Pros: It reads CDs and DVDs satisfactorily.

Cons: Needs external power to burn CDs and DVDs (even with the provided double port USB cable) on both late-model laptops and desktops! The external power supply is NOT included in the package, and it is a hassle to figure out what size tip and polarity is required (5V 2A, 3.5mm outside 1.4mm inside, center positive). Coolgear makes a compatible power supply.

Overall Review: For some reason it will burn fine with Nero but not with Wavelab. Wavelab finalizes immediately. Yes, this could be a problem with the ASPI driver, but, I don't have this problem with my other burners. If all you want to do is read discs then this unit is fine - if you plan to do a lot of burning then I would look elsewhere. I think they were cheap not to include the external power supply. Figure $13 plus $7 shipping, or another $20 to get a usable unit.

Pros: Nice feature set and price - if it worked.

Cons: This motherboard is horrible. Here are the symptoms: 1. Random freezes. 2. Blue screens when using IE or WMP. 3. PATA CD-ROM disappears (you must unplug, reboot, replug, reboot again). 4. Atrocious performance - a program that I run starts out estimating 8 minutes to complete, then suddenly bogs down and takes 1 hour and 25 minutes. The same job takes 4 minutes on my 2 year old desktop, and 11 minutes on my 6 year old laptop! I can't believe Intel would put their name on this piece of junk.

Overall Review: Look at the low ratings. Web search the model and see lots of complaints about the freezes and the PATA problem. Save your money, and a lot of aggravation and try something else.