X-bit labs

ASUS Readies Quiet Optical Drives.

Category: Storage

by Anton Shilov

[ 01/08/2004 | 02:53 PM ]

ASUSTeK Computer, a company better known for its mainboard, graphics cards and notebook products, introduced today its new optical drives. The firm claims that is latest CD-ROM and CD-RW devices are the quietest in the world, as they incorporate specially designed technologies to reduce operating noise.

One of the issues with modern high-speed optical drives, such as CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, CD-RWs and DVD-RWs, is quite high noise level whenever the device attempts to read a disc. Given that more and more people seek for comfort even more than for pure performance, it makes a great sense for hardware makers to build hardware more advanced from visual, ergonomic and acoustic points of view.

Today ASUS unveiled first two SKUs from its promising QuieTrack product line: CD-S520/A4 52x CD-ROM and CRW-5232AS CD-RW. ASUS says their operating noise is 39dB while competing products remain at approximately 50dB.

To fight annoying noises, ASUS implemented special technologies into its existing QuieTrack products:

• Airflow Field Modification (AFFM): Noise and vibration are two major headaches users encounter when using a high-speed drive. AFFM is designed to change the uneven airflow field inside the drive because even pressure distribution leads to quieter and more stable operation.
• Double Dynamic Suspension System II (DDSSII): The technology is designed to minimize vibration caused by spindle motors, components and PC cases. The patented DDSSII stabilize the pick-up head, both horizontally and vertically, achieving more precise tracking while reducing vibration and noise caused by high-revolution motors.
• Smart Speed: This innovation intelligently adjusts reading speeds according to different applications, providing quieter operation when speed demand is low and lengthening the lifecycle of the drive.

The new QuieTrack CD-S520/A4 52x CD-ROM and QuieTrack CRW-5232AS CD-RW are shipping now. Pricing may vary depending on the region.