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Hi everyone,

I'd like to buy a UHD-compatible optical drive.

I'm leaning towards the ASUS BW-16D1HT or the ASUS BW-16D1X-U. Which one would be better, or what are the disadvantages of each of the ASUS drives?

And which one can play UHD content directly?

I've read that the ASUS BW-16D1X-U has different drives built in, and you have to be lucky to get the right one.

Best regards,
Most Wanted

MostWanted17 wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 09, 2026 5:56 pm

Hi everyone,

I'd like to buy a UHD-compatible optical drive.

I'm leaning towards the ASUS BW-16D1HT or the ASUS BW-16D1X-U. Which one would be better, or what are the disadvantages of each of the ASUS drives?

And which one can play UHD content directly?

I've read that the ASUS BW-16D1X-U has different drives built in, and you have to be lucky to get the right one.

Best regards,
Most Wanted

The BW-16D1HT is a rebadged LG WH16NS40. I would go for the BW-16D1X-U as it may contain either a LG WH16NS40 or a Pioneer drive inside the enclosure. Neither can play UHD discs directly out of the box and must be flashed.

Also, it is never recommended to play UHD discs directly as you will wear out the lasers faster. It is always recommended to rip the UHD disc once then play the resulting MKV file as much as you want.