Plextor PX-755SA 16x SATA DVD Burner Review

     Plextor has been the leader in performance optical drives for so long getting a new model is sort of like being handed the keys to a new Italian sports car.  You know its going to be fast, you just don't know how fast until you take it for a drive.  Today we are looking at the latest SATA DVD burner from Plextor, the PX-755SA.  Boasting some of the fastest speeds ever available, we take it for a test drive right here.

     Like every drive offered in Plextor's Premium Series, the PX-755SA is all about performance.  Even the box showcases the compatibility and speed numbers in eye catching glory.  Oh, and a smaller look at the drive for those that really need to see it before you buy.  The drive comes in classic black but a white bezel is also included for maximum build compatibility as well.

     The back and sides of the package take them selves a bit more seriously.  Everything you need to know about the system requirements and specifications can be found in three different languages.  The package also details the included software package and showcases the Plextor AutoStrategy technology.

     The drive is securely packaged in an oversize box to prevent any shipping or handling mishaps.  Note the extra bezel tucked away in the top.

     The PX-755SA drive is tastefully decorated with the major compatibility and trademark information.  No gaudy lights or fancy shaped doors here.  The front is also devoid of the headphone jack and volume dial often found on optical drives.

The outside of your optical drive isn't that exciting but it is good to note our sample was manufactured in March of 2006.

     Gone are the days of jumpers and rows of plugs.  The SATA interface is simple and clean leaving room for the drive to vent heat out the back.  The benefits of SATA connectivity, include 150 MB/sec bandwidth, elimination of master/slave configuration jumper issues, substantial pin count reduction, and thinner cables to help air-flow and improve cable routing.

     In addition to the white bezel kit, the PX-755SA includes mounting screws, a manual eject tool, a long SATA cable, a SATA power adapter for your 12 V Molex leads, the users manual, and a 16X rated DVD +R disc.

Features:

Supported Media:

     Noticeably absent from the list of supported media is DVD-RAM support found in most Plextor drives.  On March 27, 2006, Plextor announced 5x DVD-RAM support for its PX-750 family of drives so support may be coming yet. Read more here.

Minimum System Requirements:

     The PX-755SA also has a compatibility document you should refer to before purchasing the drive.  You may find other products that may work but Plextor only guarantees full functionality based on this chart.  More about that in a minute.

Specifications:

     The PX-755SA is essentially the same drive as its IDE brother the PX-760A with a couple of notable exceptions.  The 760A supports DVD+/-R at speeds up to 18X, it does not comply to the RoHS standard and of course the interface is IDE.

	Premium Series
	PX-760A	PX-755SA
Internal/External	Internal	Internal
Interface	IDE ATAPI	SATA
Loading Mechanism	Tray	Tray
Buffer size	2 MB	2 MB
	No	Yes
Write Speed
DVD+R / DVD-R	18x / 18x	16x / 16x
DVD+R DL / DVD-R DL	10x / 6x	10x / 6x
DVD+RW / DVD-RW	8x / 6x	8x / 6x
DVD-RAM	-	-
CD-R	48x	48x
CD-RW	24x	24x
Read Speed
DVD-ROM	16x	16x
CD-ROM	48x	48x
Features
Buffer Underrun Proof Technology	Yes	Yes
AUTOSTRATEGY	Yes Advanced	Yes Advanced
Media Quality Check	Yes	Yes
PlexEraser™	Yes	Yes
SecureRecording	Yes	Yes
Silent Mode™	Yes	Yes
SpeedRead	Yes	Yes
GigaRec™	Yes	Yes
VariRec™	Yes	Yes
Q-Check™	Yes	Yes
PowerRec™	Yes	Yes
PlexTools Professional	Yes	Yes
CD+G Read/Write	Yes	Yes
Extra
Extra black bezel included (only retail)	No	No
Extra beige bezel included	Yes	Yes