www.makemkv.com

So I have had several WH16NS40 flashed to 1.02MK over the years which read pretty much everything, with the occasional errors while ripping, and eventually died. While I was easily able to pick up another, I still had an occasional read error on a UHD disc here or there, but they mostly worked.

As drives capable of ripping 4K are becoming scarce, I'm looking at purchasing some drives to have as back ups. While I'd love to get another 5.25" drive to put internally in my case, the ones I find are just way too expensive, and/or from sellers I never heard of so I worry about ordering.

Locally I was able to get a BDR-UD03, which BillyCar11 helped me flash and it is working great. Discs that failed/errored in my WH16NS40, rip fine.

As I want another spare, locally now I can get a BP50NB40. If I got the BP50NB40, will it be like ripping with the 16NS40 where I'll get some discs that will just error, while most will be fine? Or will it be like the BRUD03 where those that error in the 16NS40, rip fine? I guess what I'm asking is... Is it worth getting the BP50NB40 to have as a backup?

A bp50 is better than the wh16ns40 you have but not by much and only if you give it enough power with a high powered USB port.

But a pioneer is way better you just don't have to deal with hash errors and reboots when the drive gets in to a retarded mode.

If you can get another pioneer

Billycar11 wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 02, 2026 3:22 pm

A bp50 is better than the wh16ns40 you have but not by much and only if you give it enough power with a high powered USB port.

But a pioneer is way better you just don't have to deal with hash errors and reboots when the drive gets in to a retarded mode.

If you can get another pioneer

Thanks for the response.

I'm kicking myself for not picking up a second Verbatim (with UD03 in it) when I got the one on Friday. i.e. Staples web site showed 1 in stock at that store (50 min one way from me), so I ordered 1. When I got there to pick up, they had mine behind the counter, and I saw another on the shelf. The web site showed 0. I debated, but only picked up the one I ordered.

I have a friend who lives 5 min from the store, she will check after work. Hopefully its still there as she will buy it for me. Otherwise I may have no choice