The first test we have is using DVD-Decrypter to copy and decrypt a 7.35GB Dual Layer DVD movie:

DVD Decrypter Time

As you can see, there is next to no difference between either drive in this case, however DVD-Decrypter relies quite heavily on the rest of the system to decrypt the files on the fly, so it’s unlikely to have maxed out either drive’s throughput rate.

Our next test is using Nero Burning ROM to write a full 4.7GB DVD-R disc in each drive. The data is made up of a large ISO file (left in ISO format) as well as MP3s and smaller files such as Microsoft Word documents and JPEG images.

Nero Burning ROM - 4.7GB of Random Data

Here we see a huge difference in burn times, with the IDE drive almost 3 minutes behind the Serial-ATA. I thought these results were odd, but after running 3 tests on each drive, it consistently showed the same results, so there’s no doubt about it. While watching the program write the discs (so very exciting) the IDE drive seemed to go just as fast as the SATA drive in the beginning but slowing down around half way through with the drive’s buffer level fluctuating rapidly. We can only hope some of the other tests can help shed light on this issue.

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