Cheapest USB 3.0 External Blu-Ray Reader/Writer Drive?

LRage Roze on 13/03/2016 - 20:07
Last edited 14/03/2016 - 00:30

Hi all, I'm looking into buying a USB 3.0 Blu-Ray Reader/Writer Drive to replace my Xbox 360 HD DVD Drive since I miss having a Blu-Ray writer on the laptop that I've sold.
I'm using it for watching retail blu ray disks & maybe rip them to mkv.

I would prefer a USB 3.0 Blu-Ray Reader/Writer Drive that's suitable to be used on desktop PC like the ones that comes with 1m 3.0 usb cable. Also is there any difference between buying a branded one & non-branded one?

I already have Blu-ray Passkey installed so its feels like a waste not to make a full use of it.

Computing

Comments

  • Nanohexagon on 13/03/2016 - 20:26
    +2

    There are non branded ones? I would stick with Samsung, Pioneer, LG because they usually have better drivers. Research for compatibility. Some don't work on Windows 10/8.

  • LYRICALRAVER on 13/03/2016 - 21:49

    i believe in this area you would be really just throwing caution to the wind if you purchase a 'non-branded' external Blu-ray driver, as they may work ok or they may break down within a few minutes. :Nanohexagon's advice is right as you would at least be covered by some kind of warranty. the other option would be to get a proper standalone Blu-ray writer/player that's connected to the TV

  • derek324 on 13/03/2016 - 23:08

    I would consider $140-$150 Pioneer BDR-XD05T to be the best one. You could save around $50 buying non-branded unit, definitely not a wise move.

  • deltakilo on 15/03/2016 - 12:36
    +1

    I was lookng to get an external unit recently myself for a new mATX build but decided to go the internal 5.25" route instead. Despite using USB3.0, I read that even branded external models like Samsung & Pioneer battle to read blu-rays at 2x speed and even then there can be issues with not reading disks properly.

    There was suggestion made to grab a dud laptop and rip the player out of it and insert it into an enclosure for much better (and possibly cheaper) results.

    • Rage Roze on 15/03/2016 - 17:45

      Mmm, interesting. I would have went for internal 5.25" route on day 1 if my MicroATX build accepts them. You saying it's not worth paying extra for USB3.0 one rather then USB2.0. I'm not fan of old teh stuff although

      I was looking into Pioneer BDR-XD05TB or Pioneer BDR-XS06T

      • deltakilo on 15/03/2016 - 21:53
        +1

        Not sure of any USB2 vs USB3 speed or brand vs brand benefits. I didn't delve into the specifics a lot. It was the mix of slow ripping speeds, reliability and added cost of going external that caused me to stay with internal.

        I suppose small size is an important factor but if not, then maybe consider an internal model housed in an external USB enclosure?

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