Hey Gang, I own multiple DUO-R machines, as well as a Super CD-ROM + IFU setup. I am considering getting another Super CD-ROM + IFU setup because I rather like the fact that everything is modular. That is, if something is broken, you can simply swap in a new drive/PCE and replace it. This goes double for the IFU base, which also can be swapped in and out (For example, if you mod one for RGB). My big questions is this: Provided that a Super CD-ROM unit is re-capped and re-geared, are there any reliability issues when compared to the CD-ROM unit that comes with a DUO-R? Is it just a matter of fact that they will die sooner? Or do they really last equally long provided the refurbishing takes place? I assume that outside of the gears and caps, the drive quality is equivalent so there are no other parts that are significantly better/worse one needs to worry about? Maybe just the Lens if they use different ones? Any advice from experienced users would be greatly appreciated!
I have a PC engine DUO r for like 4-5 years now, and I can say it has lasted and still kicking a lot of ass. I know for sure when you recap a system, and things of that nature it really makes the system last for so many more years. It also helps that you don't go too overboard with the playing of any system to make em last longer as well =P. Although it is still quite available to find replacement lenses for a pc engine duo systems, but again I have never done the pc engine with a cd rom attachment set up ever, so I can't say. Also make sure you also use a specific type of grease that way the gears are also lubed, so that they don't try and just break down on you as well. I know LukeMorse has done videos on the pc engine before, so he could explain better.
I don't think anyone can say one will last longer than the other. It's a good idea if you have a big collection to have a backup system or two. You can replace the drives on the DUOs and the attachments if needed so I don't really think it matters what you go with. All I know is alot of the original DUO systems need recapping.
I'm not sure what you mean by the DUO is able to load games the Super CD-ROM can't. This is not true. The DUO *is* the Super CDROM in functionality. It's a PCE and Super CDROM in one machine. Anything you can play on the PCE + Super CDROM you can play on the DUO and the other way around too. And what games are you talking about? The Games Express CDROM games maybe? Those can be played on both. Unofficial releases like homebrew? Those can be played on both.
He probably means the briefcase setup which doesn't contain the extra memory unless you use a system card, and to use the system card means you can't use the Game Express boot cards.
