Features

The ASUS CRW-3212A is a CD-RW drive with 32X-write, 12X-rewrite, and 40X-read capabilities. The drive complies with the AT Attachment Packet Interface (ATAPI) specification and comes equipped with the latest innovative technologies in CD recording.

Highlighting the major characteristic of ASUS CD-RW drives, the CRW-3212A strategically identifies the media quality at the beginning of the recording so that it can apply the appropriate writing speeds and ensure effective data storage. Thanks to the FlextraSpeed™ and FlextraLink™ technologies developed by ASUS.

FlextraSpeed™ increases accuracy and reliability when rewriting across a broad base of certified media, while FlextraLink™ prevents buffer underrrun problems to eliminate the creation of unusable discs. The following sub-sections describe these technologies in detail.

FlextraSpeed™ Technology

The ASUS FlextraSpeed™ technology provides the optimum solution to ensure quality recording when using discs that require flexible speeds. The CRW-3212A drive employs this technology that allows automatic recording speed adjustment based on the recording media.

In addition to the fact that there are low and high quality recording media, various other factors such as dye layer, temperature, humidity, dust, fingerprints, etc., affect the recording characteristics of CD-R and CD-RW discs. Due to these factors, some discs may not be able to stand the high- speed capabilities of the latest CD-RW drives. The FlextraSpeed™ technology solves this problem by automatic assessment of the disc quality and recording capability. The recording speed is based on these factors. If you use a high quality recording disc, you can maximize the recording capability of the drive and get the best quality output. If you use a low quality disc, the drive speed adjusts to the level that is most appropriate for the disc, still optimizing the disc recording capability.

The FlextraSpeed™ technology also helps maintain the CD-RW drive because of the controlled motor rotation speeds and reduced noise caused by spindle air, thus prolonging the drive motor’s life and ensuring high-quality recording.

10

ASUS CRW-3212A User’s Manual

Page 2
Image 2
Asus CRW-3212A specifications Features, FlextraSpeed Technology

CRW-3212A specifications

The Asus CRW-3212A is an internal CD-RW (Compact Disc-ReWritable) drive that entered the market during the early 2000s, addressing the growing need for optical storage solutions. Known for its impressive performance, this drive became an essential component for users looking to write and duplicate CDs efficiently.

One of the standout features of the CRW-3212A is its writing capability. It supports a maximum write speed of 32x for CD-R discs and 12x for CD-RW media. This swift writing capability was particularly appealing for those who frequently burned data, music, and video onto CDs, allowing users to create discs in a matter of minutes. Additionally, the drive offers reliable read speeds of up to 48x, ensuring rapid data access and retrieval.

The drive boasts Buffer Under Run technology, a significant innovation that alleviates the risk of incomplete burns. Buffer Under Run errors occur when the data flow to the drive is interrupted, potentially compromising the quality of a disc. With this technology, the Asus CRW-3212A can temporarily pause the writing process while the buffer is refilled, minimizing the chances of errors and ensuring smooth and successful burn sessions.

Another notable feature includes its compatibility with various CD formats, such as CD-R, CD-RW, and CD-DA. This versatility allows users to not only burn data but also create audio CDs for personal use or distribution. The drive's support for different CD formats makes it an ideal choice for a wide audience, from casual users to professionals in need of reliable media creation tools.

In addition to its performance features, the Asus CRW-3212A was designed with user convenience in mind. It comes equipped with an IDE interface, which makes it easy to install in desktop systems. The drive also includes software support for mastering and burning tasks, further enhancing the user experience.

Overall, the Asus CRW-3212A stands out as a robust optical drive that combines high writing speeds with advanced technologies to provide reliable CD writing and reading capabilities. Its legacy in the optical storage space highlights the importance of versatile and efficient solutions for data storage during a time when CDs were a primary format for data transfer and media consumption.