Does the rated speed of CD-R media really matter?

[jarsoffart]

Does the rated speed of CD-R media really matter? I have 8x TDK's that are 3 years-old, 16x Imations that are 2 years-old, and 16x Prime Peripherals that are 2.5 years-old. I can burn all of them perfectly at 32x.

 

[unclebabar]

yes and no.

For cd-r's i'm guessing most blanks that were formulated for 16x will work at higher speeds. Or more likely, a 16x blank is exactly the same as a 32x blank.

A more interesting question might be: what distinquishes 4x media from a 40x media? Do they dope the dye ... change it completely?

As for the no, I have some pokey 2x media that I guarantee won't produce a usuable disc at 40x.