Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely buy an external disc drive for a PC. External disc drives, also known as external optical drives, connect to a computer externally either via USB, Firewire, or wirelessly to read and write CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. They provide a way to use disc media with a computer that does not have an internal optical disc drive.
What is an external disc drive?
An external disc drive is a type of optical disc drive that connects to a computer externally rather than being built into the computer’s internal components. Optical disc drives are devices that use laser light to read or write data from or to optical discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.
External disc drives connect to a computer through an external interface like USB, Firewire, or wirelessly. This allows you to use optical media with a device like a laptop that does not have a built-in internal optical drive.
External disc drives are also useful for reading and writing discs on multiple computers rather than having an optical drive built into each one. They’re also helpful if you have a computer with an internal drive that has stopped working properly.
Types of External Optical Drives
There are a few different types of external optical drives:
- External CD drive – Reads and writes CDs
- External DVD drive – Reads and writes CDs and DVDs
- External Blu-ray drive – Reads and writes CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays
- Portable external drive – Small and lightweight for use with laptops
The most common types are DVD and Blu-ray drives. CD drives are less common now since few computers still use CDs as a primary storage format. Blu-ray drives can read and write all major disc formats. Portable external drives are convenient for use with laptops.
Benefits of External Optical Drives
There are several benefits that external optical drives offer compared to internal optical drives:
Portability
External disc drives are designed to be portable so you can use them with multiple devices. They can connect to desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, etc via USB, so you can move the drive wherever you need it. This makes them ideal for laptops that don’t have internal optical drives.
Convenience
It’s convenient to have an external disc drive if you only need to use discs occasionally. You can plug it in when needed instead of having it permanently take up space in your computer case. This helps keep your system clear of unnecessary internal components.
Increased Compatibility
External disc drives allow older computers without internal drives to access optical media. So you can add a DVD or Blu-ray drive to an older laptop to significantly increase its usability.
Data Backup
They provide a good option for backing up important files and data onto CDs, DVDs, or Blu-rays for safekeeping. This provides a more permanent and physical backup solution compared to saving files on a hard drive or cloud storage.
Emergency Boot Drive
You can start up a computer from an external disc drive using an emergency boot CD or DVD. This can be useful for system recovery and IT support tasks.
What to Look for in an External Optical Drive
If you’ve decided to add an external optical drive to your computer setup, here are some key factors to consider when choosing one:
Supported Disc Formats
Make sure the drive you select supports the types of discs you plan to use. Most external drives support DVDs and CDs. Blu-ray compatible drives are recommended if you need to read Blu-ray discs.
Disc Write Speed
Write speed determines how fast the drive can write data to a blank disc. Faster write speeds allow you to burn discs more quickly. Look for a drive with at least 8x DVD write speed and 24x CD write speed.
Disc Read Speed
Read speed determines how fast the external drive can read data from a disc. A faster read speed will result in better disc playback and faster data transfer. Minimum speeds are 24x for CD and 8x for DVD.
Connection Interface
Most external optical drives connect via USB, either USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or USB Type-C. USB 3.0 offers faster potential data transfer speeds. Some may also support Firewire or Thunderbolt connections. Wireless external drives are less common.
Compatibility
Make sure the drive is compatible with your computer’s operating system (Mac, Windows, Chrome OS, etc.) and meets any other system requirements. External Blu-ray drives in particular may have compatibility issues.
Power Source
Does the drive need its own AC power adapter or can it be powered just via USB from your computer? Portable USB-powered drives offer the most convenience for laptops. But AC powered units typically have faster write speeds.
Size and Portability
If you plan to travel with the drive frequently, look for a compact and lightweight model. Standard external drives are around 6 inches wide. Portable drives are smaller in width and depth.
