Hi to all. I'm brand new to this forum, so I apologize in advance if I'm asking too basic/stupid questions.
OK, I just purchased brand new Optiarc AD-7170A burner. It works OK, *but*, it cannot read a slightly scratched CDR. My other 3 units including my laptop and the CD Walkman read/play this CDR just perfectly.
Do you you think I should return this Optiarc AD-7170A back to the store as being defective, or this is the normal behavior?

Many thanks for your patience,
sermat.

Welcome to the forum

From my experience of the two NEC/Optiarc drives I've had, it's pretty much normal behaviour. Other models of NEC/Optiarc drives may be more forgiving, though, I don't know.

If it reads all other CD/DVD media OK, just that one disc fails, I'd say the drive is fine and not defective.

Thanks Arachne. The only thing that bugs me a bit about the whole thing is that all my other DVD readers read the scratched disk with NO problem, and they are "not state of the art" units, i.e., 5 -6 years old. Shouldn't a 2007 Optiarc do at least as good as those ones?

Many thanks and regards,
sermat.

Hi

Some drives are more forgiving than others, I have recent Samsungs and several generations of LiteOn drive here that'll read almost anything.

My own Optiarc (5170S) had trouble the other day reading my MS Office disc, whereas my LiteOn read it without error. However, my Optiarc reads other discs just fine, it's just the Office one

What are the models (or just the manufacturers) of the other drives you have?

Hi Arachne: My other drives are:
1) Memorex CDRW MAAX32
2) Hitachi ROM drive, it's in an USB enclosure so I cannot quote the model no.
3) Compaq Presario 3000 laptop, I think it's a TEAC unit
4) Sony CD Walkman.

Hi, thanks

Well, going by the fact that my own Memorex 24XMAXX was a LiteOn in disguise, I'd say there's a possibility that your Memorex drive could also be a LiteOn.

The Hitachi, without a model number I don't know (tried looking underneath the unit?).

And I'm not sure about the Compaq drive.

Whatever the manufacturers though, they're obviously just more forgiving drives (indeed, if the Memorex is a LiteOn, I'd expect it to be a very good reader, as mine was).

Honestly, personally I'd just say it's a case of the Optiarc not being too good with (slightly) scratched discs.

Arachne, Thanks a million for your help!!!
Much obliged.
sermat.

No problem, you're welcome

If you start to experience more regular problems, then there's obviously a problem, but for now I think the drive's just picky

And remember - not all drives are made equal

All Drives are Created Equal...but some drives are more equal than others.

@sermat: Welcome to CDFreaks!

Smartypants