Asus SBC-04DIS-U Slim External Blu Ray Reader
SiSoft Sandra Results
I used the SiSoft Sandra Optical Drives Benchmark to test the SBC-04DIS-U. Testing was completed with a DVD filled up with a 4.5GB text file on a DVD-R.
As expected with the specifications of the SBC-04DIS-U (in red), the drive index and access times weren’t very impressive at all.
Audio CD Burn Test
I burned an audio CD by Bloc Party (Intimacy). Weighing in at a fairly average 48:07 minutes and 482MB, it’s a fair test. I used a Lite-On SATA DVDRW (model LH-20A1S) as a comparison.
Again as predicted, the burning speed of the Asus was a little slow. Whilst this was a little disappointing, I do not see it as a huge issue, considering the purpose of the drive. It is worth considering though if you are interested in the drive as a multi-purpose tool.
Noise
During Blu Ray playback the drive is a little on the loud side. Whilst I do not have professional sound equipment, it was worth noting that the sound of the drive rose well above my PC, which isn’t exactly the quietest system in the world.
Having said that, with the surround sound on full pelt and things exploding around me, I didn’t notice. This may cause you an issue if you are listening in a quiet area and is certainly louder than a stand-alone unit.
