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Today we bring you a review of ASUS's new double layer DVD writer, the DRW-1604P. Based on Pioneer's new 16x DVD±RW, the DW-1604P boasts some of the fastest DVD reading and writing speeds available. The drive is capable of 16x DVD±R and 4x DVD±RW writing speeds and has a maximum DVD read speed of 16x. More importantly, it's one of the first drives to feature 4x DVD+R DL writing speeds. The DRW-1604P also includes features like 32x CD writing speeds, 40x CD read speeds and support for technologies like FlextraLink and FlextraSpeed.

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the DRW-1604P and see how it compares to some of the 16x DVD±RW drives from the competition. Does ASUS's new drive have what it takes? You'll have to read the review to find out.

[url=http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=246]
ASUS DRW-1604P Double Layer 16x DVD±RW[/url]

If you have any comments or questions about this review or the DRW-1604P, please post them in the forum using the link provided below.

This is the same drive HardOCP chose for their latest $1500 System Guide. It's a good read if you haven't checked it out.

Good review! ...not super impressed with the drive though. I'm thinking that BenQ and NEC are still in the lead here.

Hello!

Great review, Ian

I´m impressed about that drive, super writing quality and good speeds.

Ian, will you test in future the drives with Prodisc-media?

Scour wrote:Ian, will you test in future the drives with Prodisc-media?

Yeah, I've gotten a lot of requests for Prodisc. I need to order some more.

I have one on my own, and so far it is the only drive i've seen which has a write quality superior even to latest LG drives (converted to Pioneer A08, 1.14hack)

alexnoe wrote:I have one on my own, and so far it is the only drive i've seen which has a write quality superior even to latest LG drives (converted to Pioneer A08, 1.14hack)

what do you mean "(converted to Pioneer A08, 1.14hack)" ?
LG drive converted to Pioneer ???


i gather from your words that the latest LG drives have very good writing quality. i'm tempted to get one...

The Asus DRW-1604P is a Pioneer A08.

I was thinking about getting this drive. It is a Pioneer 108 which gets great reviews. However, the retail version of the Asus drives appears to be just an OEM Pioneer in a retail Asus box, not a retail Pioneer. I might wait and get the 109 with DVD-R DL. Too many decisions.

Ian, I am a new user here just would like to ask you some questions, how does this drive compare to the NEC 3500A and the pioneer 108? do you think they are about the same?

the Asus and Pioneer are basically the same drive.

dodecahedron wrote:the Asus and Pioneer are basically the same drive.

Yeah, aside from the bezel, the two drives are pretty much the same.

As far as the 3500A goes.. gimme some specifics and I'll try to give you my opinion.

oh also Ian do you know which drives are the first few came out with the 4XDL burning? also do you know when did the first 4XDL come out? just this summer?