Digital Trends

The MSI DR16-B is a definite improvement in MSI's DVD writer line and has a lot of promise, but the company still has a lot they need to work on. While the DR16-B proved to be fast at writing CD, DVD+R, and DVD+R DL media, it struggles when it comes to DVD-R media. We experienced random burn errors and slower-than-anticipated write times with DVD-R media. MSI also did not send us any writeable media for us to use, so we really have no idea which brand of media the DR16-B works best with.

In all other tests the DR16-B did an admirable job with fast write times and the ability to multitask while it is in the writing process. The software suite that comes with the DR16-B is better than what we have seen from other DVD writers on the market, so MSI has done a great job in that department. 

Features we would like to see on future drives from MSI include a black or grey front faceplate (preferably both), some included media for the user to get started and a more detailed instruction manual. We are hoping that the user reviews on the DR16-B will show favorable results in the DVD-R writing format, so make sure to read them as others provide their experience with the drive.

While the Sony DRU-700A is a faster drive than the DR16-B in most DVD writing tests, Sony's drive also costs about $30 dollars more on average and is only faster in mosts test by a few seconds. Sony, however, does give you both a grey and black faceplate as well as a more feature-rich version of the Nero 6 software.