Quiet DVD Writer

[t_aitch]

After my NEC DVD writer dying on me for the 3rd time running, im giving up to buy a new one (3520), im unsure what the new one is like but the one i have at the moment is quite quiet (im unsure about the model number, maybe a 3420?)

I like playing dvds straight from the cd, so the noise that the drive makes is a key factor when upgrading.

If anyone could recommend me a new one which is a good all rounder, that would be appreciated

[magicrichard]

LG4163B - nice and quiet for me, with good specs

[paddlegod]

I use the Sony DWD23, dual layer, comes in either black or silver. Fast and quiet especially at low rotational speed (ie playing DVDs)

[Koolpc]

I always go for the NEC make. Nice and quiet.

[autopilot]

I have the new NEC 3540A. Got it as a recommendation on these forums. Just bought a copy of PC format and its thier #1 drive at the mo. They say its the fastest overall on the market. It's only £29 inc vat (and free delivery for Hexus members) for the OEM.

[DavidM]

I like NEC myself as well

[shaithis]

Plextor here.

Have seen 2 of the new NECs in action recently and they were extremly loud in operation.

Had to use Nero to limit the disc read speed as these drives went into HTPCs and when the discs were being read the noise could be heard, even over a £2.5k sound system =/

Not sure if the people saying NECs are quiet are only using them to burn though.

[Dav0s]

NEC 3520a here - it rox

cant vouch for the 3540 but i suppose its just a tad beter than my one.

[BenW]

Asus are meant to have some of the quietest drives.

Theres also a quier one from someone like plextor. No doubt expensive though

[dodgybob]

Same here, got the 3520a. Can't see the 3540a being any louder and it's a very quiet drive playing normal pressed dvds. Does spin up a fair bit louder when playing burned dvds though (well xvid movies anyway, can't vouch for actual burned dvd images). I think it's a function of the firmware, some of the unofficial firmware hacks deliberately removed the relatively slow spin rate for normal dvd movies to allow ripping them more easily.

By the way if you're going the NEC route might as well get the 3540 over the 3520 as it's slightly more up to date and costs about the same.

[autopilot]

The 3540a is not the quietest drive, but it's pretty avarage really. It's quite loud on spin up (when you find put a disk in) but does quieten down when playing DVD's extra. I would probably try and see if could get a quieter drive for a media centre PC but i don't think that noise is a major issue for this drive. It's bloody fast too.