Optical Drive Options

**Pheebs'67** · 11-30-2005, 03:25 PM

I'm planning on using a VIA EPIA SP13000 Nehemiah Mobo but am wondering what DVD Drive to use. From searching around it seems most setups I've seen use a slot drive but I was wondering whether there are any issues with using a "normal" DVD Rom drive for now as they're cheaper!

Does any have a reason why not? Are they likely to draw more power?

Thanks

Cliff

**OhSh1rt** · 11-30-2005, 03:49 PM

The PSU should be able to handle it with ease.. probbly consume around the amount of power as a harddrive(?), it would be fully compatable (IDE is IDE)

-jeffrey

**WhoIsThisGuy?** · 11-30-2005, 05:38 PM

Full size optical drives draw A LOT more power than hard drives and quite a bit more than slim optical drives. Depending on the rest of ur rig and the PSU u use, u might get away with using one, but u need to weigh it up properly. Do a

for a power calculator. This should point u in the right direction.

Jeffrey is right about IDE being compatible, but sorry, he's off the mark about power. Thats why so many people here use slim ones - they use less.

Good luck!

**DarquePervert** · 11-30-2005, 05:39 PM

A full-sized optical drive will draw more power, typically.
The primary reason for slot-load drives is to prevent breaking the tray when putting a disc in while driving and hitting a bump or somesuch.
besides, they look more stealthy in your dash.

**Pheebs'67** · 12-01-2005, 12:28 PM

Thanks for the replies - I'm a little clearer now - I do have 1 question though.

I've found the following power calculator - http://carpc.kyferez.com/Tools/PSUWattageCalculator.php

and for the option of optical drive it lists:

" DVD-ROM Drive (Full size or Slim) (25 Watts) "

which seems to indicate that, at least for power consumption calculations, they both use the same amount of juice .... I'm not arguing with the advice in the above responses but am confused at the conflicting advice ...

Any Comments?

**EsKALad** · 12-01-2005, 12:56 PM

full size dvd rom uses 12v and 5v. so your taking power off your precious 12v rail which is usually limited.however your initial question i think you were talking about slim dvd tray loaded drives. yes they are cheap and same as a slot load. just a slot load is cooler!

**WhoIsThisGuy?** · 12-02-2005, 07:07 PM

Good point Eskalad. And maybe its just down to confusion over ur word of the use "normal" Pheebs. If u mean "tray" i use a tray drive as my PC is in my boot and it was cheaper lol

But... to try clear up the conflicting advice on the whole "power consumption" thing, if ur calculator says 25w for both slim & full size, it sounds like its just playing it safe. I just

d "slim dvd power consumption" and came up with this link. Check near the bottom and it states this slim Pioneer DVD uses just 4.8w at 8x DVD burning (which is when drives typically use most power) and thats a HUGE saving.

http://www.meritline.com/pioneer-dvr...ftware-pc.html

Maybe that helps.