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December 1996 Reviews This Month
By James E. Powell
NEC maintains its reputation for building reliable, high-peformance CD-ROM readers with its two latest 8X entries. Both internal models, the MultiSpin EIDE 8V (model CDR-1450) and the SCSI MultiSpin 8Xi (model CDR-1460A) boast a 1200KB per second data-transfer rate and 140-millisecond average access time.
The packaging for the 8Xi asserts, "Screaming 8X Speed and Premium Performance," and it's right on target. Tested with NEC's SmartSCSI PCI card (actually an Adaptec AHA-2930), the drive averaged a data-transfer rate of 1250KBps and an average access time of 157ms when reading random bytes across the disk. A 1/3 stroke test, a better and more repeatable measurement of performance, matched the 140ms specification. Most remarkable: Tests using Quarterdeck's CD Certify Pro showed no measurable CPU utilization, a real plus when running applications. Installation in my AST 9310 running Windows 95 was flawless. The 8Xi is an excellent choice when you demand the highest performance, such as speedy response on a network. At $349 (exclusive of SCSI card), it's also a good value.
The 8V is no pushover either. Its average data-transfer rate was slightly slower, 1219KBps, with an average access time of 178ms (random) and 140ms (1/3 stroke) at 6 percent CPU utilization using the built-in IDE controller on the AST's motherboard. When I used the Future Domain EIDE ISA controller card (included in the box), CPU utilization rose to 31 percent (still respectable), the data-transfer rate moved up slightly to 1223KBps and average access times remained steady. Installation was more troublesome, despite excellent user documentation. Windows 95 wouldn't recognize the drive in my AST system, and I was forced to use the Windows 3.1 installation disk and MSCDEX. Even then, the Add New Hardware Wizard refused to install native drivers. Once installed, however, the drive performed well, and for $149, it's a very good value.
Each drive has a 256KB memory buffer and handles a variety of CD standards, from XA and CD-i to single and multisession Photo CDs. On the front of the caddyless drives you'll find an eject button, the volume control and a jack for stereo headphones. A busy light indicates disc activity. The 8Xi also includes a stop and a play/fast-forward button.
If it's time to retire your older, slower CD-ROM, you'll be pleased with either of these NEC MultiSpin models.
-- Info File --
NEC MultiSpin 8Xi
Price: $349
Pros: Performance; minimal CPU utilization; installation
Cons: None
Platforms: 3X, 95, NT
NEC Technologies
800-NEC-INFO, 630-775-7900
WinMag Box Score: 5
-- Info File --
NEC MultiSpin 8V
Price: $149
Pros: Performance
Cons: No play/stop buttons on front panel; installation
Platforms: 3X, 95, NT
NEC Technologies
800-NEC-INFO, 630-775-7900
WinMag Box Score: 4.5
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