Read Tests

In order to test the read speed of the burner, we utilized Nero CD-DVD Drivespeed. First using a commercially pressed Quake 3 CD, and then using a packed 701.50MB CD full of random files and folders (the random CD was burned with the burner earlier, and will be shown in the write test category).

As you can see, on this CD which isn't full (around a 529MB CD), the burner tops out around 44.43, and more importantly averages 33.88.

Next the CD that was overloaded with 701.50MB of files.

Here, the CRW-5232AS was able to reach its rated 52x speed, and then even a little more, probably due to the fact that the CD is slightly overburned. It averaged 39.99, or more or less 40x which is pretty quick.

Although it did reach the 52x speeds that ASUS claimed, I feel I should mention that this speed was only obtained on the outside tracks of the CD, and I think that as far as general usage is concerned, most of the time when using the CD-RW, it will never reach that speed. Another thing to mention, is that in operation this particular unit is loud. I don't have any tools that would allow be to tell you just how loud it is (in dB), but it is louder than my case fans and my cpu fan, and that is saying something. So, this probably isn't for the person who wants a near silent product for an HTPC or a quiet PC.

Write Tests

These tests were done on standard silver 700MB 48x Multispeed Memorex CD-Rs. I didn't have actual 52x CD-R's around, so I used these and forced them to burn in a 52x mode.

I did 3 different write tests. First I did 695MBs of Audio, for an audio CD, then 133 small files taking up 701.5MBs of space, and finally 4 large files taking up 696MBs of space. So in other words, one audio test, and then two types of data file tests.

The results are impressive to say the least. Two and a half minutes to burn a nearly full audio CD isn't bad, and burning 133 small separate files to a CD in 4:10 is also quite quick. Also, noting that burning less files that are bigger is quicker than many small files. When needing to archive something quickly to give to a friend, or finish that vital piece of homework on time, having write speeds like this is invaluable.

CD-RW speeds are rated at 32x. I choose data almost filling the disk weighing in at 696MBs for the CRW-5232AS.

I think the results speak for themselves.

FlextraLink Technology Test

In order to perform the buffer underrun tests, we ran a disk defrag while burning a CD. With 4 files equaling 698MBs of data, it took 4:20 which is almost 2 minutes longer than it would take otherwise, but that was to be expected. The result? A perfectly burned disk with absolutely no issues. It's good to have technologies that work. Simply enough, even while doing taxing things with the computer, even to the hard drive itself, the CRW-5232AS is capable of popping out a CD with no issues.

Conclusion

I am quite pleased to say that with all the CDs I have burned with the drive (for this review and about 15 or so otherwise) not a single one of them was a coaster. However, I didn't have any other CD brands to try, so your mileage may vary. On that note, I think it is safe to say, that no problems should be had with this drive, as Memorex CDs aren't bad, but aren't exactly known for their high quality either.

Aesthetics are opinion based, so I'll leave that up to you the reader as to whether you like that or not, but one thing that cannot be ignored is how loud the drive gets when it spools up. This problem plagues many high speed drives, but it's a shame ASUS did not address it.

Most people are now trying to go the DVD-R route for increased storage, but for those who cannot afford that kind of upgrade, or still have use for a CD-RW, this particular one is only a little under . At that price it makes this drive a steal, and it's easily a good choice if you are in the market for a burner.

Pros:
Fast
Cheap
No Coasters (during testing, your mileage may vary)
Decent software bundle

Cons:
No full version of Nero
Loud

Bottom Line: It gets the job done, and priced to move. Unless you're ready to make the jump to a DVD burner, this CDRW drive would be one of your better options.

If you have any comments, be sure to hit us up in our forums.

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