Question about optical drives

[Matt23mm]

Whats the price range?
Do I need one if im building a new comp?

 

[b1gapl]

Yes it is required to have an optical drive when building a new comp, because how else are you going to install an operating system. And the price range varies. Like $10-100+.

 

[King X13]

you can install windows 3.1 with like 30 floppys and then you wouldnt need a CD DRIVE...going fancy with the big work optical lol. just thought i would add my smart @$$ comment. but yea you pretty much need one.

 

[Matt23mm]

How does it effect my computer, like if I get a cheap one will it be good enough.

 

[Vybuni]

You can get a good DVD-+RW Drive for about $30.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151136

Or a CD Burner for about $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106997

Or just a CD drive for like nothing if you cannibalize an older computer.

If you really want to get fancy, you could get one of these


A simple CD drive would be all you need for installing an OS (or DVD drive, depending on what media the OS comes on.) There is really no point in getting a cheap, minimal drive because they are so cheap now. ($30 for a DVD burner)