2/23/03 – CD-RW drives are the new floppy drives and are standard on most all desktop PC systems today allowing for custom mix CDs and data storage. Picking the Top CD-RW drive is difficult as their performance levels are very similar and many of the top optical drive manufacturer’s are phasing out CD-RW drives in favor of DVD burners. Here are the Top 5 based on my research and experience.
1. Samsung SM-352 Combo
Samsung’s SM-352 CD-RW Combo drive is a standout in this category because it is a combo drive that also supports DVD playback at 16x. While not as faster as the others on the list, it does support 52x recording, 32x rewriting and 48x playback speeds for CD media and contains a large 8MB buffer. It also makes a great choice for those with SFF systems that lack drive bays.2. ASUS CRW-5232A
ASUS is well known for its motherboards but it also has an extensive line of optical drives and graphics cards. Their CRW-5224A drive is a very fast performing drive supporting 52x recording, 32x rewriting and 52x playback of CD-R media. The drive also features a 2MB buffer. It also features noise-control to try and reduce the noise generated by optical drives during high-speed operation.
3. TDK VeloCD 52x
TDK’s VeloCD line has been one of the top performing CD burner lines for several years and the latest 52x drive is no exception. It supports 52x recording, 24 rewriting and 48x playback with a 2MB buffer. One of its standout features is the software package including NeroExpress and TDK’s Digital MixMaster package.4. Sony CRX230AU
Sony is one of the few manufacturers who also is a major record label, but they still produce CD-RW drives. Their latest is the CRX230AU which supports 52x recording, 32x rewriting and 52x playback speeds and has a 2MB buffer. The software bundle may not be spectacular but it is functional.5. TEAC DW522G
TEAC is a company well known audio company from the days of audio tapes but they have kept with the times and offer CD burners as well. TEAC’s DW552G is their latest drive offering and supports 52x recording, 32x rewriting and 52x playback with a standard 2MB buffer. It also features the Roxio Easy CD Creator software application for recording.