SM-332 DVD/CD-RW
The SM-332 looks almost identical to the SW-240, but the two drives differ in a lot more than just their front-panel graphics. For starters, the SM-332 is a DVD/CD-RW combo drive, which makes it a perfect addition to a small-form-factor PC with only one available 5 1/4" drive bay. You won't be able to write DVDs in any format, but reading them is no problem. At least with a DVD reader, you won't have to try to wrap your head around which recordable DVD standard is right for you.

Speeds on the SM-332 are a little slower than the SW-240, but they're by no means pokey. The drive reads at 40X, writes CD-R media at 32X, and can burn a CD-RW disc at 10X. DVD speed clocks in at 12X, but remember that's not the same speed as 12X for a CD. Because this drive is also a Samsung, you get all the same features found on the SW-240, only with DVD functionality thrown in for good measure. DVD reading requires a second laser, but the drive actually uses a single lens to focus both beams.

Lookin' mighty similar

Like the SW-240, the SM-332 features a subtly unique front panel, this time with a different decal set.

The SM-332's bare backside

Samsung includes the same general bundle as the SW-240, but they also throw in a copy of PowerDVD for your movie viewing pleasure.

Our testing methods
All tests were run three times, with their results averaged, using the following test system.

We used the following versions of our test applications:

• Nero CD Speed V0.85E
• Exact Audio Copy V0.9 Beta 4

The test systems' Windows desktop was set at 1024x768 in 32-bit color at a 75Hz screen refresh rate.

All the tests and methods we employed are publicly available and reproducible. If you have questions about our methods, hit our forums to talk with us about them.