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CD Write Tests
To compare all models in our CD write tests, we
threw a variety of media at each drive to not only determine the lowest write
times, but also rate each drive's media compatibility. The ratings used
are either "HIGH", "AVERAGE" or "POOR". These ratings were based on how
well each drive handled a variety of media and what max speed did it write to
them based on both the drive's and discs supported speeds.
Let's start with CDR media.
|
CDR Media |
|
Max Write Speed |
Write Times |
Media Compatibility |
|
LG GSA-4160B |
40x |
3:13 |
HIGH |
|
Lite-On SOHW-1633s |
48x |
3:02 |
HIGH |
|
NEC ND-3500A |
48x |
2:58 |
AVERAGE |
|
Pioneer DVR-108 |
32x |
3:56 |
HIGH |
So which drive had the fastest write time?
That would go to the NEC ND-3500A, writing 695MB of data in just under 3
minutes. While none of these write times are substantial when compared,
the slowest is the Pioneer due to its write support of only 32x. Again,
the results, when compared, are nothing to brag about and is to simply
determine the fastest drive. As far as media compatibility with CDR
media goes, all handled all discs quite well with the exception of NEC's drive
and is why I consider it only average.
|
CDRW Media |
|
Max Write Speed |
Write Times |
Media Compatibility |
|
LG GSA-4160B |
24x |
5:46 |
POOR |
|
Lite-On SOHW-1633s |
24x |
4:39 |
HIGH |
|
NEC ND-3500A |
24x |
4:27 |
HIGH |
|
Pioneer DVR-108 |
24x |
4:37 |
HIGH |
All of these drives are capable of writing to
CDRW media at 24x, however, the LG-4160B would write only at 16x to both of
the Ultra Speed discs used in testing. These included 24x discs from
Memorex and Ritek. The speediest drive was the NEC ND-3500A.
Overburning & 99min CDR Testing
The final tests in our CD writing section was to
determine which drives support overburning as well as determine each drive's maximum
overburn capabilities. The tests were done using Melody branded 48x
99min discs. Below is a table of the results.
|
Overburning & 99min
Support |
| |
99min
Support |
Max
Overburn |
Write
Speed |
| LG
GSA-4160B |
NO |
94min |
40x |
| Lite-On
SOHW-1633s |
YES |
99min |
48x |
| NEC
ND-3500A |
NO |
90min |
8x |
| Pioneer
DVR-108 |
NO |
92min |
16x |
While all drives do support some overburning,
the only drive capable of writing 99min of data is the Lite-On SOHW-1633s.
It also happens to write the fastest, supporting full 48x writing to this
specialty media. The LG GSA-4160B did support 40x writing to these discs
but its maximum overburn was 94min. The most disappointing
drive in these test was the NEC ND-3500A, only able to write 90min at low 8x
speeds.
Lite-On drives are well known for the high CDR
media compatibility and these results do prove that. It's the only drive
suitable for all your burning needs. For those who do burn a lot of
99min CDRs, these tests will give you a good indication of what to expect and
are possibly a key factor is your decision as to which drive would be best
suited for you.
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