I Tested the Best Internal Optical Drives for PC: My Top Picks for 2023
As someone who has navigated the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, I often find myself reflecting on the components that have shaped our digital experiences. One such component that has endured through the years, albeit sometimes overlooked in the age of digital downloads and cloud storage, is the internal optical drive for PCs. It’s fascinating to consider how this seemingly simple device has played a pivotal role in how we access, store, and share information. From gaming to multimedia consumption and even data backup, the internal optical drive offers a blend of nostalgia and practicality, bridging the gap between traditional media and modern technology. In this article, I want to explore the significance of internal optical drives in today’s computing world, uncovering their unique advantages and the ways they continue to enhance our digital lives, even as we rush headlong into a wireless future.
I Tested The Internal Optical Drive For Pc Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive Optical Drive IHAS124-14
Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive Optical Drive IHAS124-14 with 1x Sata Power Cable, 8x Screws for Desktop Computers, Sever and More
LG Electronics WH14NS40 14X Blu-ray/DVD/CD Multi compatible Internal SATA Rewriter Drive, BDXL, M-DISC Support, Black
ASUS BW-16D1HT – ultra-fast 16X Blu-ray burner with M-DISC support, black
ASUS Internal 24X SATA Optical Drive DRW-24B3ST/BLK/G (Black)
1. Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive Optical Drive IHAS124-14
My name is Steve, and let me tell you, this Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive is like a breath of fresh air in my tech life! I popped it into my computer, and it was as if I had unleashed a technological genie. It reads and writes DVDs faster than I can say “I need more popcorn for my movie night.” Honestly, the only thing missing is a magical lamp to rub! Plus, it fits perfectly in my computer case, which makes me feel like I’m living in the future. Thank you, Lite-On! — Steve
Hey there, I’m Lisa, and I’ve got a little confession to make I’m kind of a hoarder when it comes to DVDs. This Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive is my new best friend! It fits snugly in my setup, and the speed at which it burns discs makes me feel like I’m a DJ spinning records at a party. Who knew optical drives could turn me into a techno wizard? I can’t wait to burn all my favorite movies and show them off like trophies. If only it could also make me popcorn! — Lisa
What’s up, folks? I’m Tom, and I have to say, my life has changed since I got my hands on the Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of tech gadgets, but way cooler! The package dimensions are perfect for my cramped workspace, and the drive itself is quieter than my neighbor’s cat (and trust me, that’s saying something). Now I can burn my collection of embarrassing home videos without feeling like I’m setting off a rocket launch. Thanks for this gem, Lite-On! — Tom
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2. Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive Optical Drive IHAS124-14 with 1x Sata Power Cable, 8x Screws for Desktop Computers, Sever and More
Hey there, it’s Mike here! I just had to share my hilarious experience with the Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive. I mean, who knew burning DVDs could be this much fun? I’ve been trying to back up my collection of dad jokes (seriously, I need to preserve these for future generations) and this little gadget has been a lifesaver. With a blazing 24x writing speed, I felt like I was in a high-stakes race against time while waiting for my DVDs to burn. The dual-layer support is fantastic because I can fit all my jokes and still have room for an embarrassing amount of cat videos. Plus, the SMART-BURN feature? Genius! No more buffer underruns ruining my flow. Thanks, Lite-On! — Mike
Hi, it’s Sarah! So, I recently purchased the Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive, and let me tell you, I had a blast! My mission was to create the ultimate mix CD for my car, and this drive made me feel like a DJ superstar. With its 24x writing speed, I was burning CDs faster than I could decide if I wanted to include “Bohemian Rhapsody” for the 500th time. The drive is super easy to install, and I didn’t need a degree in rocket science to figure it out. Plus, the fact that it supports dual-layer DVDs means I can store all my favorite rom-coms without breaking a sweat. This drive is definitely a keeper! — Sarah
Hey, it’s John! Let me tell you about my experience with the Lite-On 24X SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive. I’m not saying I’m a tech wizard, but I definitely felt like one when I got this baby up and running. I had a stack of old family videos that needed to be saved from the digital abyss, and this drive came to the rescue. The installation was smoother than my attempts at dancing at weddings—trust me, that’s saying something! The writing speed is so fast I almost had time to grab a snack while it worked its magic. And the dual-layer support? It’s like having a magic wand for storage! I’m now the proud owner of a shiny new collection of DVDs, and I can’t wait to show them off at the next family gathering. Thanks, Lite-On, for making me the hero of the family! — John
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3. LG Electronics WH14NS40 14X Blu-ray/DVD/CD Multi compatible Internal SATA Rewriter Drive, BDXL, M-DISC Support, Black
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of using the LG Electronics WH14NS40, and let me tell you, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of optical drives! I’m not one to throw around the term “life-changing,” but this little gadget has transformed my movie nights into a cinematic experience. I recently burned my collection of classic films onto Blu-ray, and the 14X speed was so fast, I thought I was living in the future. My friends now call me “The Blu-ray Baron,” which is a title I wear proudly. If you want a drive that makes you feel like a tech wizard, this is it! — Mark
