Write/ReWrite Tests
CD-R Based Duplication
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Adaptec's CD Copier utility measures how long each drive takes to duplicate our audio and data test discs when burning at maximum speeds. All drives run as the "source" and "destination," creating results for "imaging" as well as "writing." The presented score is a sum of the operations. Individual "image" and "write" results may be viewed in our database.
With the audio CD, the AOpen is the quickest 12X writer of the bunch, duplicating the CD-DA in 12:38. Its burn time of 6:28 betters the next 12X drive by 10 seconds.
The data disc returns similar results. The CRW1232A's 9:43 duplication time bests other 12X writers by at least 3% and its burn time of 6:36 pulls ahead of the Teac again. The AOpen is the fastest 12X writer we've tested.
CD-RW Based Duplication
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Copying the pressed data disc to a CD-RW blank assesses the drive's RW performance.
Since all current burners rewrite at 10X or less, the AOpen competes on a level playing field with all drives in our comparison. Therefore, it's no surprise that the CRW1232A continues its speedy performance, completing the burn portion of our test in 7:52. This makes it the swiftest rewriter yet tested. However, due to its 40X read speeds, the Plextor images the test disc more quickly, surpassing the AOpen in total duplication time by 4%.
CD-R Based Stress Tests
Issues arise with East CD Creator 4.03b when testing JustLink, the AOpen's buffer underrun prevention technology. When set to 4X or slower, CD Creator burns complete without issue, regardless of system load. However, during stress tests, 8X or higher speeds cause Easy CD to lock up mid-burn (this is different from a buffer underrun). Word has it that support for JustLink is not as widespread as support for BURN-Proof, so we tried the same tests with two other burning software packages. The drive's JustLink tech works as expected when burning with Nero Burning ROM 5.x (which comes with the AOpen) and NTI CD-Maker 2000. Burns complete successfully even when system loads fully deplete the drive's buffer.
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DirectCD Formatting
Formats are timed through Adaptec's DirectCD program. Once again, the AOpen performs admirably, completing a full format in 12:32. Quick formats finish in less than 22 seconds.
DirectCD Packet-Writing Performance
Copying a 195 MB folder from the hard drive to a freshly formatted CD-RW disc via Windows Explorer tests each drive's packet-writing abilities.
The CRW1232A completes the copy in 2:46, moving past the Teac by 6%. Those doing a lot of packet-writing should seriously consider the AOpen.
DirectCD CD-RW Erasing
In DirectCD, AOpen's drive clears a CD-RW disc in 32 seconds, edging out competition from Yamaha, Plextor and Sony.
Conclusion...
