Reliabilty

Originally posted by David Koresh:
<strong>does anyone know if there is a big difference in reliabilty between the neo geo cd unit and the cdz(i have heard the cdz overheats, but havent exp it yet in the short time ive had it) [...] </strong><hr></blockquote>

The CDZ has a different housing design than the standard CD, and a different setup on the pcb which carries the CD stepper motor unit.

The reason why the CDZ is faster than the standard CD is *not* that it would be a double-speed drive, but it has an additional bank of cache RAM and a revised motor mechanism, which results in more bearable load times, but also more heat. Together with the modified housing and inferior ventilation, this is the reason why there are occasional heat problems with the CDZ.

Some tips for a long CDZ-life:

- Avoid placing it on a carpet
- Switch it off and let it cool down for about five mins. for every two hours of playing
- Don't use it as a CD player
- Always use "Exit" in Neo CD games to return to the loading screen, don't just switch it off
- Never open the drive hatch while the unit runs

Still, the standard CD top loader is the most reliable of the three CD models (front loader, standard top loader, CDZ).

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Originally posted by Takumaji:
<strong>

The CDZ has a different housing design than the standard CD, and a different setup on the pcb which carries the CD stepper motor unit.

The reason why the CDZ is faster than the standard CD is *not* that it would be a double-speed drive, but it has an additional bank of cache RAM and a revised motor mechanism, which results in more bearable load times, but also more heat. Together with the modified housing and inferior ventilation, this is the reason why there are occasional heat problems with the CDZ.

Some tips for a long CDZ-life:

- Avoid placing it on a carpet
- Switch it off and let it cool down for about five mins. for every two hours of playing
- Don't use it as a CD player
- Always use "Exit" in Neo CD games to return to the loading screen, don't just switch it off
- Never open the drive hatch while the unit runs

Still, the standard CD top loader is the most reliable of the three CD models (front loader, standard top loader, CDZ).</strong><hr></blockquote>

That is by far the BEST explanation I have ever seen of the reliability of the various Neo CD systems. Thanks much for that Takumaji!! I had a CDZ briefly, and it was a piece of junk; also had a top loading "single speed" Neo CD system, and it was rock solid, but of course SLOW in loading.

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Originally posted by Galford Forever:
<strong>Just wondering, why would unplugging the system prolong its life? I leave my systems plugged in all the time. Maybe I shouldn't? Is it that harmful?</strong><hr></blockquote>

In order to keep the voltage on a certain level, both the power supply and the Neo pcbs contain so-called capacitors. These elements buffer the electricity to keep the circuits ripple/noise free.

While the p/s is plugged in and connected to the console, the capacitors are in a constant process of building up and releasing voltage, which eventually may lead to a early burn-out.

Btw., my Neo CD p/s once blew after lightning struck the house on the other side of our street last summer. Luckily, the console itself was not connected... another reason to keep all the stuff unplugged.

Ah, and Chimp, thanks. The text is part of my CD FAQ update which will be up soon.

[ April 28, 2002: Message edited by: Takumaji ]</p>

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Takumaji said:

- Don't use it as a CD player
- Always use "Exit" in Neo CD games to return to the loading screen, don't just switch it off

Click to expand...