When shopping for a CD-RW unit, experts agree that there are two main things to look for: write speed and type of connection.

  • Write speed. The write speed of a CD burner drive is expressed as a multiple of the speed of an ordinary audio CD. Ideally, an 8X drive should be able to copy a 60-minute music CD onto a blank CD-R disc in seven minutes, while a 16X drive should take half that long. 52X is now standard. If you're interested in making data backups to CD-RW discs, pay close attention to the middle spec number -- that's the rewrite speed. Current models top out at 32X, which is as fast as possible with current technology.
  • Type of connection. Remaining CD burners connect with an IDE cable. Most older computers have this type of connection; the cable is an easily recognizable wide ribbon cable. Keep in mind that new computers may not have an IDE connector at all, now that hard drives and modern DVD burners are using an SATA connector. You'll need to check before you buy if you're unsure what type of connectors your computer's motherboard includes.
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