In terms of the way they work, modern DVD drives and even burners aren't really all that different from each other anymore. This is clearly evident in the price, as nowadays you can even get an 8x DVD burner for around $80.

The supported speeds are thoroughly in keeping with the times: the burner can read and write CDs at 52x or a maximum 7.8 MB/s. The combo drive can burn CD-RWs at 24x and read DVDs at 16x DVD speed. The transfer rates and access times we clocked were in the middle range or above in all disciplines.

When writing CDs, the unit uses a buffer underrun system called SuperLink that can access up to 2 MB of buffer memory. It supports 74- and 80-minute CDs as well as 90- and 99-minute discs.

One strength of the drives from MSI is their compact design, and the new one (MSI calls it MiniForm) is small enough to fit easily in any mini PC.

Another intriguing aspect is the use of LiveUpdate3 software. Many users may already be familiar with it from the motherboards from the same manufacturer, on which it handles the BIOS software updates practically automatically. The same is the case with the XA52P, as LiveUpdate3 can also effortlessly install new firmware versions if desired.

MSI warns users on the packaging that the drive is "designed for Intel chipset motherboards" and thus may not work with other chipsets. Unfortunately we have to confirm this: a board with a 655TX chipset from SiS failed to work, as did the Southbridge VT8237 from VIA.