In House Review - MSI DR8-A 8x DVD±RW

[Ian]

Yup, its that time again. Time for another review! Today, CDRLabs takes a look at MSI's new 8x DVD±RW, the DR8-A. Based on the OptoRite DD0401, this affordably priced drive features some of the fastest reading and writing speeds available. The DR8-A is capable of 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD-R/DVD+R and 2x DVD-RW writing speeds and has a maximum DVD read speed of 12x. Of course, fast DVD writing speeds aren't the only thing MSI's new drive offers. The DR8-A also has features like 40x CD reading and writing speeds as well as support for technologies like BURN-Proof and HD-Burn. With HD-Burn, you can fit 1.4GB of data onto a standard 80 minute CD-R disc!

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the DR8-A and see how it compares to some of the DVD±RW drives from the competition. Does the DR8-A have what it takes? You'll have to read the review to find out.

[url=http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=224]
MSI DR8-A 8x DVD±RW[/url]

If you have any comments or questions about this review or the MSI DR8-A, please post them in the forum using the link provided below.

[Ian]

And yes, I'm well aware that the 140D firmware showed up on MSI's website last night. Unfortunately, deadlines were drawing near and rerunning all of the tests with the new firmware wasn't an option. Instead, I'll probably add some 8x DVD-R and 4x DVD-RW writing tests later this week.

[kgatwork]

And yes, I'm well aware that the 140D firmware showed up on MSI's website last night. Unfortunately, deadlines were drawing near and rerunning all of the tests with the new firmware wasn't an option. Instead, I'll probably add some 8x DVD-R and 4x DVD-RW writing tests later this week.

Is this 140D FW compatible with the DD0401? If so, is HDBurn retained? Optorite and Accesstek don't show this new FW yet. Any comments?

[Ian]

I talked to OptoRite the other day and their firmware should be released within the next week or two.

As far as the MSI firmware being compatible with the OptoRite, I'm not really sure.

[kgatwork]

I talked to OptoRite the other day and their firmware should be released within the next week or two.

As far as the MSI firmware being compatible with the OptoRite, I'm not really sure.

Thanks,

I already have the MSI FW 130d on my I/O magic DD0401, I was just wondering if the 140D would load just the same as the 130D. I guess I'll play the wait and see if any brave soul is willing to try it and report on it.

[Ian]

The 140D firmware seems a little rough. The drive had a VERY hard time recognizing MCC 4x DVD-RW media. You pop in the disc, the drive spins forever and then nothing. Writing to Piodata 8x DVD-R media didn't work as well as I would have liked either. The first disc I tried, it took almost 10 minutes to write our test data. The second time the drive locked up. Yay... I might not be updating the review as soon as I thought.

[tknaps]

I'm just curious - what's the difference between the DR8-A and the DR8-A2?

I couldn't find anything about it on the web.

[Ian]

I'm just curious - what's the difference between the DR8-A and the DR8-A2?

I couldn't find anything about it on the web.

They're essentially the same thing. They use the same hardware, the only differences being:

1. Different ID string
2. DR8-A2 ships with support for 8x DVD-R and 4x DVD-RW writing speeds

With the latest firmware, the DR8-A has the same specs as the DR8-A2.

[tknaps]

Thanks a lot for the quick reply Ian. Might as well save 10 bucks and get the DR8-A then (unless there are any hidden drawbacks to not having an updated ID?)

Thanks again,
--
Tarjei

[Ian]

Thanks a lot for the quick reply Ian. Might as well save 10 bucks and get the DR8-A then (unless there are any hidden drawbacks to not having an updated ID?)

I haven't found any so far.