When installing a program from a CD, a faster CD-ROM speed can make the installation much faster. If you plan on installing and running lots of programs from your disc drive, the higher the speed the less time you need to wait during an install. However, if you do not plan on installing many programs from the CD-ROM drive, this may not be an important factor.

Today, the standard CD-ROM recommendation speed would be 24x or higher. However, every CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, and Blu-ray disc drive today meets or exceeds this recommendation.

  • What does the x stand for on 32x?
  • See the CD-ROM buying tips for further thoughts and help on purchasing a CD-ROM drive.
  • CD-ROM help and support.