Optorite 16x DVD+/- RW Internal Double Layer Drive (DD1601)

Rating:
Summary: Fast, reliable, no coasters
Review: Although it is a bit more expensive, I prefer this unit over the OEMs and generic DVD+RWs because of the reliability and consistency in operation.

My generic units were inconsistent recording DVD+Rs at 8x, sometimes taking 11 to 14 minutes recording the same full 4.7GB disc and resulting in too many "coasters". This unit takes exactly and consistently 8 minutes for a full disc at 8x recording, using the same media, with no coasters. I use Memorex 8x discs (single layer) for my recording.

The box includes Nero software, an audio cable and mounting screws. The unit comes with replaceable faceplates in black and white colors, the default being black. The Optorite web site (http://www.optorite.com) has instructions on how to change the faceplate.

One tiny note, I had to modify the DMA settings on the BIOS to UDMA2 (instead of the default Auto setting) to correct an issue with DVD playback (it was skipping tracks). I'm not sure if this is an isolated issue specific to my MSI board or if this is a general issue with the DVD unit.

Media types / Max Writing speed:
DVD+R / 16x
DVD+RW / 4x
DVD-R / 8x
DVD-RW / 4x
CD-R / 40x
CD-RW / 24x
DVD+R DL (double layer) / 4x

Remember that the write speed is dependent on the media. If you purchase 4x media, the unit will record at 4x. Although you can manually change the recording speed, results are not reliable when writing at higher speeds than what the media supports.

I use this unit with Windows 2000 Professional, P4 3.4, 1GB RAM.
Windows 95, 98 (except 98SE) and NT are not supported.