CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive Firmware Update Questions

[verktyg]

I have several Ultra Bay 2000 CD-RW/DVD Combo Drives. They seem to be working OK.

One is a GCC-4240N the other is a GCC-4240N-IMC0.

What benefits would I see if I updated the firmware in these drives?

[GomJabbar]

While I can't speak specifically about those drives, CD-RW/DVD drive firmware updates are usually to enable the drive to be compatible with more types and speeds of disks. Different dyes are used in the manufacture of the disks, and the laser has to adjust itself accordingly.

On the lite-on website, you can download a program called Smartburn. With it, you can see the likely manufacturer of the disk, and the dye used.

[verktyg]

DOH! I never thought of that. Thanks.

I've kept the firmware updated on all of my Plextor CDs and Burners in my desktops.

[verktyg]

Update was pretty painless. I identified the model/make on the drives and D/L the appropriate files. Double clicking the files to build a floppy and then rebooting from the floppy and following the onscreen instructions.

The drive on my X31 was up to date. My T20 drive needed updating. It took about 10 minutes total for each drive.