16x -R - MCC 03RG20

For our first test, we used Verbatim 16x DVD-R media to test the high speed -R write capabilities of each drive.

16x -R - MCC 03RG20 Write

The GSA-4163B takes the lead as it writes a full disc in 316 seconds. Our winner from the last roundup, NEC, comes in at second place with its ND-3540A, writing the disc at 355 seconds. And last place goes to Toshiba's SD-R5372 as it writes a full 16x DVD-R disc in 447 seconds.

16x -R - MCC 03RG20 Read

As far as reading back the created data discs on each drive, BenQ's DW1640 reads back its disc the fastest, in 297 seconds, with the ND-3540A following closely behind at 300 seconds. The rest performed the task at above the 7min mark and the SD-R5372 couldn't even read back its disc.

16x -R - MCC 03RG20

It's not surprising that the SD-R5372 couldn't read its disc. It had 545,904 PI errors spread out across the disc. What is surprising is that the ND-3540A came in at the second fastest when reading back its disc while it had the second highest number of PI errors - 386,858 to be exact.

We have created ZIP files of the screenshots that we have taken of the Nero CD-DVD Speed and PlexTools benchmarks. Feel free to click on the links below to download them.

BenQ DW1640
LG GSA-4163B
NEC ND-3540A
Pioneer DVR-109D
Sony DRU-720A
Toshiba SD-R5372

The Test 16x +R - MCC 004
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  • sprockkets - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - link

    In a way yes, 23#, where are the pics of the drives and the insides if you like that stuff like the last review? Just a media test?

    If you like verbatim that is Mitsubishi Chemicals. An 8x dvd+r disc from Memorex came up as MBIPG101/R04.
  • valnar - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - link

    Compared to the quality reviews CDRInfo.com and CDFreaks.com puts out, this review was next to worthless.
  • vaystrem - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - link

    You're using PlexTools - why no comparison to Plextor DVD burners?
  • semo - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - link

    #17, from what i read, the dw1640 is not yet available in the us (just barely made it to the uk recently). if you really want one you can get the plextor 740. it's a 1640 with a plextor badge (hence the higher price).
  • nserra - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - link

    What no PRINCO media, useless review!
  • yacoub - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - link

    And yeah, FWIW, I only buy Memorex or Sony media, and I usually burn at one or two speed notches below the max listed for the drive.
  • yacoub - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - link

    Welcome to rock-bottom competition where items are cheap and completely worth what you pay for them - ie 'not much'. What a pile of crap.

    Also would have liked acoustic tests of the drives - are any of them louder when reading different media? Some drives can be very loud when reading a DVD-ROM and that's bad if you want to play a movie on your PC.
  • danidentity - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - link

    Is the DW1640 even available for sale yet in the U.S.?
  • xsilver - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - link

    isnt the errors going to be much lower on a new drive but burning at lower speeds -- I dont think buying an old gen drive is a good idea
  • Bozo Galora - Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - link

    I agree - no Tayo Yuden - review is useless.
    I dont need 16X media - I use made in Japan 8X +R Fujifilm TY002 and burn at 16X reliably with Pioneer 108-109 and Plextor 716A.
    8X Fujifilm -R MIJ TYG02 always burns at 12X
    Anyone buying cheap crap Taiwan media deserves what he gets.

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