What are the differences between Lite-On's 'W' CDrw and 'S'?

[Harrier]

Thanks.

[forbjok]

I think the physical drives are exactly the same, but are shipped with different firmware versions.

[TheWizard]

The 'S' uses a different chipset, and in the case of the LTR-48125S, it can be flashed to the LTR-52246S.

[Alejandra]

S - use ST Microelectronics chips

W - use Winbond chips

[Alejandra]

and in the case of the LTR-48125S, it can be flashed to the LTR-52246S.

I doubt about it.

The 48126S can be upgraded to 48166S or 48246S or 52246S.

[BuddhaTB]

The 'S' uses a different chipset, and in the case of the LTR-48125S, it can be flashed to the LTR-52246S.

This is incorrect. ONLY the LTR-48246S can be overclocked to the LTR-52246S. The Lite-On drives using the 6 series chipsets are the only ones that can be flashed to the 52x drive using firmware.

[Alejandra]

This is incorrect. ONLY the LTR-48246S can be overclocked to the LTR-52246S. The Lite-On drives using the 6 series chipsets are the only ones that can be flashed to the 52x drive using firmware.

Tish is also incorrect, because the other 48x drives with the "6" Mediatek chipset can be reflashed also, like the 48126S and the "481648" (TDK), not only the 48246S.

[BuddhaTB]

Tish is also incorrect, because the other 48x drives with the "6" Mediatek chipset can be reflashed also, like the 48126S and the "481648" (TDK), not only the 48246S.

My TDK VeloCD 48x24x48 was based on the Lite-On LTR-48246S. It originally came as 48x16x48, but could be upgraded to 48x24x48 through the use of TDK firmware.

[TheWizard]

and in the case of the LTR-48125S, it can be flashed to the LTR-52246S.

I doubt about it.

The 48126S can be upgraded to 48166S or 48246S or 52246S.

Close enough! I knew one of the Lite-On 48X "S" drives could be overclocked to 52X. I don't own a single Lite-On burner, so all my information is second-hand.

[Harrier]

S - use ST Microelectronics chips

W - use Winbond chips

which is better?

[TheWizard]

I think the "S" model is more versatile in terms of overclocking. Make sure you get the LTR-48126S (note the 6 and S). Although, there is nothing wrong with the "W" model, it's a quality drive.