optiarc ad5540a problem w/8x write speed

Question

hi i have problem with my optiarc ad5540a.dell sent me replacement and tis dvd burner can't write with full speed(8x) only 6X
i used the same blank disc in my old dvd burner and wrote with 8x.
but in my new one only supported is 2.4x/4x/ and 6x
do u have any idea??pls

davejohn · Answer

Check to see if there's a firmware update for that drive.  The update may have updated the media table to handle 8x for that media.  Otherwise, try a different brand of media.  Verbatim, TDK, and Maxell are all good, stay away from Memorex or store brands.   Dave

maxfudali · Answer

ok thanks but there is no firmware update.i have newest and this model shoul support 8x. i'm using HP dvd+r discs.

Sharkenator · Answer

Don't assume the DVD drive has the latest firmware because you just received it.  I just received my new laptop on Dec. 28 with this same DVD drive and it has the first firmware, not the latest.  The first firmware for the drive you listed is 1.02C and the latest is 2.01.  If you go to the device manager and right click on the drive, click properties then click the details tab here's what you see:   IDE/CDROMOPTIARC_DVD+-RW_AD-5540A____________102C____5&1BA06C&0&0.0.0   In that line, the '102C' is your firmware version.  I don't know what the end of the line stands for.

Lobotomy_Man · Answer

Hi, Can you tell me where to find the new firmware version. Thank you in advance.

somerandomguy_fbffd7 · Answer

I have the same exact problem. I have several types of media, Verbatim, Ritek, etc. and none of them can burn at 8x. All of my media is ranked at 8x or higher and it only burns at 6x. Dell has no support for this drive on their site as far as drivers go, whats the deal here?

Sharkenator · Answer

I can't remember where to get the firmware, but if you search the name on a regular search engine you can find it.   My problem ended up being with Roxio MediaCreator 8.  It has a driver that's incompatible with my virus software.  Once I turned off that unnecessary driver everything is great again.  I have not upgraded my firmware yet since it's still under warranty and updating it would void it.

somerandomguy_fbffd7 · Answer

Does anyone know if by any chance this is a NEC re branded drive? My packaging slip said this was a NEC drive as well as my order, but I was kind of disappointed to see optiarc as the name. Is this really just a NEC drive with a different name?

Sharkenator · Answer

Sort of.  Optiarc is a new brand from Sony & NEC's optical storage departments.  Here's some good info on the drive along with the firmware you were looking for:   http://liggydee.cdfreaks.com/page/en/Optiarc-AD-5540A/

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optiarc ad5540a problem w/8x write speed

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