CDRLabs.com

Today, CDRLabs takes an in depth look at MSI's new 16x DVD±RW, the DR16-B. While affordably priced, this BenQ based drive features some of the fastest DVD reading and writing speeds available. The DR16-B 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 the first drive from MSI to support the DVD+R DL format. The DR16-B also includes features like 40x CD reading and writing speeds, 24x rewriting speeds and support for Seamless Link buffer underrun protection.

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the DR16-B and see how it compares to some of the 16x DVD±RW drives from the competition. Can the DR16-B deliver the features and performance we've come to expect from MSI? You'll have to read the review to find out.

[url=http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=247]
MSI DR16-B Double Layer 16x DVD±RW[/url]

If you have any comments or questions about this review or the MSI DR16-B, please post them in the forum using the link provided below.

i just hope MSI can quickly release new f/w.
benq now is fast

Me too.. they need to get the writing quality up to BenQ's level.

..I'm a little bit lost..I had been reading many good things about the benq 1620 but this re-badged benq 1620 seems to be receiving lukewarm reviews - if they are one and the same drive why is this so?
Is it only because benq have updated their firmware? Is it a case that if the MSI could be/can be flashed with the latest Benq firmware, it would perform like the 1620?

I think it is the firmware. Early BenQ firmwares were also a little "rough" but they quickly got better. It wouldn't be surprised if 1.4 was based on one of these.

MSI would do well to ask for a firmware based off of B7P9

Hello!

Nice review

But I´m not really impresses about the performance and writing quality. The drives from LG, Pioneer and NEC are more to recommend, I think

Scour wrote:Hello!

Nice review

But I´m not really impresses about the performance and writing quality. The drives from LG, Pioneer and NEC are more to recommend, I think

The drive itself is not so much the problem, the problem comes in with the old firmware they are using. If MSI used the newer B7P9 firmware as it's base, the drive would be able to hold it's own against the NEC 3500 with little difficulty I believe.

Yes, the 1.60 FW (same as B7P9) did the trick.

I have a question on MSI firmwares. Is there an easy way to flash a BenQ FW on this MSI drive?

Anyone know if the DR16-B is upgradable to the DR16-B2?

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/ ... hp?UID=609

I'm guessing yes, but I figured I'd ask if anyone has done it.

What is the difference between the two? I guess that the drives are identical, only the B2 comes with the latest firmware capable of 4X DL burning.

erdoke wrote:What is the difference between the two? I guess that the drives are identical, only the B2 comes with the latest firmware capable of 4X DL burning.

That looks like the only difference to me. Probably like the DW1620 and DW1620pro..

Ian wrote:Anyone know if the DR16-B is upgradable to the DR16-B2?

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/ ... hp?UID=609

I'm guessing yes, but I figured I'd ask if anyone has done it.

i have done it! it works