> >
> > the question is - is it normal so huge CPU load? older was using about
> > 5% with 4x speed. this can't record over 16x without underrun. at 12* it
> > uses about 60% CPU while more are system than user.
> >
> > is IDE so bad in that case? it is using Ultra/33 mode, same as hard drive
> > which is able to give 16MB/s
>
> Doesn't it downgrade to a lower mode ?
no.

> Also, Are you burning data or audio CDs ? audio uses blocks which are

data CD.

found that:

a) i can burn at full speed on quite loaded system without problems!!!
b) pipes slow things down
c) mkisofs is the slowest part.