Buying a CD/DVD drive

[scratched]

Both of my CD drives have mysteriously died on me within the last week or 2 (They were pretty old...7 years). I'm looking to replace them, but given the troubles I've had in the past with generic brand hardware, I only want to go with brands I've heard of and seem to be reliable/reputable. I've found a couple of drives on newegg that are within my price range ($40ish). I was hoping some of the people here could help me make a choice that won't leave me wanting to throw a computer through a wall sometime in the next 2-5 years.

All of these are from newegg.com, and seem to have about the same specs. I just can't decide what is the best/most reliable:

• LITE-ON
• NEC
• Asus
• Sony
• LG

[Agent]

NEC imo

[GFiSH]

I'd go for the NEC also. My Dad has one in his PC and I'm recommending them to anyone who asks. I've got an old Sony one which I'm gonna replace with a NEC soon.

[joeka]

Yep, I'd go for the NEC also. I am using one at the moment - its a good drive...

I know its not on your list, but I've also had a few Pioneer's in my time and find them pretty good too.

[NightshadowUK]

NEC here too, cheap and awesome.

[Butcher]

I have an NEC, it's nice.

[Clunk]

another for the NEC, mine is the 4550. good points are; burns pretty much anything, nice silver finish, reliable. bad points; doesnt like fingerprints on DVD-R, doesnt like even mild marks on CDR, its very loud when reading/ripping.

[gman1981]

Just putting my 2 cents in, but i just bought a Pioneer DVR-111D 16x it is great I have had a few Pioneer's in my time and never had a problem with them. Also my last one was an NEC again which never caused me a problem.

[k0nigen]

NEC has done me very proud

[johnny02004976]

Just putting my 2 cents in, but i just bought a Pioneer DVR-111D 16x it is great I have had a few Pioneer's in my time and never had a problem with them. Also my last one was an NEC again which never caused me a problem.

i just bought the Pioneer DVR-111D too, its a fabulous drive, i putting them in all the current upgrades im doing. However, the NEC to is a well worth it investment, ive got one in my spare rig and its never let me down, very dependable