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From: estock@gandalf.rutgers.edu (Richard G. Estock)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom
Subject: 2X or 4X?  That is the Question!
Message-ID: <Aug.1.15.05.18.1994.12697@gandalf.rutgers.edu>
Date: 1 Aug 94 19:05:18 GMT
Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.
Lines: 32


I wish to purchase a CD-ROM, but am concerned about the
performance of a 4X vs. a 2X.  

- My 2X choice is a Sony 33A (proprietary interface, which 
  I believe is also an 8-bit device).  Approximate cost, $150.

- My 4X choice is a Plextor 4PleX/SCSI interface.  The specs
  for this drive are a 1 Megabyte buffer, 600 KB/sec, 150 ns seek
  with 16-bit Future Domain SCSI card.  Approximate cost, $400.

I have two questions:

a) I am told that because present software really can't take 
   advantage of the 4X throughput, I am better off going with
   a 2X drive for now.  Is the aforementioned statement true?
   If the answer is system dependent, please be advised I run 
   nothing slower that a 486-DX2/66 with a VL-bus and Windows 3.11.

b) If I do choose Plextor, am I better off getting the 16-bit SCSI
   interface or will an 8-bit interface be just as good?

Obviously, I do not wish to spend the extra money for a 4X drive
if I really am not going to see a substantial performance difference.
My principal application for the CD-ROM drive is reference material
lookups, except that if I got the 4X, I would expect it to have
superb audio to go with a multimedia setup that I would soon add.  

Any advice, opinions or comments, preferably sent via e-mail, 
would be appreciated.

Richard Estock   (estock@gandalf.rutgers.edu)