Overview
The Dell DW316 is an external slim optical drive designed for computers that require DVD and CD reading or writing without an internal optical drive. It connects through USB 2.0 and uses a tray-loading mechanism for optical media.
Optical Media and Performance
The DW316 supports DVD±RW, DVD±R Double Layer, DVD-RAM, CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM media. It provides read speeds up to 24x for CDs and 8x for DVDs, with DVD and CD writing supported at media-dependent speeds. The drive also supports M-DISC DVD+R SL media.
Connectivity and Power
The drive uses a USB 2.0 host interface with a maximum interface transfer rate of 480 Mbit/s. It is powered through the USB connection and operates from a 5 V supply, eliminating the need for a separate external power adapter.
Compatibility
The DW316 is designed as an external USB optical drive for compatible computers with an available USB port. Dell lists Windows 11 or earlier as the supported operating-system requirement on its current product page.
Key Features
- External slim DVD±RW optical drive
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- DVD-RAM and M-DISC support
- Tray-loading optical media mechanism
- Automatic buffer underrun protection
Applications
The DW316 can be used for installing software from optical media, reading archived CDs and DVDs, creating data or video discs, and accessing optical media on notebooks, desktops, and other compatible computers without an internal optical drive.
DC Supplies Product Note
The DW316 is suited to systems where an external optical drive is required without adding an internal drive. Its slim external form factor and USB-powered operation simplify deployment with compatible computers that provide USB connectivity.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | Dell |
| Part Number / MPN | DW316 |
| Product Type | External DVD±RW / DVD-RAM Drive |
| Drive Type | External |
| Optical Format | DVD±RW |
| Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Media Loading | Tray |
| Maximum CD Read Speed | 24x |
| Maximum CD Write Speed | 24x |
| Maximum CD Rewrite Speed | 24x |
| Maximum DVD Read Speed | 8x |
| Maximum DVD Write Speed | 8x |
| Maximum DVD Rewrite Speed | 8x |
| DVD-RAM Support | Yes |
| M-DISC Support | Yes |
| Buffer | 768 KB |
| Buffer Underrun Protection | Automatic Buffer Under Run Error Protection |
| Host Interface Transfer Rate | Up to 480 Mbit/s |
| Power Consumption | 8 W operational |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 40°C |
| Operating Humidity | 15% to 85% |
| Dimensions | L 5.67 × W 5.41 × H 0.55 inches |
| Weight | 0.44 lbs |
FAQs
What type of drive is the Dell DW316?
The DW316 is an external USB optical drive supporting DVD±RW and DVD-RAM media.
Does the DW316 support M-DISC?
Yes. Dell documentation specifies support for M-DISC DVD+R single-layer media.
Does the DW316 require a separate power adapter?
No. The drive is powered through its USB connection and uses a 5 V supply.
What interface does the DW316 use?
The DW316 uses USB 2.0 for connection to the host computer.
