For our CD transfer rate tests, we used the Nero CD-Speed utility and a set of data and audio CD-R/RW/ROM media. The drive can read CD media at a maximum speed of 32X.

For each CDSpeed graph, you can click on the image to see the complete screenshot, including full measurements.

In the comparison charts, you can also see the results we had from the Pioneer BDR-202 and LG GGW H10N drives.

CD-ROM

US RW

The following CD Speed graph shows the reading performance with US-RW media. Reading reached a maximum of 24x, as per the specifications.

AudioCD

In the CD Speed Advanced DAE quality test, the drive's average speed was 23,17X with a quality score of 100.

90/99 mins Audio disc

90 min Audio

99min Audio

DVD Format

Now let's take a look at how the drive performs with DVD media. This time, a set of SL and DL DVD media were used. The drive is capable of reading at 12X maximum speed for single layer DVD ROM and at 8X for dual layer DVD ROM media.

DVD-ROM SL

DVD-ROM DL

PTP DVD-ROM

The two layers of a PTP DVD-ROM disc are read sequentially with the drive starting reading from the inner part of the disc, which is the beginning of each layer, progressing towards its outer range.

OTP DVD-ROM

The first layer of an OTP dual layer DVD-ROM is read exactly the same way as the first layer of the PTP disc we tested previously. The difference here is the reading strategy of the second layer of the disc. The beginning of the second layer is located in the outer part of the disc, so the drive starts reading from the outer tracks and progresses towards the inner part of the disc.

DVD-R

DVD-RW

DVD+R

DVD+RW

DVD+R DL

DVD-R DL

DVD RAM (5x)

DVD RAM (12x)

Despite the fact that the ASUS BC 1205PT drive does not support the 12X DVD-RAM speed, we gave the specific media (Maxell) a shot by performing a benchmark reading session with the Nero CD-DVD speed utility. The result was a failure. The reading procedure barely achieved 2X reading speed, and finished with the "NO ADDITIONAL SENSE INFORMATION" error message. This is normal behaviour however, since 12X media is not compatible with 5X drives.

DVD Rip

Average Read Rate: 5,283 KB/s (3,8X)

Maximum Read Rate: 7,238 KB/s (5,2X)

BD-ROM (movie)

BD-R (25GB)

BD-RE (25GB)

BD-R DL

The ASUS drive was incapable of even recognising the 50GB capacity, BD-R DL media.

- Summary of reading tests

All of the reading graphs were as smooth as they can possibly get. The drive failed to completely read the 90min and 99min audio CDs though. The 12X DVD RAM media was read at a very low reading speed and eventually failed, while the Dual Layered Blu-ray disc was not recognised.