DVD Recorder Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Crimson*
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Crimson*

I'm looking into getting a DVD recorder, but have a few questions I can't
find answers to. I've got an Athlon 64 3500+ and I'm using SATA HDs. I'm
looking at 2 drives primarily. A $50 IDE 16x drive w/ a 2MB cache and $66
SATA 12x one w/ an 8MB cache. Will using a PATA vs. a SATA recorder cause
any slowdown as far as HD access? I realize SATA recorders can't really use
the full throughput of SATA controllers, but would it be better to use SATA
for ripping DVDs (to get the data to the HD)? As far as burning, I know the
larger cache helps to prevent buffer underruns, but wouldn't the 2MB be
sufficient? TIA.
 
I'm looking into getting a DVD recorder, but have a few questions I can't
find answers to. I've got an Athlon 64 3500+ and I'm using SATA HDs. I'm
looking at 2 drives primarily. A $50 IDE 16x drive w/ a 2MB cache and $66
SATA 12x one w/ an 8MB cache. Will using a PATA vs. a SATA recorder cause
any slowdown as far as HD access?
Click to expand...

No, except that whichever HDD is being used (if/when) for
the data source, will of course during that period be less
responsive to /other/ activites besides the DVD burning.
I realize SATA recorders can't really use
the full throughput of SATA controllers,
Click to expand...

Nor can they use near the full througput of PATA.
but would it be better to use SATA
for ripping DVDs (to get the data to the HD)?
Click to expand...

Doesn't matter the DVD drive itself is by far the largest
bottleneck presuming a HDD new enough, large enough to hold
a couple DVDs.

As far as burning, I know the
larger cache helps to prevent buffer underruns, but wouldn't the 2MB be
sufficient? TIA.
Click to expand...

yes 2MB is enough, unless you're extensively using the same
source for other purposes during the burn, which is
certainly possible, your individual use of the system should
be considered. "Enough" is relative though, a little extra
margin usually isn't a bad thing.

Personally I'd choose based on the other qualities of the
two respective drives more than SATA vs PATA, providing you
don't have further plans for additional occupants to
either's available ports such that you might run out of
ports. For example, compatibility with a wide range of
media, something that drives like an NEC 3520 do rather
well.
 
For example, compatibility with a wide range of
media, something that drives like an NEC 3520 do rather
well.
Click to expand...

Directron has the 3520A, at $51. Are you recommending I buy it?

My son bought the Sony a while back and has had good luck with it.

Is there a website which reviews DVD burners?


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A liberal is a person who is so open minded
that their brains have fallen out.
 
Directron has the 3520A, at $51. Are you recommending I buy it?

My son bought the Sony a while back and has had good luck with it.

Is there a website which reviews DVD burners?
Click to expand...


AFAIK, the Sonys are still just Liteons with a little extra
cost for the Sony name tacked on. Liteon makes decent
drives but the general concensus is that the NEC is better.

Do I recommend it? I try not to "recommend" parts as anyone
can be unlucky with anything, but in general if I were
buying a drive tomorrow, it'd be the NEC 3520.
 
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