Short Answer: Some desktop computers, gaming PCs, and specialty laptops still include CD drives, though most modern ultrabooks and tablets omit them. Manufacturers like Dell, HP, and ASUS offer select models with built-in optical drives, while external USB CD/DVD drives remain popular for occasional use.
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Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
Why Did CD Drives Become Less Common in Computers?
CD drives declined due to thinner device designs, cloud storage adoption, and streaming dominance. The shift to SSDs reduced internal space, while USB drives and online software distribution rendered optical media obsolete for mainstream users. Apple’s 2012 MacBook Pro removal catalyzed industry-wide phase-out.
Which Computer Models Still Include Built-In CD Drives?
Current models with optical drives include Dell Inspiron 3881 Desktop, HP Pavilion TP01-3000, and ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED. Gaming rigs like CyberPowerPC Gamer Master and Lenovo Legion Tower 7i often retain DVD drives for retro gaming. Specialty laptops like Panasonic Toughbook 55 prioritize legacy ports for industrial use.
| Brand | Model | Drive Type | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell | Inspiron 3881 | DVD-RW | Home/Office |
| Panasonic | Toughbook 55 | Blu-ray | Field Work |
Industrial and enterprise sectors continue driving demand for built-in optical drives. Medical imaging workstations frequently require Blu-ray burners for storing large DICOM files, while government contractors often need DVD-RAM compatibility for legacy data systems. These specialized devices typically combine modern components with 9.5mm slim optical drives to maintain ruggedness without excessive bulk.
How Can You Add a CD Drive to a Modern Computer?
External USB 3.0 CD/DVD drives like ASUS ZenDrive U9M or LG GP65NB60 provide plug-and-play functionality. For desktops, internal drives can be installed via 5.25″ bay or PCIe expansion cards. DIY enthusiasts use M.2 to SATA adapters for slim optical drive integration in compact cases.
Are Gaming PCs More Likely to Include CD Drives?
22% of prebuilt gaming desktops retain DVD drives according to 2023 Steam hardware surveys, primarily for physical game collections and DRM-free installations. Brands like Origin PC and Maingear offer customizable optical bay options. Retro gamers often install Blu-ray combo drives for 4K UHD movie playback compatibility.
The resurgence of physical game collectors has created a niche market for optical drives in gaming PCs. Limited edition game releases often include bonus content on discs, and some DRM-free platforms like GOG still sell boxed versions. Enthusiasts appreciate the 100MB/s read speeds of modern Blu-ray drives for quickly installing large game files from discs. Custom PC builders frequently combine RGB lighting with transparent optical drive bay covers for aesthetic retro-modern builds.
Expert Views
“The optical drive’s persistence in specialty markets proves physical media isn’t dead—it’s just niche. Medical imaging systems and archival workflows still require Blu-ray burners for compliance. We’re seeing a bifurcation: consumer devices abandon drives, while prosumer gear adds UHD Blu-ray support.”
– Tech Hardware Analyst, StorageTrends Quarterly
FAQ
- Can I play DVDs on a drive-less laptop?
- Yes—use an external USB DVD drive (avg. $25-$80) combined with VLC media player. Ensure regional code compatibility matches your discs.
- Do CD drives slow down computers?
- No direct speed impact, but internal drives add 300-500g weight and consume 15-25W power. External models draw power via USB without affecting system performance.
- Are Blu-ray drives backward compatible?
- Most Blu-ray drives read CDs/DVDs, but writing capabilities vary. Check specifications for BD-R, DVD±RW, and CD-RW support before purchase.