CDBurnerXP: drive not recognized

CDBurnerXP is a freeware tool for burning CD's and DVD's, including blueray. However, it sometimes does not recognize the drive to burn with.

First, check the FAQ on the CDBurnerXP website:
http://cdburnerxp.se/help/appendices/troubleshooting

In my specific case, I then did the following:

• Start CDBurnerXP in "audio mode"; the drive was recognized. Only in "data mode" it is not.
• Check the chipset. Download the freeware tool "system info": http://www.gtopala.com/siw-download.html.
• Extract and start it - it does not have to be installed; it is a standalone executable. Check hardware -> motherboard -> southbridge. Note the chipset.
• Download "intel matrix storage manager" for your chipset: IMSM.
• Install IMSM and restart.

Now, CDBurnerXP should work in "data mode".

Note: make sure the drive is on the "compatible drives" list: http://cdburnerxp.se/en/testeddrives

The nearby-future of storage

The ioDrive Duo by FusionIO out-performs even multiple SSD's placed in parallel. The 320GB version of the ioDrive has a read/write speed of ~1.5GB/s:

http://www.fusionio.com/products/iodriveduo

Difference with traditional SSD:

• The flash memory is integrated in the PCI card.
• The flash memory has been optimized using a proprietary technology.

Downside:

• Cannot be used as a boot drive.
• Requires a 64-bit operating system.
• The price is about 15,000 euro for 320GB version (ssdeurope.com). Ofcourse, this has to be compared against the cost of buying and operating a SAN.