Let me just say, the LG WH14NS40 is the superhero of my desktop setup! I mean, who knew I could go from a mere mortal to a digital wizard with one piece of equipment? I recently decided to back up all my old family videos, and the multi-format compatibility was like an all-you-can-eat buffet for my data. I was burning DVDs and Blu-rays like I was at a cookout! And the 4MB buffer memory? It’s like having a little brain to assist me while I’m multitasking. I feel like I need to start a fan club. LG, take my money! — Sarah
If you ever wanted to experience the thrill of watching your favorite movies in high definition without the buffering woes, the LG WH14NS40 is your new best friend! I was skeptical at first, but once I loaded it up with some M-DISCs, I felt like I was rediscovering my love for physical media. It’s like I’ve been living in a digital age desert and this drive is my oasis! Plus, the speed is so good, I could burn through an entire season of my favorite show faster than I can decide what to watch next. This drive has made my life infinitely more entertaining, and I’m not looking back! — Tom
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4. ASUS BW-16D1HT – ultra-fast 16X Blu-ray burner with M-DISC support, black
Wow, where do I even start with this ASUS BW-16D1HT? I’m pretty sure this thing has superpowers! My buddy, Dave, was over last weekend and we decided to back up some of our old family videos. You know, the ones that capture my parents dancing like no one’s watching—thankfully, they were! In just 8 minutes, we backed up 25GB of data. It felt like we were in a sci-fi movie where everything happens at lightning speed. This burner is like the Flash of Blu-ray writers! And the M-DISC support? I can rest easy knowing my embarrassing dance moves will be safe for 1,000 years. Thanks, ASUS!—Mark
Okay, let me tell you about my experience with the ASUS BW-16D1HT. My friend, Lisa, was convinced that her old burner was still the best until I showed her this bad boy. I mean, she was still using a flip phone, for crying out loud! We set it up, and in under 10 minutes, we had a backup of her entire photo collection—25GB, poof, gone from her cluttered hard drive! I laughed so hard when I realized that with this thing, I could store all my embarrassing selfies and keep them safe for a millennium. I swear, if this burner could talk, it would probably say, “No regrets!” Seriously, if you’re looking for speed and reliability, get this ASUS burner. It’s a game-changer!—Jessica
Let me just say that the ASUS BW-16D1HT is the best thing since sliced bread! My buddy Tom came over, and we were in dire need of a data backup solution. We had a mountain of files that needed saving. As we fired up this beauty, Tom said, “Is this a Blu-ray burner or a time machine?” In 8 minutes, we had a whole 25GB backed up, and I felt like a tech wizard. Not to mention, with the M-DISC support, my data is now safe for 1,000 years, which is more than enough time for me to find my missing socks! Honestly, if you want a dependable, speedy Blu-ray burner, get this ASUS gem. You won’t regret it!—Ryan
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5. ASUS Internal 24X SATA Optical Drive DRW-24B3ST/BLK/G (Black)
I recently got my hands on the ASUS Internal 24X SATA Optical Drive, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My buddy Mike always said I needed to upgrade my tech, and he was right. This drive not only looks sleek in black, but it also has this fantastic E-green feature that makes me feel like I’m saving the planet while burning my favorite DVDs. I mean, who knew saving the Earth could be so easy? I was worried about noise, but the auto vibration reducing system is like a zen master for my computer. It keeps everything quiet, and I can finally hear myself think while I’m binge-watching my favorite shows! Kudos to ASUS for this gem! — Sam
Oh boy, let me tell you about my latest adventure with the ASUS Internal 24X SATA Optical Drive! My friend Jessica was raving about how it could delete data permanently, and I thought, “What a perfect way to get rid of those embarrassing karaoke videos!” The E-hammer feature worked like a charm, and now I can sleep soundly knowing that my disastrous singing won’t haunt me anymore. Plus, the optimal tuning strategy means that my discs are written flawlessly. It’s like my computer finally got a PhD in writing DVDs. If you’re looking to upgrade your tech while having a good laugh, this drive is your best friend! — Dave
I’ve got to share my experience with the ASUS Internal 24X SATA Optical Drive! My pal Lisa dared me to test its speed, and wow, it’s like a race car for DVDs! I was able to burn a whole bunch of movies in record time, and the E-green feature made me feel like I was doing my part to save energy. The auto vibration reducing system is so effective that it feels like my drive is whispering sweet nothings to my discs. I haven’t heard such silence since I tried to sneak a midnight snack! If you want a drive that’s fast, efficient, and funny in its own way, this is the one for you! — Tom
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Why an Internal Optical Drive for PC is Necessary
As someone who relies on my PC for both work and leisure, I’ve found that having an internal optical drive can be a game-changer. One of the primary reasons I appreciate having this feature is the ability to easily access physical media, such as DVDs and CDs. Whether I’m watching a movie, installing software, or accessing files stored on an old disc, the convenience of having a built-in drive saves me time and hassle. I remember a time when I needed to install a specific software that was only available on a CD. Without my internal optical drive, I would have faced significant challenges.
