Finally the first 48x recorders from ASUS and LiteOn hit the market and the first test results conserning the writing speed are out. Both drives start writing from 22.0X and end around 48x with an average of 36X - 38X writing speed...

ASUS CRX-4816A has the highest average recording speed with 38.40X

LiteOn LTR-48125W stay behind with 36.96X

LiteOn LTR-32125W, LTR-40125S users can "overclock" their recorders to the latest LTR-48125W model with a simple firmware upgrade. The exact procedure is posted below for anyone who wish to try it. This can void your warranty so do it at your own risk!

a) Download the VS01 or a newer VS02 firmware
b) Download the mktflash firmware updater
c) Boot in plain DOS and make sure no CD-ROM drives are loaded
d) Type mtkflash "x" w /b vs01.bin

where "x" is a number from 1 to 4:

1: Primary master
2: Primary slave
3: Secondary master
4: Secondary slave

The firmware updater will flash the new firmware to the recorder. It will take sometime to finish, turn power off and after switch power back you have a brand new 48x recorder, with Mt. Rainier supported. Read here our test results: http://www.cdrinfo.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5248

In case you wish to downgrade you drive to its original state, here you can find previous firmware (just replace the vs01.bin with the name of the new firmware).