Top External Optical Drives
Based on the above criteria, here are some of the best external disc drives currently available:
Asus ZenDrive Silver
– USB 2.0 drive with 8x DVD write speed
– Compact 14mm height design
– Compatible with Windows and Mac
– Powered by USB port
LG Electronics Portable Drive
– USB 2.0 connection with 8x DVD and 24x CD write speeds
– Compatible with USB 3.0
– Silent playback capability
– Interface USB bus powered
– Works with Windows and Mac
Pioneer BDR-XD07B
– 6x Blu-ray, 8x DVD, and 24x CD write speeds
– USB 3.0 interface
– CyberLink software included
– Up to 6TB data storage
– Portable slim design at 220 grams
Samsung SE-208 Portable Drive
– DVD read/write speeds up to 8x
– No external power required
– 150 grams lightweight design
– USB 2.0 interface
– Windows and Mac compatible
Using an External Optical Drive
Using most external optical drives is very simple. Here are the basic steps:
- Connect the drive to your computer via the provided USB cable. For powered drives, also plug in the AC adapter.
- Insert a disc into the drive tray with the label facing up.
- The computer should auto-detect the drive. It may install default drivers or prompt you to install special software.
- Once installed, the drive should appear like any internal optical drive.
- You can access and use the drive via your system’s file manager application.
- To eject a disc, right-click the drive icon and select Eject.
- Unplug the USB cable (and power cord) when you are done using the drive.
It’s that easy. The external drive essentially acts as plug-and-play optical media storage. The process is the same whether using it with Windows PCs, Macs, laptops, or another compatible device.
Tips for Using an External Optical Drive
Here are some helpful tips for making the most of an external disc drive with your computer:
– Update your system drivers and firmware for maximum compatibility with the drive.
– Position the drive on a stable, level surface for quieter operation.
– Avoid excessive force and impacts when using the disc tray to prevent damage.
– Keep both the discs and drive free of dust, dirt, and debris that could interfere with reading discs.
– Only use compatible disc formats and properly formatted blank media for burning discs.
– Eject discs properly before unplugging the USB cable to prevent errors.
– For fastest data transfer speeds, connect the drive to a USB 3.0 port if available.
– When not in use, disconnect and store the drive properly to prevent damage.
Troubleshooting External Optical Drive Issues
External optical drives are generally reliable, but you may encounter occasional issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common problems:
Drive Not Detected
If your computer doesn’t detect the external drive, try connecting it to another USB port, restarting your system, checking for driver updates, or using a different USB cable. Also make sure the drive is getting sufficient power.
Not Reading Discs
Check that you inserted the disc properly with the label side facing up. Try a different disc that you know works. Dirty discs may also not read properly. Inspect the drive lens for dust or dirt issues.
Slow Disc Reading Speeds
Try connecting the drive to a USB 3.0 port if possible or plugging it into the computer directly rather than through a USB hub. Also close any programs using substantial system resources while accessing the drive.
Issues Writing Discs
Verify you are using compatible blank CD/DVD/Blu-ray media. Check for disc or drive firmware updates. Try burning at a lower speed or testing with different brands of blank discs.
Noisy Drive
Some noise is normal during disc spin up and access. But loud or unusual noises could indicate a defective drive. Try operating it on a rubber pad to absorb extra vibration.
If problems persist after troubleshooting, you may need to have the external optical drive serviced or replaced. Contact the manufacturer for assistance if under warranty.
Conclusion
External optical disc drives provide a versatile way to add CD, DVD, and Blu-ray reading and writing capabilities to desktop and laptop PCs. Models with fast data transfer speeds, sufficient disc burning capabilities, and wide compatibility are available from major manufacturers like Asus, LG, Samsung, Pioneer, and others.
USB-powered portable external drives offer the most flexibility for use with multiple systems. Installing and using an external optical drive is a simple plug-and-play process on most modern Windows and Mac computers. Following some basic connectivity and care guidelines helps ensure reliable operation.
So if your laptop or desktop PC needs an optical disc drive added, an external drive is usually the best bet for performance, portability, and convenience. The ability to read discs on multiple devices and burn CD/DVD/Blu-ray discs for data backup makes external optical drives still useful in the age of streaming media and cloud storage.