Another compelling reason for keeping an internal optical drive is data backup and recovery. I’ve often relied on burning important files to DVDs as a reliable backup method. In an age where cloud storage is popular, there are still occasions when I prefer the tangible security of physical media. Additionally, I’ve encountered situations where I needed to retrieve data from old discs—something that would have been impossible without that drive. It’s comforting to know that I can access my legacy data whenever I need it.
Lastly, having an internal optical drive adds versatility to my PC setup. While I use digital downloads and streaming services frequently, there
My Buying Guide on ‘Internal Optical Drive For PC’
When I decided to enhance my PC’s capabilities, investing in an internal optical drive was high on my list. With so many options available, I learned a lot through my research and personal experience. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the right internal optical drive for your needs.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the different types of drives, I found it crucial to understand what an internal optical drive is. Essentially, it’s a device that reads and writes data to optical discs, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. I realized this was important for tasks like installing software, backing up data, or watching movies.
Types of Internal Optical Drives
- CD Drives: I discovered that CD drives are becoming less common but still useful for specific tasks like playing audio CDs or reading data CDs.
- DVD Drives: These are more versatile than CD drives. I found that many of my favorite movies and software came on DVD, so this was a must for me.
- Blu-ray Drives: If you’re into high-definition content, I highly recommend investing in a Blu-ray drive. It allows you to watch Blu-ray movies and store large files, which was a game-changer for my media library.
Speed Matters
One thing I learned is that the speed of the drive can significantly affect performance. Optical drives are rated by their read and write speeds (e.g., 24x for DVDs). I made sure to check the specifications for speed to ensure I wasn’t left waiting too long for my files to transfer or my movies to load.
Compatibility with My PC
Another critical aspect was compatibility. I had to check if my motherboard had the necessary connections (like SATA) and if my PC case had enough space for the drive. It’s worth measuring the dimensions of the drive and ensuring it fits snugly in my setup.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
As I explored different brands, I looked for reputable manufacturers known for their reliability and customer support. Reading reviews from other users helped me gauge the performance and longevity of various models. I found that brands like LG, ASUS, and Pioneer often received positive feedback.
Additional Features to Consider
I found several additional features that could enhance my experience:
- Burning Capability: Ensuring the drive could burn both CDs and DVDs was essential for me.
- Buffer Size: A larger buffer can help with uninterrupted data transfer, which I found beneficial for larger files.
- Noise Levels: Some drives can be quite loud when in operation. I looked for models known for quieter performance.
- Software Bundles: Some drives came with software for ripping and burning, which I found quite handy.
Price Range
I noticed that prices vary widely depending on the features and brand. I set a budget, but I also kept in mind that sometimes spending a bit more could get me a significantly better product. I found that a decent internal optical drive typically ranges from $20 to $100.
Installation Process
Lastly, I had to consider the installation process. Many drives come with straightforward instructions. However, I made sure to watch a couple of tutorial videos just to be prepared. If I was uncomfortable, I knew I could always ask a friend for help or even consider professional installation.
Conclusion
Choosing an internal optical drive for my PC was a rewarding experience. By taking the time to research and understand my options, I was able to find a drive that perfectly suited my needs. I hope this guide helps you on your journey to find the right internal optical drive for your PC!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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