Optical drives remain available in select desktop PCs (e.g., Dell XPS, HP Pavilion), gaming rigs, custom-built systems, and business-grade laptops. Manufacturers like ASUS and Lenovo still offer DVD/Blu-ray drives for media professionals, archivists, and users requiring legacy software compatibility. External USB optical drives provide flexibility for modern ultrathin laptops.
Can Mini PCs Handle Video Editing and Graphic Design? A Comprehensive Review
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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 Are Optical Drives Still Included in Some Computers?
Optical drives persist for niche applications: installing legacy software, playing physical media collections, burning archival discs, and complying with industries like law or healthcare. Blu-ray drives also serve 4K video enthusiasts. Despite declining mainstream demand, 18% of desktop PCs sold in 2023 included internal optical drives, per TechMarket Reports.
Healthcare institutions and government agencies frequently mandate optical media for long-term record preservation. The National Archives requires physical backups of critical documents on M-Disc Blu-ray due to its 1,000-year lifespan. Video production studios continue using Blu-ray XL discs for raw 8K footage storage, as a single 128GB disc costs 87% less than equivalent SSD capacity. In developing markets, 32% of software installations still occur via DVD due to bandwidth limitations, according to World Bank connectivity reports.
Which Desktop Models Come with Built-In DVD/CD Drives?
Current models with optical drives include the Dell XPS 8960, HP Pavilion TP01-3000, Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Gen 3, and ASUS ExpertCenter D5. Gaming towers like CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme often include Blu-ray burners for disc-based game installations. Custom builders like Origin PC and Maingear offer optional internal drives.
How to Choose a Laptop with a DVD Drive in 2023?
Seek business-focused laptops like HP ProBook 450 G10 or Lenovo ThinkPad L14. These prioritize serviceability, with modular optical bays. Key specs: slot-load vs. tray-load mechanisms, Blu-ray compatibility (e.g., ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X OLED), and multi-format support (DVD-RAM/BDXL). Expect thicker chassis (18-22mm) compared to ultrabooks.
What Are Common Issues with Modern Optical Drives?
Driver conflicts with Windows 11 (particularly Secure Boot configurations), limited Linux distro support, and firmware update challenges. Noise levels average 28-34dB during spin-up. Compatibility issues arise with 100GB+ BDXL discs. Dust accumulation remains a reliability concern, requiring annual lens cleaning for sustained performance.
Can You Add an External Optical Drive to Any Computer?
Yes. USB 3.0/3.1 external drives like LG BP60NB10 (Blu-ray) or ASUS ZenDrive U9M (DVD) work across Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Verify OS compatibility – macOS requires third-party software like VLC for Blu-ray playback. Data transfer rates cap at 36Mbps for 4K UHD Blu-ray, necessitating USB-C 3.2 Gen2 connections.
External drives require proper power management – bus-powered models struggle with 12cm Blu-ray discs during extended writes. For professional use, consider AC-powered units like the Archival Disc Drive 5000A with error correction. Installation typically involves three steps: 1) Connect via USB 3.0+ port 2) Install manufacturer firmware 3) Configure write speeds in disc authoring software. Always verify regional coding restrictions for commercial movie playback.
| Drive Model | Media Support | Max Speed | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG BP60NB10 | BDXL/4K UHD | 16x DVD | USB-C 3.1 |
| ASUS ZenDrive U9M | DVD-RAM | 8x DVD | USB-A 3.0 |
| Pioneer BDR-212UBK | M-Disc/BDRE | 12x BD | USB-C 3.2 |
Will Optical Drives Become Completely Obsolete Soon?
Market analysts project optical drives in 9-12% of new PCs through 2028, sustained by archival needs and DRM requirements. The 2022 Library of Congress mandate for physical media preservation extends demand. However, SATA optical drive shipments declined 22% YoY in Q1 2023, per IDC data.
“The optical drive’s twilight has been exaggerated. In forensic data recovery and cold storage scenarios, M-Disc Blu-ray offers 1,000-year stability that SSDs can’t match. We’re seeing renewed interest from government contractors and indie filmmakers.” – Dr. Ellen Voss, CTO at StorageTech Insights
Conclusion
While most consumers have migrated to cloud/USB storage, optical drives maintain strategic value in specialized sectors. Manufacturers balance legacy support with modern form factors through modular designs and external peripherals. The technology’s longevity ultimately hinges on archival regulations and physical media’s persistence in entertainment distribution.
FAQs
- Do any Apple computers have optical drives?
- No current Macs include internal drives. The last model was the 2012 MacBook Pro. Use external USB drives like the Apple USB SuperDrive.
- Can optical drives read 4K Blu-ray movies?
- Only drives with Ultra HD Blu-ray certification (e.g., Pioneer BDR-212UBK) support 4K playback, requiring compatible software like CyberLink PowerDVD.
- How long do optical drives typically last?
- Average MTBF is 50,000 hours (5-7 years of moderate use). Laser degradation becomes noticeable after 3,000-5,000 disc reads.