In House Review - Plextor PX-755UF 16x FireWire/USB DVD±RW

[Ian]

Today we bring you a review of Plextor's external 16x DVD±RW drive, the PX-755UF. Based on the PX-755A, the PX-755UF is capable of 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 10x DVD+R DL and 6x DVD-R DL writing speeds and a maximum DVD read speed of 16x. The drive also features many of the technologies we've come to expect from Plextor as well as more advanced ones like GigaRec, AUTOSTRATEGY and the Q-Check testing system.

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the PX-740UF and see how it compares to some of the 16x DVD±RW drives from the competition. Does Plextor's external writer have what it takes? You'll have to read the review to find out.

[url=http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=298]
Plextor PX-755UF 16x FireWire/USB 2.0 DVD±RW[/url]

If you have any comments or questions about this review or the Plextor PX-755UF, please post them in the forum by clicking the link below.

[DrageMester]

Thanks for the review, Ian.

Does the fan on this drive run all the time? Or only when the drive is in use or hot? Is the fan noisy in your opinion - i.e. would it be annoying to have it running while not in use?

[Gen-An]

Is this Plextor's last hurrah? And for some reason this drive isn't available in Plextor's home country of Japan. I'm somewhat tempted but I have enough 755 drives (three to be exact, don't ask)

[Ian]

Does the fan on this drive run all the time? Or only when the drive is in use or hot? Is the fan noisy in your opinion - i.e. would it be annoying to have it running while not in use?

I'd have to check when I'm back from vacation but if I remember right, its on all the time. I really didn't notice any noise.. but then again, my office is pretty loud as it is.

I'm not sure why Plextor Amerca is pushing the 755UF. Extra stock? It looks like Europe had the drive one time as well as I can find pictures of it in the box but its no longer on their website.

[Justin42]

Good review. I just picked up one of these to have a spare Plextor. (I already have a 760, living in my poor, defunct 716UF's case, which isn't working too hot. [RIP 716. ]).. I need to hook it up and see if it works better than the 760A->UF mod (which I assume it will since it's built to be external) and then store the 760 somewhere for now.

I'm really bummed Plextor's leaving the DVD market, although I don't feel like the 760 is a better burner than the 716 was (if you got a good one).

[Ian]

Justin, let me know what you think about the drive's DL writing quality. The results with my 755UF weren't as good as the 760 I had tested. In particular, Verbatim's 8x DVD+R DL discs.

[stix]

Thanks for the review Ian. I've been curious about this one. No one seems to know who builds this or the PX-755A for Plextor?

[Ian]

Thanks for the review Ian. I've been curious about this one. No one seems to know who builds this or the PX-755A for Plextor?

I was always under the impression that Plextor was manufacturing them.. or at least some Chinese OEM.

[Wesociety]

Hmm what other ODD manufacturers are there in China?

[Ian]

I think most of the major Taiwanese manufacturers have factories in China.

[steven2874]

Thanks for the review Ian. I am curious as to how this external unit was connected (USB or Firewire or both) and whether there was any significant difference in performance. A TRT (Transfer Rate Test) would have been helpful for both connectors.

[Ian]

Sorry steven, I should have specified that I was using USB 2.0. As soon as I get some time, I'll post a few read/write transfer rate screenshots using FireWire.

[steven2874]

Thanks Ian, I'd appreciate that.
Steve

[Ian]

Sorry about the delay. Things have been crazy around my house since I got back from vacation. Anyway, I ran a few quick tests. The first is using the FireWire port on my ASUS K8V SE Deluxe motherboard (VIA chipset). As you can see, the PX-755UF tops out at a little more than 14x before it goes nuts and drops down to 5x. The second is using the FireWire port on my main gaming rig (ASUS motherboard with nForce 570 chipset.. forget the model). It does better, but still doesn't reach 16x.

[Ian]

I forgot to run a read test on the ASUS K8V SE Deluxe, but here's one from the other motherboard. I'll try to get on one the K8V tomorrow and see if I can dig up my old FireWire PCI card.

[steven2874]

Thanks for the posts Ian.

[Ian]

Here it is reading on the ASUS K8V SE Deluxe.

[steven2874]

Very good results for both USB 2.0 and 1394. Now I'm wondering what the chip is in this enclosure. Could you check in Device Manager, Ian, if you still have the unit availlable?
I'm very tempted to pick up one of these. Like I need another burner...

[Ian]

Sure, I can check. Any idea where to look in Device Manager?

[steven2874]

Here's where to look.

[larry.19c]

Hi Folkks,
the review here rates this one at 10.9.7.( avg:8) which
sounds good to me, BUT . . .

Where do I get one ? (NOW!)

plus . . .
Any recommendations for an external enclosure ?
I want to get the new PX-810SA.
I have a SIIG expresscard with one port taken by a Seagate 400gigger.
The port connector is an eSATA (L-connector) and cable is from Cyberguys.
So, given the above...
Can I get an external enclosure and connect the 810SA to the SIIG card ?
No competent answer from techies at Plextor.

[Ian]

That's a good question about the 810SA. I don't know of anyone that is using eSATA with an optical drive yet.

[SithTracy]

Probably would be worth while to see if anyone has had luck with the Pioneer DVR-212 on eSATA since it is likely that is what the Plextor PX-810SA is under the hood.