Help on figuring out what manf made my Pacific Digital Mach 52x burner?

[Rooster286]

I dropped by OfficeDepot todat to pick up the cheapie verbatim CDR drive, they were out of stock and the manager offered my the Pacific Digital Mach 52 (52x24x52) drive for 29.99 - 20.00 mail in (to get me to 9.99 price like the verbatim). However, I cannot seem to find out what this drive is anywhere

The model on the box reads

Rtl 52x24x52 CDRW IDE Kit
PN: U-30146
Serial Number
*p03251540455*
U-30146-RV1

Any help would be greatly appreciated (this is my first CDR upgrade since my TDK VeloCD 12x) and I lag way behind on current drive ID technology

 

[ScrapSilicon]

serial # 12 digits ..no alphas ..is ..Liteon

 

[Rooster286]

ahh crap, so I take it I didn't get one

how did you determine this (curious)

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: Rooster286
ahh crap, so I take it I didn't get one

how did you determine this (curious)

are you sure about the serial # ..? Look your silver label over very well...and how determine...looking at my LTR 48246S and a LTD-163D ..and just looked at a 48125W as well..

but my LTD-163's ..non D..has the 12 digit stashed up in a BusLink S/N

 

[Rooster286]

I just opened it, and it seems to be a "top-g" drive. Seaching CDRLABS on top-g give awful reviews

Oh well, can't expect much for 9.99 I guess

 

[ScrapSilicon]

yes you can...test it ..only way to determine if its worth a crap or not.. ..if it passes tests..keep it...if not...haul the sucker back..I hauled three 24x10x40s back to OM once before I gave up and waited for 32x to show..

 

[Rooster286]

Do you use specific testing software? or do you just mean a trial by fire?

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: Rooster286
Do you use specific testing software? or do you just mean a trial by fire?

trial by fire..I'll give any drive the benefit of the doubt...try burning some data compilations and make one or two CD backup copies..use known quality media..I'll sacrifice at least 1 TaiyoYuden ..if successful..will try Imation..then..some noname CDRs ...if the drive works happily without activating bufferunderrun protection..I'll declare a winner..if activates protection ..once or twice..I'll try a different speed burn/and/or better media...should also keep TaskManager up in WinXP lit under Performance to watch CPU usage as well ...most good drives won't spike too much..best won't hit much over 3% depending on your system..there are lots of variables..but if can burn 5 good ..should be okay...as always ...YMMV

 

[Rooster286]

thank you for the info Scrap, much to my sadness according to the forum whores over at CDRLABS, my drive (Top-G, AKA BTC) is pretty much garbage, aside from the "mediatek" chipset it has. I'm going to give it it's fair chance though

 

[NokiaDude]

Be careful. I would much rather see you buy a 48x drive anyday. The 52x have been known to blow up discs while burning!! :Q:Q:Q:Q:Q

 

[Rooster286]

I've heard that, i'll give it a shot and if I get less than steller results i'll just set it to 48x or lower all the time

 

[meetamango]

I also went to OfficeMax today and got the PAcific 52x CDRW for $9.99 only have to deal with $20 rebate, they give you the rebate at the counter, would not be surprised if next week OM has this deal becz on the rebate it said starting from 2/16/03 to 03/01/03.

I had a question about this drive from the people who bought it:

1. I installed it and when I press the buttom for the tray to come out it starts coming fast and then it slows down, is this common, I believe the term for this is "flimsy", its like it comes out fast the first half and slows down for the second half , help would be appreciated if this is how it suppose to operate. Other than it burns perfectly, very quiet, took 2min 59sec to burn a 650MB cd

2. How do I know its Lite-On? I saw the post about the numeric serial number, I have a P and then all numeric codes after that, plus it says CDWRITER IDE 5224 in the system properties for the burner, so i guess this is a lite on?


Can someone answer my two questions.

 

[Maelsturm]

i have a Lite-on CDRW and DVD-ROM, they both are recognized as Lite-On by the Bios and have LTR or LTD in their serial number.

 

[Rooster286]

If you have a P, I would bet it's a BTC, like mine.

You'll notice a manufact. name on the bottem right of the top of the drive.

Mine said "Top-Glory" or "Top-G", which is the chinese subsidiary of BTC. Drive got crap reviews from just about everyone, but what can you expect for 9.99? espically 29.99 out the door.