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It seems as though CDRW Drive
technology is evolving as fast, if not faster, than Hard
Disk technology these days. It's amazing to think that
CD Burning speeds are now on par with Read speeds.
However, that's exactly what the Asus CRW5224A is proposing
it brings to the market. With 52X Write, 24X Re-Write
and 52X Read speeds, this drive should by all rights serve
you as not only a speedy CD Burner but also a fast CDROM
reader as well. Asus historically has made a good name
for themselves as a quality motherboard manufacturer
targeting the enthusiast market.
This new Asus 52X CDRW drive is
no exception, boasting what is currently the fastest write
speed in its class. However, will this new Optical
Drive from Asus live up to the quality legacy that Asus has
built in motherboards? We'll provide you the details
on that, in the pages ahead.
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Specifications of the
Asus
CRW5224A |
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Burn as fast as you
can read! |
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Drive Technology:
- Multi-functions: 52X
Write/24X Rewrite/52X Read
- CAV (Constant
angular velocity) Writing Strategy
- FlextraLink?
Buffer Underrun Errors Prevention Technology
- FlextraSpeed?
Optimal Writing Speed Adjustment Technology
- Superior Stability
with DDSS II (2nd Generation Double
Dynamic Suspension System)
- Proprietary AI Auto
Speed Adjustment Technology
- Swift Data
Recording: Burn a Full 650MB CD in less than 2 1/2
Minutes
- High-Speed DAE (Max.
52X) and VCD Data Extraction Supported
- Mt. Rainier
Supported
- Windows XP Logo
Certified
- Plug & Play
Supported
- Supports
Multi-Format and O/S Compatibility
- Vertical and
Horizontal (+5o ~ -5o)
Mounting Available
- Unique Dust-Proof
and Noise-Control Design
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Retail Package Contents:
- ASUS Internal IDE
52X CD-RW Drive
- Cable Set (IDE Cablw
+ Screws + Audio Cable)
- Bundle S/W CD
(Latest CD Burning Software)
- Manual (English +
Traditional Chinese)
- Quick Installation
Guide in 12 Languages
- 1X ASUS 52X Blank
CD-R Disc
- 1X ASUS 24X Blank
CD-RW Disc
- 1X Emergency Eject
Pin and Instruction Slip
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CLICK ANY IMAGE FOR AN
ENLARGED VIEW
The kit we received from Asus,
was a bit more robust than the actual package contents
detail in the specs above. There was actually a
stack of 52X media included in our kit, as well as three
CD-RW discs. Users can only expect 1 of each of
these discs in the retail box. Beyond that, we were
pleasantly surprised to see that Asus includes a full
release copy of Nero Express, for use with the drive.
This is by far our favorite Burning Software to work with.
The drive itself is very well
built. The tray has a solid feel to it, unlike the
somewhat flimsy trays we've grown accustomed to from
Plextor. The LEDs on the front panel of the drive,
are dual color. They glow green during read
operations and yellow/amber during writes. This is a
cosmetic feature mostly but still a nice touch.
Finally, Asus incorporates their trademarked "FlextraLink"
and "FlextraSpeed" technology into this drive.
FlextraLink is their Buffer Underrun technology for
coaster free burning. FlextraSpeed is their write
technology, for fast burn speeds across various types of
media. More on this later but as you will see, this
FlextraSpeed feature was more than just a marketing
gimmick.
Software,
Test Setup and Preliminary Testing
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