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    Using DVD-Multi Drive

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by chrisliando, Apr 30, 2008.

  1. chrisliando

    chrisliando Notebook Consultant

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    Hi, I've just got my new XPS M1530 with DVD multi drive slot-load optical drive.



    What I want to ask:



    Is it ok if I use the optical drive to read CDs and DVDs MORE INTENSIVE rather than BURN/WRITE DVD?

    What I mean is THE EFFECT to the DVD writer function which is the most important.



    Does what I do will reduce the performance of the optical when I use it to write/burn DVD?



    Because if it is affecting the writing performance, I am planning to buy external optical drive intended to read DVD, CDs and CD burning.



    Please give me advice.



    Thank you very much.
     
    chrisliando, Apr 30, 2008
    #1
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You can do whatever you want with the drive, and it won't hurt your performance.
     
    Greg, Apr 30, 2008
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  3. chrisliando

    chrisliando Notebook Consultant

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    What do you think of opinion saying that by using the Multi-function drive for a lot of READING, that drive WRITING function will be REDUCED.

    When I heard that, I am worry that what I do ( ONLY READING CDs, DVDs ) it will reduce the optic when I use it for WRITING function.

    So according to you, I don't need to buy external optical drive intended to read DVD, CDs and CD burning ONLY?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    chrisliando, Apr 30, 2008
    #3
  4. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    There is no correlation between using your drive for reading affects the life of the drive for writing.
    In an optical drive, there are two different lasers used, one for reading, and one for writing. Using the drive all of the time will not affect burning performance, since they use separate lasers.
    You will be fine using what ever integrated optical drive you have in your notebook. The only cd drive related problems, may occur after a year or so of continual optical drive use, but that will be due to motor failure, not laser failure.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Apr 30, 2008
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  5. chrisliando

    chrisliando Notebook Consultant

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    Ok..I see. But I've ever seen the OPTIC component inside the drive and it has like "EYE". So I guess it works for reading / writing.

    So the Different laser came out from ONE EYE only?

    So the problem after years will be on the motor only?

    How about some people that complaining after a few years, they are experiencing READING difficulties on some CD/DVD? and also for the burning function? What cause them?

    Thank you very much.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    chrisliando, Apr 30, 2008
    #5
  6. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Optical drives do wear out or die. Perhaps one reason is that they are not sealed units so the dust can get in and impair performance. Most notebook ODDs are standard units (and I'm sure that the one in the M1530 is) and replacing the ODD is a 10 minute job.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Apr 30, 2008
    #6
  7. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    There are alot more things to worry about than your Optical Disk Drive :p they are not expensive and I honestly have never had one die on me, so I wouldn't be too worried about it.

    If one of the reasons you plan to use the drive alot is to use the same few disks over and over, you may want to consider coping that disk onto your hard drive to make it faster and not worry about toting around the disk. The added benefit here for you is that you wont use the optical drive anymore.
     
    ViciousXUSMC, Apr 30, 2008
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  8. bigozone

    bigozone JellyRoll touring now

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    i use mine all the time.... slimline optical drives will fail (unless you remove it from the laptop and seal it from dust and place it in a climate controlled environment).... basicially you can buy a replacement for less than $50us,, so i use mine anytime i want/need to,, and if/when it dies if it's more than 1 yr from date of purchase i'll just buy another,, if it's less then i'll let NEC give me a new one for free :)

    just my oppinion,
    bigozone
     
    bigozone, May 1, 2008
    #8