16x DVD-ROM Drives Roundup

CD Winbench99

Nero CD Speed

Nero DVD Speed

ARTEC DHI-G40

The drive excellently copes with playing of DVD-Video, however it doesn't shine when it reads both usual CD and CD-R/RW discs. No complains about audio track capture. The drive's front panel has buttons for Audio CD playback control.

The drive is rather noisy even at a lowered speed. The noise can be reduced with the external programs, though there are only two speeds available - the maximum one and 4x.

Vibration is noticeable, but the drive reads discs well. RPC-1 support can be provided by changing the firmware version.

ASUS DVD-E616

This drive is an extension of the ASUSTeK line. It excellently reads both CD and DVD, and copes well with audio tracks capture. The front panel comes with buttons for Audio CD playback. A noise level is high but it can be reduced with the help of external programs. The device vibrates a little but it doesn't affect reading. The drive can be turned into the RPC-1 with a loophole left by ASUS.

BTC BDV 316B

In appearance this model is similar to the SONY DDU1621. The front panel comes with buttons for Audio CD playback. It excellently reads both CD and DVD. A noise level is not high, and when reduced with the help of external programs it is almost unnoticed. As this model is shorter than usual it can be installed in those cases where standard drives do not fit. Vibration is not considerable. And the RPC-1 support can be provided by changing the firmware version.

NEC DV-5800A

This is an average drive. It copes quite well with playing DVD-Video discs and reads rather well standard CD-ROM and CD-R/RW discs. No problems appear also when the drive captures audio tracks. Unfortunately, it failed to finish reading of a 780 MBytes disc. Besides, it made quite a lot of noise even at a lower speed while working with CDs. However, noise can be reduced with exterior programs. The drive noticeably vibrates when it works with badly balanced discs, but reading is still successful. The drive can become a pseudo-RPC-1 by changing its firmware version.

LG DRD-8160B

The main thing the drive differs from other models is its light weight and small dimensions. It plays DVD-Video and reads standard CD-ROM and CD-R/RW discs quite well. Operations of audio track capture are flawless. The drive is rather noisy even at a lowered speed. The noise can be reduced with the external programs, though there are not many speeds available. The drive noticeably vibrates when it works with badly balanced discs, but reading is still successful. One small utility can help clear the region counter.

PANASONIC SR-8586B

You should go with this drive if you are going to work only with DVD discs as it doesn't cope with CDs, especially low-quality ones. It doesn't excel in capturing audio tracks, that is why professionals should be careful. A noise level is not low, though it can be reduced with exterior programs. The drive noticeably vibrates when it works with badly balanced discs, but reading is still successful. The drive can become a RPC-1 by changing its firmware version.

PANASONIC SR-8587

Like Model 8586, it doesn't cope well with CD and CD-R discs. But unlike the previous model, it excellently captures audio tracks. A noise level is high even at a low speed though it can be reduced with exterior programs. The drive noticeably vibrates when it works with badly balanced discs, but reading is still successful. The RPC-1 can be provided by changing the firmware version.

PIONEER DVD-116

This drive is a good choice. It reads all types of CD and DVD discs well, excellently captures audio tracks, though it failed to finish reading the 780 MBytes disc. A high noise level can be reduced with some external programs. Unfortunately, a range of speeds is rather scarce. Vibration is noticeable but it doesn't affect disc reading. The RPC-1 support can be provided by changing the firmware version.

PIONEER DVD-500M

Characteristics of this drive are very close to the PIONEER DVD-116, but there are some differences in test results. It plays DVD-Video nicely, reads standard CD-ROM and CD-R/RW discs well and captures audio tracks without problems, but it has weaker capabilities than the PIONEER DVD-116. Unlike the PIONEER DVD-116, the drive copied the 780 MBytes disc successfully. A noise level is not high even at the highest speed. However, you can't reduce its speed. The drive doesn't vibrate much when working with badly balanced discs. And at last, the RPC-1 support can't be currently provided.

SONY DDU1621

This is an attractive drive for a home user. It excellently reads all types of CDs and DVDs. No problems appear also when the drive captures audio tracks. A noise level is low, and the only negative impression is when the spindle starts. As this drive is shorter than usual ones it can be used in system blocks where normal drives do not fit. The drive noticeably vibrates when it works with badly balanced discs, but reading is still successful. It can become a RPC-1 by changing its firmware version.

TOSHIBA SD-M1612

It's not a bad drive. It excellently reads all types of CDs and DVDs. Besides, it is able to read DVD-RAM. No problems appear also when the drive captures audio tracks. Unfortunately, its noise level worsens the impression, but it can be reduced with exterior programs. The device noticeably vibrates when it works with badly balanced discs, but reading is still successful. The drive can't become a RPC-1.