New SATA DVD Burner

**masterPAINb** · 06-05-09, 03:30 PM

Helloes tech people.

I've been having trouble with my H-L Data Storage IDE GWA-4164B DVD/CD burner that came standard with my Dell Dimension 5150. I've tried uninstalling/disabling the device from my computer and reinstalling drivers, to no effect :/. I read around online and found out that many people with similar dimension desktops have been having the same problem - drive cannot recognize some or all CDs or DVDs. From what I understood I believe this has to do with non existing driver and firmware support for this piece of crap.

So I'm looking for an affordable (price around $30) SATA (I do have an empty SATA slot and an available SATA power connector) DVD/CD RW burner, that does not have a history of bad drivers/firmware, supports as many DVD formats as possible and has some sort of warranty and support in case the DVD drive decides to go AWOL. I dont care about extras such as lightscribe or fancy burning software.

So far I have identified the following DVD drive as meeting most of my criteria:
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SH-S20...4229210&sr=1-2

Can I get some recommendations on similar drives:?

:8

**nsRaven** · 06-05-09, 05:17 PM

That HL drive and brand in general is just plagued with problems. In typical Dell fashion, cheaply provided parts get the job done, but only for so long. Same thing happened with my parents' Dell. The drive still reads CDs (most of the time), but no longer recognizes DVDs.

For your drive selection, instead of the Samsung, how about a Sony:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118030

If you want the lightscribe, the 7241 model is just released, or should be by now.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118032

**masterPAINb** · 06-05-09, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by nsRaven

For your drive selection, instead of the Samsung, how about a Sony:

Thanks for the recommendation nsRaven! I prefer Sony over Samsung as well. Is there any specific reason though ?

**Jester(TA)** · 06-05-09, 06:34 PM

I have the samsung sata dvd burner and the samsung sata dvd drive.Love them,never had any problems.

**nsRaven** · 06-05-09, 09:50 PM

Samsungs are usually fine though if you follow various user reviews on the SATA Samsung drives, it seems that the occasional drive will fail in the same way that the HL drive did. Not sure if the model you listed has that issue, but based on user reviews, the slightly newer SATA Samsung models do.