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CD/DVD Performance Tests -
Plextor PX-504A |
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It's NERO Time! |
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Ahead software, the makers of
Nero Burning ROM, have an excellent selection of free
utilities to test the functions of various types of optical
drives. Each of these small applications perform a
number of specific tasks that shows us what
each drive is capable of. In this next section we ran
several of these tests on the Plextor PX-504A and included
the results of a PlexCombo 320A drive for comparison where
applicable.
Please note that in each test, the
Green line
represents Transfer Rates while the
Yellow Line
represents Rotation Speed.
Nero CD Speed:
The first test
we ran was NERO CD Speed, a utility that focuses on standard
CD-ROM performance. We loaded a 700MB data disk in the
drive and let CD Speed do its thing.
PLEXTOR PX-504A
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PLEXCOMBO
PX-320A
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At the
completion of the test, we found a number of things that
certainly worked in favor of the PX-504A DVD+RW drive.
First, the CPU usage was extremely efficient compared to the
PlexCombo. In the latter portion of the test the
PlexCombo ranged from 75-100% CPU utilization compared to
the PX-504A's 3-6% usage. Furthermore, at the
conclusion of the test, the PX-504A managed to exceed the
40X read speed it was rated for, topping out at 40.96.
Nero DVD
Speed - Movie:
In the next two tests we are
going to focus on the drives DVD performance. Each
drive is configured to perform differently based on whether
a DVD movie or DVD data is inserted in the drive. Our
first test will focus on performance with DVD movie media.
PLEXTOR PX-504A
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PLEXCOMBO
PX-320A
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When it comes to DVD movies, each
drive is actually locked to run at a set speed. Since video
playback remains a relative constant, there is very little
reason for the drive to reach excessive speeds. The PX-504A
is locked to run from 2-5X with a movie disk inserted and the
graph reflects a steady 3X rotation. What was most notable
is how the two drives vary. The PX-504A managed to increase
output while sustaining 3X throughout the test, yet the PlexCombo
actually adjusts its rotation to achieve a sustained, even output.
The sustained rotation of the PX-504A makes for less throttling of
speed which could reduce unwanted noise and vibration during
playback.
Nero DVD
Speed - Data:
In the next test we swapped out the
movie DVD for a DVD data disk containing 4.35GB of MP3s.
PLEXTOR PX-504A
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PLEXCOMBO
PX-320A
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Here we see each drive follow a
similar
trend, although the PX-504A didn't hold up its end of the bargain.
While the drive is rated for 12X DVD read speeds, it topped
out at 7X. This could be a result of the media used and may improve with future firmware updates. The PlexCombo
managed to come in under its 12X peak as well, however, it did come
closer at just under 11X
Nero DAE Test:
Another common test we like to
run is Digital Audio Extraction. If copying Audio CDs
and ripping MP3s is your game, this test will help you
determine what you can expect from the PX-504A. So we
inserted a 46:16 minute audio CD in the drive and selected
all of the files for extraction.
In the end, the PlexCombo easily beat
out the newer PX-504A, but we didn't find this too surprising.
It seems that DVD burners in general are not known for their DAE
capabilities. While this may be true, we don't think that
extracting a 46:16 minute disk in 4:34 minutes is necessarily a
bad thing.
CD-R/DVD+R Write Tests &
Conclusion |