Verdict: S-ATA, great single-layer writing performance and a good bundle make this a winning package

Samsung makes some of the fastest S-ATA II hard disks around, so we were pleased to see that the company also makes a range of S-ATA optical drives.

The SH-W163 is one of just two DVD writers available with a S-ATA interface that we could find, the other being the Plextor PX-755SA. Samsung claims the SH-W163 can write at the following speeds: DVD-R at 16x, DVD-R9 at 4x, DVD-RW at 6x, DVD+R at 16x, DVD+R9 at 8x, DVD+RW at 8x, CD-R at 48x and CD-RW at 32x. In addition to the S-ATA interface, the SH-W163's average DVD random access time of just 130ms gives it another advantage.

The SH-W163 burned DVD-R and DVD+R discs faster than any other drive on test. It was 90 seconds faster than the Plextor PX-755SA at burning a DVD+R, although it was less impressive when burning dual-layer DVDs. But, given the massive premium of such discs over single-layer DVDs, you're unlikely to be burning many dual-layer DVDs anyway. The SH-W163 was a slow DVD ripper, though, so if ripping is a priority then you'll want the Pioneer DVR-111BK instead.

A copy of Nero Suite is included, which, considering that the drive costs just £29.34 and has a S-ATA interface, makes it a bargain. It may not be the best ripper, but the SH-W163 is the best overall DVD writer in this Labs test.

• Cases - 21st November 2008
• Motherboards - 24th October 2008
• Gaming Headsets - 26th September 2008
• Dream PCs - 24th September 2008
• Headphones - 12th September 2008
• Media PC components - 22nd August 2008
• PSUs - 14th July 2008

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