Pioneer DVR-118LBK DVD/CD-Writer DVD Multi-Recorder, DVD+R DL, DVD+ReWritable, CD ReWritable, Label

I just built a new OEM PC that everything is SATA 2, and SATA 3 on, and I felt uncomfortable with everything in the machine being SATA so I opted for this PATA/IDE/ATA 100 Pioneer OEM optical drive and it's working just fine! I booted the PC from it initially, to install Windows 7, preceded by an install of OEM Windows XP Pro for qualification of the Win 7 build, so if there was anything going to go wrong with the drive it would have happened straight away, but it worked aok fine and I had no problems installing the OS, and all programs and software with this drive.

I am partial to Pioneer drives, and that's because I still have a Pioneer DVR-110 in one of my OEM PC's, and another PowerMac G5 Dual Core (PCI-Express M9591LL/A) 2.3 Ghz PowerMac has a DVR-110, and those are both Region Free firmware-equipped drives that still, to this day, burn and RIP DVD's without mercy! They both function 100%, and I expect that this Pioneer drive will also work great for many years without issues.

As for installing such a drive in an OEM PC build, PC motherboards still have an ATA bus, and that's all you have to connect up: that is an ATA/100 cable, and you are good to go with the standard Molex power connector in place--I mean this is plug and play, no driver necessary to make it work. With RIP-Lock in force you won't be RIPping any DVD's in record time like you can with a DVR-110 (Region Free firmware) using this optical drive, but you can count on Pioneer's standard-issue drive motor mechanism working fine up to let's say 25X speeds, not 40X like in the DVR-110's, but plenty adequate for most uses.

For a mere $25.99 or so you can count on this being a bargain you can afford, too...I mean how cheap does it have to be? Isn't $25 cheap enough? I highly recommend this Pioneer optical drive for any PC or Mac use that you can think of--if you want the good Pioneer quality and reliability that we all know is legendary in drives like this.

Wavey Davey August 23, 2010

I bought this as a secondary drive for my Mac Pro. All I had to do was change the connector in the back to select, remove the bezel, screw it in, and hook up the cables. My mac recognized it immediately and I was burning discs in under 15 minutes. I didn't have a bad packaging job like the other reviewer had. It was packed really well. Keep in mind when ordering this you are only getting the dvr drive and install instructions. No mounting screws or cables so have those handy if needed . It is a great deal for $25.99 and free shipping. I would definitely buy another one!

Buy Pioneer DVR-118LBK DVD/CD-Writer DVD Multi-Recorder, DVD+R DL, DVD+ReWritable, CD ReWritable, Label Now

Pioneer drives always seem to work flawlessly in Macs, so that's what I stick with. This particular one that I purchased most recently went into an Apple PowerMac G5 system. As is the norm for Macs, no software was needed and the operating system immediately accepted the drive without issue. Was burning a test disc in the Finder within 5 minutes. Unfortunately, I know this drive will not last more than 4 or 5 years, as that's the most any of them are lasting nowadays. Even Pioneer drives don't last anymore, because they had to cut corners to compete on cost. It's a shame. I would rather pay ~60 bucks for a drive that lasts then ~30 for something that will burn out before the computer does.

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No problem with installation in the iMac, works great. But, the packing from Amazon was very poor, they just threw it in the box with no packing. In fact the box was half opened when it arrived. I was crossing me fingers that it would still work, after seeing the condition of the box. Not a good job, Amazon!!!! I would of given it five stars if the packing was better.

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This drive has been a rock solid investment as I've had it for over a year with no problems. Of course it may die yet but I don't use it heavily so it meets my needs just fine. I have tried hp and Lite-on and will say they are terrible.