[ INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT // OPTICAL DRIVES ]
AOpen CD-956E
Internal 56× maximum-speed CD-ROM reader, model AOpen CD-956E. Rated speed is a manufacturer class maximum, not a guaranteed sustained transfer rate. Verify the exact label and revision before acquisition or installation.
IDENTIFICATION: AOpen CD-956E · confirm the complete unit label, suffix/OEM number and revision; this reader-only record does not claim writing capability.
Documented specifications
| Catalog subcategory | CD-ROM readers |
|---|---|
| Exact product identifier | AOpen CD-956E |
| Era / product type | late-1990s internal CD-ROM reader |
| Media / read and write support | CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW read; this 56× drive does not record discs. |
| Rated read speed | 56× maximum CD-ROM read; peak rating, not a guaranteed sustained rate. No recording is supported. |
| Interface / mechanics | Internal 5.25-inch half-height, tray-loading drive; verify physical dimensions and bezel on the installed revision. |
| Host compatibility | IDE/ATAPI PATA host required; set the device-select jumper for its channel. Rated maximum speed is not a guaranteed sustained rate and may vary with disc position. |
| Model distinction | The 56× rating is a peak CD-ROM read rating, not a write speed. |
Media and preservation notes
A CD-ROM reader is not a CD writer. Optical-disc condition, reflectivity, errors, firmware and host software all affect practical readability; a speed label alone cannot establish a successful preservation read.
- Inspect the disc for cracks, delamination or contamination before spinning; handle only by its edge or center hole.
- Record the exact model and firmware, host/controller, software, media type, retries and read/verification errors; retain a checksum-verified image and acquisition log.
- Store source media in protective cases in a clean, cool, dry and dark environment. Preserve an unmodified original and use verified copies for access.
Installation and compatibility checks
- IDE/ATAPI PATA host required; set the device-select jumper for its channel. Rated maximum speed is not a guaranteed sustained rate and may vary with disc position.
- The 56× rating is a peak CD-ROM read rating, not a write speed.
- Compare the drive label and manual revision before applying speed, media or jumper claims; OEM variants may differ even when the front bezel is similar.
Documentation, standards and preservation references
- AOpen CD-956E support downloadsModel-specific page listing the CD-956E manual, drivers and test report.
- Internet Archive — AOpen CD-956E manual searchArchival locator for additional scans; confirm any returned document matches CD-956E.
- Ecma International — ECMA-130 CD-ROM standardCD-ROM physical format reference; it does not certify a drive revision or guarantee every media read.
- NIST — Care and handling of CDs and DVDsOptical-media preservation guidance; not a drive-specific specification.
Model-specific formats and interface notes are based on the references listed above. Match those references to the complete unit label and revision; listed support does not guarantee a successful read from every aged or recordable disc.