive. And if you haven't ordered it yet, be sure to check out the Hot Deals forum here:

http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=8

Sometimes you can get a rebadged LiteOn for even less.

cfitz

[Big_H]

Thanks for the input cfitz! Based on your advice, I am thinking of getting the Lite-On LTR-52246S 52/24/52 CD-RW drive based on this review:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.ph ... Conclusion

I foung a $48 price for this on the web...

Thanks again!

Check out your local Best Buy, they have a Buslink 52x CD-RW for 20$ after rebates (this is also in the hot deals thread). I just got mine, and it's the same model as your above 52x from the web.

[Ash]

Mucho thanks! That's awesome! I'm going to hit Best Buy first thing tomorrow and get it. This is a great forum!

[cfitz]

Be aware that not all Buslink boxes contain LiteOn drives inside. They are also known to ship AOpen and other manufacturers. Look for "SMART-BURN" or an "LTR-..." part number label on the box to improve your chances of getting a LiteOn inside. I think Best Buy's return policy is pretty liberal, so if you end up with something other than the LiteOn you want you can return it without penalty, but you might want to verify this before purchasing.

cfitz

[Ash]

Thanks cfitz - I'll keep my eyes peeled for the "Smart Burn" label. I guess the drives were going like hot cakes, so I haven't been able to get my hands on one. I may just go for the Verbatim 52x24x52 at Officemax for $29.99 if I don't find a Buslink at Best Buy by tomorrow.

Thanks again for all the advice!

[cfitz]

If you can be patient, you will eventually score a LiteOn for a good price. So keep prowling...

cfitz