For an overview on methodology, click here.
CD-ROM Performance Results
CD Read Tests
Low-Level Measurements
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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Ziff-Davis' venerable CD Winbench 99 measures sustained transfer rates and random access times.
When it comes to transfer rates, the AOpen narrowly edges out Plextor's 12/10/32A as the fastest 32X reader with a top speed of 4960 KB/sec (33X). 40X readers from Plextor and Yamaha, however, still outpace the 32X AOpen.
The AOpen also does well in access time tests with a 104 ms average. This slides by Sony's drive, leaving it behind only Teac's screamer.
CD-ROM Winmark 99
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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CD Winbench 99's CD-ROM Winmark test runs through a timed script of routines from a variety of popular software programs. The presented score averages results through four different test discs obtained from Ziff-Davis. This tests each drive's ability to read from a range of discs pressed with identical data.
The CRW1232A averages only 1055 KB/sec in the Winmark test, despite some of the quickest measured access times for a burner. This leaves it battling the Sony for last place in our comparison. In this test, Teac's CD-W512E remains the quickest CD reader among all burners we've tested. A closer look at the AOpen's individual scores shows a 13% deviation among the four test discs, with a high score of 1260 and a low of 969. Scores remain consistent through multiple runs, suggesting the AOpen can be finicky when reading from a variety of pressed discs.
File and Disc Copy
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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Disc Copy |
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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The file copy test emphasizes sequential transfer rates by copying a single 634 MB file. While the CRW1232A slightly trails the other 32X readers in this test, its copy time of 3:23 is not significantly slower.
The disc copy test introduces random accesses through the multiple files and folders on the test CD. Here, the AOpen's copy time of 3:48 bests even the Teac! Only Plextor's PX-1610TA (a 40X reader) is quicker in this test.
Digital Audio Extraction
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DAE Transfer Rate - Average |
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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DAE Transfer Rate - Start |
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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DAE Transfer Rate - End |
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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SR measures DAE through two programs: CDSpeed99 and CDDAE99. CDSpeed99 assesses low-level DAE capabilities, while CDDAE99 is an actual audio ripping program that converts audio tracks on CDs to .wav files on your hard drive.
In CDSpeed99, the AOpen delivers on its promise of 32X max extraction rates. AOpen's drive exhibits a DAE potential of 15X-32X, with an overall average of 24X. Extraction quality rates a perfect 10 and accurate streaming is detected. Only 40X-rated audio extractors from Plextor and Yamaha do better.
CDDAE99 exhibits similar DAE performance. It takes about 2:50 to fully extract the test CD -- an average speed of 23X. Again, there are no extraction errors.
CD-R Media Compatibility and Performance
Duplicates of our pressed test CD assess a drive's ability to read from a variety of CD-R and -RW media.
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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With CD-R discs, the AOpen regresses slightly from its pressed CD performance, dropping from 4960 to 4810 KB/sec. at the outer edge. The drive nonetheless remains well within 32X specifications. Access times improve slightly to 102 ms. There are no issues reading from a variety of brands and speeds of media.
CD-RW Media Compatibility and Performance
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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Windows 98 SE using FAT 32 |
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The CRW1232A continues to read at 32X max speeds with CD-RW media. Only Yamaha's CRW2100E is faster. The AOpen's read speeds remain consistent with various brands of low and high-speed CD-RWs. Access times remain in the same range as pressed CD scores with a 106 ms average
Write/ReWrite Performance Results...
