The external Optiarc drive kit was created to provide improved burning performance and disc content longevity which are critical applications when burning important content onto optical discs. The drive can read and write compatible DVDs at blazing fast speeds of up to 24X. The drive had passed stringent testing procedures to ensure better compatibility of different media brands available today. It also incorporates new improved chassis design to tremendously reduce noise and greatly improve writing quality. Plus, the drive housing is fan-less and made from aluminum. By using all aluminum housing, the energy and heat generated from the drive is dissipated throughout the housing, leading to reduced operating temperatures to extend the life of the drive. Because the aluminum housing reduces the temperature of the drive, it doesn't need an external fan, reducing the overall noise of the drive while operational, for a quieter more office friendly product. At 24X speed, air flow can cause bothersome acoustic noise. The drive's unique design regulates the air flows, reduces the amount of noise created, and enhances writing and reading quality. With the included burning software, you can easily burn disc content, while the sample discs can be used to test the drives capabilities or as added media to burn all your important content on too. Whether you are a fortune 500 company or an individual, archiving your critical/important content, (financials, pictures, music, movies, etc.) is serious. The safest and most economical way to backup your digital content is to back it up onto optical discs.