CDRLabs.com

I'm looking for a DVD drive in my 1-bay barebone system. I like my Lite-On LTD-163 but I'm wondering if a combo drive would be a better choice. The added ability to write the occasional CD without having to connect an external drive would be nice .

What I'd like to know is how these combo drives (like the LG GCC-4320B or the new 48xSamsung) compare to the Lite-On when it comes to DVD reading and ripping. I don't want to sit around for an hour to rip a dvd.

If you have only one bay like those nice little Shuttle pc's, then personally I would be inclined to be a combo burner/dvd.

But it depends on what you want that particular pc to do for you.

Have you considered getting a bigger case?

Combo drives are ideal for slim cases with only one external 5.25-inch bay.