Multiple optical drives

[Air Cooling Fan]

Hi

I play a fair few games on my under construction PC: have a look (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10070)

Many of these, naturally, require the DVD or CD to be in the drive. I am lazy, and would like to set up my machine with sufficient optical drives to be able to play 5 or 6 games at a click.

Whats the best solution? I was considering either multiple SATA or external drives (will need unusually long cables for the former)

But is there such a thing as a multi changer for a PC? I remember these were all the rage when CDs were the chosen format of music.

[Spawn-Inc]

instead of buying and setting up that many dvd drives you can download cd/dvd "images" so you don't need a cd/dvd. just go to any site, here (http://gamecopyworld.com/) is a good one. then download Daemon tools (http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/download.php?mode=ViewCategory&catid=5) and create i think up to 4 virtual drives plus the real ones you have. and just a FYI its perfectly legal to get cd/dvd game disc images. here (http://www.daemon-help.com/index.html) is the manual for daemon tools which should help exlpain it all a bit more.

here is a screen shot of my window explorer. i have 2 real dvd drives plus the two virtual ones. the red icon in the icon tray is the daemon tool.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/230/daemontoolslw3.th.png (http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=daemontoolslw3.png)

[Dilphat]

Yea, I just make an iso of the game. And then just use daemon. I mean I can use up to 4 virtual drives.

[Spawn-Inc]

if you really wanted to have more virtual drives at a time than you can get alcohol 120 (http://www.alcohol-soft.com/) free (trial) or pay how ever much it costs, it says it can handle 31 virtual drives.

[Air Cooling Fan]

That is sweet, I didnt know you can do such a thing. Thanks.

How do I make an iso file of games I already have in CD/DVD form?

[D1337]

alcohol 120 again.
Some games, especially single player (no internet needed games) will reject iso's because they think its an illegal copy, I forget what program was binded to the game to prevent it. Anyways some of the newer games will have higher rev's of the anti-iso program and you wont be able to run them.

I think it would be cool to use a disc changer from a car. of course it would need to be moded if you wanted to use dvd's or blueray.

[Bucko]

Dad has a 50 CD changer for his PC. I'm not sure what model, or where it was from, but he has had it a while. It's a reader only.

[calumc]

i think daemon tools or game jackal pro will play most games but its illegal to patch ones that wont play. it can be done though

[Xtrykr]

Dad has a 50 CD changer for his PC. I'm not sure what model, or where it was from, but he has had it a while. It's a reader only.

Thats pimp

[Air Cooling Fan]

Is there a more reliable alternative too iso format? What about just copying all the files from the disc to a folder?

I have to say the hardware option is still appealing. They're clunky and cumbersome things, but building something like that, would be quite fun potentially.

Besides, my case, being a whole desk, has plenty of space.

Anybody know what the longest available SATA cable would be?

[D1337]

older cd's that arent games may work, but anything new that is popular, expect it not to work.

[FuzzyPlushroom]

I have a 7-disc, 2x, external SCSI changer, but I doubt it'd do you any good.

I'd make ISOs, personally, or (when available) download No-CD cracks. (I assume that's OK to mention, since he's bought the actual game.)

[Spawn-Inc]

i think daemon tools or game jackal pro will play most games but its illegal to patch ones that wont play. it can be done though

what do you mean by that? since when is it illlegal to get a no-cd disc?

[D1337]

Actually to think of it, i think no cd patches are illegal, its just no one does jack about it. Most ToS state you cannot modify the client or data, which is exactly what they do. On the other hand legally made iso's from someone who owns the game is legal as long as it isnt distributed.

[Spawn-Inc]

then just make a backup cd if you've the space. i copied this from the gamecopyworld site.


I M P O R T A N T N O T I C E
GameCopyWorld only supplies Information and Tools necessary to make
a PERSONAL BACKUP of legally owned Game CD/DVD's.
GameCopyWorld in NO WAY links or makes it possible to illegally download or acquire any copyrighted game(s) or Serials/Keys (including CD/DVD & Activation Keys).
GameCopyWorld cannot be held responsible if any of the information and/or files contained on this site are used in the pursuit of illegal activities,
such as copyright infringement or piracy.
Keep the following in mind when making a backup of an Original Game CD/DVD:
You are LEGALLY ALLOWED to make a personal backup of an Original Game CD/DVD as long as you are the owner of the Original Game CD/DVD.
You are NOT ALLOWED to sell, rent or give away any backups of copyrighted Games CD/DVD's, as this is not allowed by Copyright Laws.
You MUST DESTROY any backups when you don't legally own the Original Game CD/DVD anymore (e.g. selling or giving it away)
Before making a backup, check in the supplied manual or on the back of the CD/DVD, if there are special conditions or provisions for making a personal backup.

You are ONLY allowed to ENTER GameCopyWorld if you need information to make a backup of an Original Game CD/DVD of which you are the legal owner. By Clicking the ENTER button you agree with the above Notice!
If you do not agree with the above notice then close your browser now!

[Air Cooling Fan]

Can anybody suggest a good site for no cd cracks?

[Spawn-Inc]

game copy world (http://gamecopyworld.com/) is what i suggested and do. its got no-cd and no-dvd images and trainers if you want to.

[calumc]

id say youre on thin ice here guys

[Spawn-Inc]

id say youre on thin ice here guys

all the stuff i have said, and provided links to is completely legal. the only thing wrong would be if he/she downloaded a no-cd crack and didn't own the game. but if admins want to to stop or remove any of the stuffs i will.

[Air Cooling Fan]

Thanks alot Spawn, I'll take a look.

I'm a he for the record.

And I'm sure no cd cracks are probably illegal, and that I shouldnt be asking about them. But I DO own the games, legally. I think there's nothing wrong with wanting to be able to play them without the disc. If some law says thats wrong, I won't lose any sleep.

Piracy is bad and should be stopped- but I won't allow them to ruin it for me in the meantime.

[Crazy Buddhist]

if the software solutions don't work, here's a home built multi changer for you :up:

http://www.sentex.net/%7Emwandel/tech/changer_overview.jpg (http://www.sentex.net/%7Emwandel/tech/changer.html)

:D :D :D :D :D :D: :D :D :D :D :D :D

I can't believe he did it :banana: :banana:

Or go to ebay and pick up a 200 CD/DVD PowerFile C200 Firewire CD\DVD Jukebox. Makes up to 200 DVD/CD's available to every computer on your network, currently $49, 2 days to go (not too sure how this might be for gaming but boy it looks like fun):

http://i4.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/b1/fc/7ea4_1.JPG (http://cgi.ebay.com/PowerFile-C200-Firewire-CD-DVD-Jukebox_W0QQitemZ170143148080QQihZ007QQcategoryZ16 7QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Or this 20 disc model from Hewlett Packard - Buy it now at $69:

http://i1.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/9f/3a/8f0e_1_b.JPG
(http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-Surestore-20XT-Optical-Disk-Jukebox-Changer-1-3Gb_W0QQitemZ160149558875QQihZ006QQcategoryZ3757QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[Spawn-Inc]

so thats a home made multi cd changer or burner, like these? (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827196057)

[Crazy Buddhist]

Aside from the wooden construction, basically, yes.

PS ...Oh and click on the images ^^^^ to read the story or see the item as per ever when I post.


so thats a home made multi cd changer or burner, like these? (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827196057)