minimum spec for DVD-RW upgrade?

[darkhorse]

Got a 900MHz Celeron system with Windows ME with 128MB RAM (2MB onboard Intel 810 graphics), 20 gig hard drive, currently only has a DVD-ROM drive.

In your opinion(s), would this be good enough for (fairly) trouble-free use of a 16x DVD-RW drive and also Nero software?

(Am planning to upgrade RAM to 256MB at same time).

[CeeBee]

Assuming you shut down all apps that are not critical (including AV scanner, instant messaging, web browser, etc...) it *might* work trouble-free up to 8X. I doubt your HDD can sustain the speed needed for 16X (~20MB/sec). But you can try, Nero has a tool for testing, if it is unable to write at 16X just burn at 8X.. or even 4X (4X DVD media is much cheaper too...). Defragmenting before burning might help too.

[darkhorse]

Though the drive would be a 16x NEC-3520A I expect it would be using the less expensive 8x (or lower) DVD-R media. (Ah yes, Nero has a drive speed tool - forgot about that.)

[Inspiron83]

With a ram upgrade, i don't see much of a problem...although the HDD would limit you'r burning activities a little bit. With 128MB i definetly would say it could cause some troubles but with 256 you are probably safe as long as you don't do a bunch of other stuff while burning. And at 4X, it will be on the safe side :p