Is a DVD drive important?

[AtomicSnipe]

I am building my first PC and want to know. Will I need to get an external DVD drive or is it not needed?

Thanks

 

[ahnilated]

You don't want an internal one? There are some games that still come on DVD.

 

[Martell1977]

It depends on whether or not all the software you plan to run can be downloaded. I run older programs that are only on Disc, so I usually have one. However, I have a secondary computer that I only run programs I can download so didn't bother with one.

It really comes down to your needs. It is not required for things like installing Windows, you can use a USB drive to do that.

 

[ss202sl]

You really don't need it. Some games do come on DVD, but many games today are offered on some type of digital download (like Steam or Origin).

 

[captaincharisma]

any game now can be bought and download from a website or a program like steam, drivers are the same way. unless you still make DVD's or put music on a CD then you don't need one

 

[AtomicSnipe]

You don't want an internal one? There are some games that still come on DVD.

Like most cases in 2017, my case doesn't have a drive bay.

 

[USAFRet]

Do you need one? Not really.
Is it handy to have one? Yes.

 

[AtomicSnipe]

It depends on whether or not all the software you plan to run can be downloaded. I run older programs that are only on Disc, so I usually have one. However, I have a secondary computer that I only run programs I can download so didn't bother with one.

It really comes down to your needs. It is not required for things like installing Windows, you can use a USB drive to do that.

Thanks

I guess I don't need it. Plus, anytime I do, I can just get one so its fine.

 

[AtomicSnipe]

You really don't need it. Some games do come on DVD, but many games today are offered on some type of digital download (like Steam or Origin).

Yes true.

Thanks

 

[AtomicSnipe]

any game now can be bought and download from a website or a program like steam, drivers are the same way. unless you still make DVD's or put music on a CD then you don't need one

Yes you're right.

Thanks

 

[USAFRet]

Like most cases in 2017, my case doesn't have a drive bay.

"most cases" would disagree with you.

 

[raisonjohn]

I am building my first PC and want to know. Will I need to get an external DVD drive or is it not needed?

Thanks

It boils down to needs and preferences - not entirely a requirement.

There are some PROs and some CONs in using an internal or external DVD drive for most uses:

PROS of Internal DVD Drive:
- Comes in handy right whenever you need it as it is there, mounted in your case, already
- Does not clutter your desk even if used for a long period of time (such as watching a lot of DVD/movies)
- Keeps things tidy even when not in use

CONS of Internal DVD Drive:
- Uses a storage port (e.g. SATA), thereby lessens your number of HDD and SSD drives in your PC
- May block airflow for front fans or cable routing in certain cases
- May block some top-mounted (or front-mounted) long radiators if you are into liquid cooling
- Uses a 5.25" bay and lessens the number of front bay accessories you may mount (like fan controllers, etc.)

So, the above pros and cons are case-to-case basis and, to some, just miniscule issues. Point is, if you see yourself extensively using the DVD drive, then it is logical to get an internal one. If you will only be using a DVD once in a while (such as when installing a program/game or watching a DVD/CD film once in a blue moon), then get an external one as you'll seldom need it and would be beneficial for the case's airflow and expandability (more SATA ports available).

 

[AtomicSnipe]

Do you need one? Not really.
Is it handy to have one? Yes.

Hahahaha yes.

Soooo the answer is no?

 

[Martell1977]

Thanks

I guess I don't need it. Plus, anytime I do, I can just get one so its fine.

They can be really cheap, I bought one for $19 off Newegg for my Cousin. I seriously doubt they will get any more expensive anytime soon, so waiting until you might one is a good idea.

 

[AtomicSnipe]

I am building my first PC and want to know. Will I need to get an external DVD drive or is it not needed?

Thanks

It boils down to needs and preferences - not entirely a requirement.

There are some PROs and some CONs in using an internal or external DVD drive for most uses:

PROS of Internal DVD Drive:
- Comes in handy right whenever you need it as it is there, mounted in your case, already
- Does not clutter your desk even if used for a long period of time (such as watching a lot of DVD/movies)
- Keeps things tidy even when not in use

CONS of Internal DVD Drive:
- Uses a storage port (e.g. SATA), thereby lessens your number of HDD and SSD drives in your PC
- May block airflow for front fans or cable routing in certain cases
- May block some top-mounted (or front-mounted) long radiators if you are into liquid cooling
- Uses a 5.25" bay and lessens the number of front bay accessories you may mount (like fan controllers, etc.)

So, the above pros and cons are case-to-case basis and, to some, just miniscule issues. Point is, if you see yourself extensively using the DVD drive, then it is logical to get an internal one. If you will only be using a DVD once in a while (such as when installing a program/game or watching a DVD/CD film once in a blue moon), then get an external one as you'll seldom need it and would be beneficial for the case's airflow and expandability (more SATA ports available).

Like most modern cases, I can't have an internal one.

But I guess I won't need a DVD drive.

Thanks

 

[AtomicSnipe]

Thanks

I guess I don't need it. Plus, anytime I do, I can just get one so its fine.

They can be really cheap, I bought one for $19 off Newegg for my Cousin. I seriously doubt they will get any more expensive anytime soon, so waiting until you might one is a good idea.

Yes

 

[AtomicSnipe]

Like most cases in 2017, my case doesn't have a drive bay.

"most cases" would disagree with you.

Well, most famous cases lol.

 

[jsmithepa]

I guess I don't need it. Plus, anytime I do, I can just get one so its fine.

Was going to say that exactly.

This is an ANYTIME purchase, it doesn't do you anything to buy it now or later. In fact as electronics always get cheaper over time, it probably cost less to buy it later.

Don't worry about it, u may decide for something newer and go BR.

 

[AtomicSnipe]

I guess I don't need it. Plus, anytime I do, I can just get one so its fine.

Was going to say that exactly.

This is an ANYTIME purchase, it doesn't do you anything to buy it now or later. In fact as electronics always get cheaper over time, it probably cost less to buy it later.

Don't worry about it, u may decide for something newer and go BR.

Yep, you're right.

Thanks