Poll: Three years after the ‘do you have an Optical drive?’ Thread, what’s changed?

[Meddling-Monk]

Still have two. One in use in the HTPC, and one in the old Windows 98 gaming machine. Because I might need to archive some images to use on the Windows 98 machine, and when you can't do that (or it's too much effort) just use the disc drive then. As for the HTPC, that'll probably be the last one or get used as a backup for the Windows 98 machines drive, as most of the stuff I'd want to backup and archive for use has been done so already (small collection of videos so that the family can enjoy something if the internet for whatever reason goes out, or any of the services we use goes out or breaks down temporarily).

 

[almoststew1990]

Yes, but in a project PC only. But then i started the project PC because I needed a PC with an optical drive....

 

[Columbo]

Nope dont have one and havent for years.
However I might start to buy a load of them on the cheap and stick em in the garage until the point in 2040 when the coolkids start to resurrect the format aka vinyl and tape and I can make a killing off em.

 

[Blackjack Davy]

I have a USB DVD-RW because I still have a collection of CD/DVD's but it doesn't get a lot of use its mainly for ripping as and when. I don't have any internal drive caddys anymore, sacrificed for better airflow.

 

[kute]

Honestly don't think I've had one since the early-mid 2000's. I know my 2011 build didn't have one. Don't think my 2008'ish one did either

 

[Tealc]

I do have an external drive as my Mum still likes her holiday videos that she records put on optical media.

 

[rare]

In a couple of my retro builds I’ve got one, but my main two machines nope - I keep a spare in a draw just incase I need to hook it up but so far I’ve not found a reason…

 

[adidan]

I have four or five drives kicking around but they've been just taking up space on shelves for years.

 

[keyser van someone]

Got a 4K bluray drive and put it in a USB enclosure about a year ago thinking that would be really useful since my new cases don't have an optical bay slot at the front. Haven't touched it since

There might be some obscure TV series I need to convert for Plex purposes but it's not often these past 2 years.

 

[Quartz]

I have a USB drive but it's not been used for many years. None of my PCs have optical drives installed.

 

[cub123]

Yes have 2.
In Retro pc, and in main rig.
Don't hardly ever use them of course.

 

[ChocAndGray]

I've not had one for years. There's not much I can think of where I'd ever need one.

If I ever did I'd just use a usb one rather than internal.

I hate excess cables so I always look for alternatives, no sata ssds etc in my builds either.