Introduction

Attention all modders! Are you having a tough time finding an optical drive that matches your non-beige PC casing? Tried your hands at spray painting your own optical drive only to achieve disappointing results? We might have the solution you need. Sounds awfully like those midnight TV ads? Well, you would be forgiven for thinking so.

The product that we’re reviewing today is a speedy CD-Writer from MSI manufactured with the current state-of-the-art 52x32x52x terminology. If you’re thinking this is a re-run, think again. The MSI CD-Writer in focus here is a chameleon version of the CR52-M reviewed back in August 2003. Essentially, its structure is the same as the CR52-M with all the nifty features incorporated such as, ABS (Anti Bumping System), Softburn, HyperGuard, SuperLink and Mount Rainier support (you can check back on the CR52-M review for a quick explanation of the features mentioned). The only distinction between the two MSI drives is the inclusion of the ActivePanel for the CR52.

What colour do you want to change today?

With ActivePanel, MSI has empowered you the option to change the faceplate of your optical drive as and when you please - thus the name chameleon from us. For this purpose, MSI has included three different colored templates with different designs for you to choose from, which should blend well into most colored casings that you own. And unless you’re living in a cave, you’ll undoubtedly notice the increasing trend of do-it-yourself computers and casing modification gaining popularity everywhere. Call it a fashion statement or a rebellious wave, it’s a community that’s growing at an ever increasing pace with no signs of slowing down. And judging from the release of ActivePanel, MSI did their homework and research in this area really well.

Alright, let’s shift our attention back to our lab and get on with the CR52 drive. What we are keen to find out about the CD52 is how it holds up to the rest of similarly classed CD-Writers. After all, there’s simply no point in considering this drive if it can’t deliver in the performance department.