Dual-Layer DVD Burner Roundup
HH Test Bed and Write Performance
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| Hardware
ASUS DRW-1604P Dual Layer DVD+/- R/RW |
Utilities and Media Used For Testing
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DVD+R DL Write Test:
There's a lot of variation in the time it takes for each drive to write several directories full of WinRAR files to a dual-layer disc and a lot of that is attributable to drive specifications. The Plextor drive, for example, writes at a maximum of 6x, which is good enough to tie ASUS' 4x burner for first place. In comparison, Plextor's time at 4x with the previous firmware was roughly 36:00, significantly slower than any other 4x drive.
The Sony drive equipped with the older 4x DL firmware file, manages a second-place finish. Bear in mind that the currently posted firmware only does 2.4x speeds (taking 43:44 per disc), but representatives at Sony are claiming the 4x file will re-emerge on the website mid-February. Lite-On's SOHW-1633S is the only drive still officially rated for 2.4x speeds, resulting in lackluster performance.
Despite its slower DVD-R and dual-layer burn speeds, Sony's DRU-710A flies through the DVD+R tests in under six minutes, followed closely by Lite-On's 16x solution. Plextor's PX-716A, burning at 16x, is also very competitive. The ASUS drive runs at 12x, besting BenQ's offering.
With an impressive 48x CD-writing spec, Plextor easily ducks under the 3:00 minute mark. The next fastest drive, from Lite-On, also burns CDs at 48x, yielding respectable performance as well. All of the other contenders write at either 40x or 32x speeds, ranging all the way up to in excess of 4:00 minutes.
