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Sony

Sony DRU842A Internal 20X DVD-ROM Drive - Black

★★★★★4.2 (10 reviews)

Sony DRU842A internal DVD-ROM drive delivers 20X read speeds and broad disc format compatibility for desktop PCs.

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Overview

The Sony DRU842A is an internal 20X DVD-ROM drive built for desktop computers that still use the PATA interface. It reads and writes across a broad spectrum of optical disc formats, including DVD+R Double Layer, DVD-R Dual Layer, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM, making it a versatile choice for data archiving, media playback, and disc burning. The 20X maximum DVD read speed ensures reasonably quick access to disc-based content, whether you are installing software, watching video, or backing up files.

The drive ships with a bundle of Nero software utilities, including Nero Express Essentials for disc burning and Nero Cover Designer Essentials for creating custom disc labels and inserts. Its black front bezel is designed to match standard desktop tower aesthetics. However, prospective buyers should note that the PATA connection limits this drive to older or legacy systems, and Sony's official operating system support covers only Windows 2000 through Vista. Users running newer versions of Windows may need to verify driver compatibility independently before purchasing.

Key Features

Software included: Nero Express Essentials, Nero Vision Essentials SE (Trial version), Nero ShowTime Essentials (trial version), Nero MediaHome Essentials, Nero Cover Designer Essentials, Nero Tool Kit

OS Compatibility: Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP Home Edition SP2 and XP Professional SP2, Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate

Specifications

Brand
Sony
Model
DRU842A
Type
Internal DVD-ROM Drive
Interface
PATA
DVD Read Speed
20X
Color
Black
Supported Formats
DVD+R Double Layer, DVD-R Dual Layer, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, CD
OS Compatibility
Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP (Home/Professional SP2), Windows Vista (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate)
Included Software
Nero Express Essentials, Nero Vision Essentials SE (Trial), Nero ShowTime Essentials (Trial), Nero MediaHome Essentials, Nero Cover Designer Essentials, Nero Tool Kit

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 20X DVD read speed provides fast data access for disc-based media.
  • Supports a wide range of DVD and CD formats including dual-layer and DVD-RAM.
  • Bundled Nero software suite covers burning, playback, and disc design needs.
  • Black bezel blends in with most desktop tower designs.
  • Standard 5.25-inch form factor ensures broad case compatibility.

👎 Cons

  • Uses the legacy PATA interface, which is absent from most modern motherboards.
  • Official OS support is limited to Windows 2000, XP, and Vista with no modern OS certification.
  • Bundled Nero software includes several trial-version-only applications.
  • No SATA option available, limiting future upgrade paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

The DRU842A uses a PATA (Parallel ATA/IDE) interface, so your motherboard needs an available PATA connector to install this drive.
It supports reading and writing DVD+R Double Layer, DVD-R Dual Layer, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, and standard CD formats.
It comes with Nero Express Essentials, Nero Vision Essentials SE (trial), Nero ShowTime Essentials (trial), Nero MediaHome Essentials, Nero Cover Designer Essentials, and Nero Tool Kit.
Sony lists compatibility with Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP, and Windows Vista editions. Compatibility with newer operating systems is not officially supported.
Yes, it is a standard 5.25-inch internal drive that fits in any desktop case with an available 5.25-inch bay.

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