CR52-M: CDRW ramps up to 32X

Error Correction

Error correction on the drive comes in the form of SuperLink. MSI does not make a big deal about SuperLink, because it is technically just another name for Burn-Proof (licensed from Sanyo). Since we have not experienced a buffer underrun in several years, SuperLink/Burn-Proof (or some other buffer protector like Smart-Burn) have become standard on virtually all new drives. Sanyo’s Burn-Proof seems to have the best cartoons, so we are glad this particular drive uses the technology.

Click to enlarge.

Click to enlarge.

Cartoons aside, there are some error protection features on the drive. MSI uses ABS (Anti-Bumping System) in the CR52-M, which is a little more than glorified rubber stoppers inside the drive mechanism. The whole mechanism is inlaid on a plastic surface, which is fastened to the drive housing. Not only is this supposed to reduce vibrations, but it also dampens noise from the CD heads (MSI calls this SoftBurn). From their website, MSI claims that while writing at 52X, the drive operates at about 43dBA. We removed the drive from the machine and tested the noise level as well. From 12" away on a flat surface using a meter, we determined the level to range between 42dBA and 45dBA.

The unusual “Hyper Guard” feature caught our attention while looking over the sample. On their website, MSI claims: “This safety protection structure can avoid disc break-out when running with a poor quality disc at high speed.” Unfortunately, this must happen enough for MSI to warrant such caution.