Test Hardware And Configuration
Test System Configuration | |
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CPU | Intel Core i7-2600K (Sandy Bridge), LGA 1155, 3.40-3.80 GHz, 8 MB L3 Cache. O/C at 1.25 V to 4.00 GHz |
CPU Cooler | Thermalright MUX-120 with Zalman ZM-STG1 Paste |
Motherboard | Asus P8P67 Deluxe: BIOS 1502 (03/02/2011), Intel P67 Express, LGA 1155 |
RAM | Kingston KHX1600C9D3K2/8GX: DDR3-1600 CAS 9-9-9-27, 4 GB x 2 (8 GB) |
Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 580: 722 MHz GPU, 1.5 GB GDDR5-4008 |
Hard Drive | Samsung 470 Series MZ5PA256HMDR, 256 GB SSD |
Sound | Integrated HD Audio |
Network | Integrated Gigabit Networking |
Power | Seasonic X760 SS-760KM: 760 W, ATX12V v2.3, EPS12V, 80 PLUS Gold |
Software | |
OS | Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64 |
Graphics | Nvidia GeForce 270.61 WHQL |
Chipset | Intel INF 9.2.0.1019 |
We didn’t need a super-powerful PC to test the capabilities of optical drives, yet we didn’t want to leave any question about our system’s capabilities. We clocked Intel’s Core i7-2600K to 4.00 GHz on Asus’ P8P67 Deluxe, completing the system with Kingston RAM, a GeForce GTX 580 graphics card, and an ultra-fast Samsung flash drive.
The biggest limitation of today’s tests could be the media we're using, since we weren’t able to find any 12x BD-Rs. We were, however, able to import some of Sony’s legendary NN3 discs from Japan (at no small cost, we admit), and the company also sent two more directly. This 6x-rated media is well-known for its 12x overspeed capability.
Verbatim might not be known for 12x overspeed, but its 6x dual-layer media is also some of the best in the industry. We also sourced our 8x dual-layer and 16x single-layer DVD media from Verbatim, and best of all is the knowledge that all of these discs are available in the U.S.
Further details are available on today’s intended media choices by clicking on the below images.
After reexamining our options, Nero DiscSpeed became the obvious choice for all of our testing needs. Best of all, it’s free.
Benchmark Configuration | |
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Speed Tests | Nero DiscSpeed 6.2.3.100 |
Blank Media | Verbatim BD-R DL 6x, DVD-R 16x, DVD+R DL 8x; Sony BD-R NN3 6x |