Which blu-ray drive to buy?

[illusign]

As my SATA blu-ray drive seems to have died and now only reads DVDs (don't have CDs to test), I need another drive to backup my blu-rays.

I have looked online for a blu-ray drive and they are so expensive now. To add to my confusion, some either work or don't work with MakeMKV - which is my intended use for whichever drive I buy.

Ideally I would like an internal SATA blu-ray drive, but would consider a USB drive. Writing capabilities don't interest me - I haven't written to an optical disc for about 5 years now and I don't have any plans to start now. As I only rip a couple of blu-ray discs a year, the drive won't see heavy use, but I don't want to risk buying a cheap Chinese USB drive either.

I hope this isn't being rude, but I will probably need help flashing the drive and finding the right firmware. Which is why I am asking for help in choosing the right drive, hoping that the flashing process will be easier for both myself and those that help me.

Budget wise, I don't want to spend a silly amount of money - I have about £100 (I live in the UK) in mind, but this is flexible. I can't believe that drives are so expensive now, but I suppose not many people use them in the current days of streaming.

I'd like to thank everybody in advance that chooses to advise and/or assist. I realise that I am asking a lot by asking people to take time to tell me which drive to buy, then help me flash it.

[Woodstock]

Have you considered looking at the several topics that show up daily about buying drives, before creating yet another? They are kept up-to-date with what's available NOW, what works (and doesn't work) with UHD, etc.

[illusign]

Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong sub-forum, but i don't see any that jump out on the first page in the UHD drives sub-forum. It could be that I need to look elsewhere or a bit deeper for these topics, but I'd appreciate any links to current threads on this forum.

[dcoke22]

Drives for sale, Flashing Services, where to buy...

Since you're in the UK, Asmcom would be your 'local' seller: https://forum.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19387

They'll sell you a drive that's properly flashed and tested to work with MakeMKV.

[illusign]

Drives for sale, Flashing Services, where to buy...

Since you're in the UK, Asmcom would be your 'local' seller: https://forum.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19387

They'll sell you a drive that's properly flashed and tested to work with MakeMKV.

I'll have to Google for more UK sellers, as the Asmcom website gives me the following message:

Notice: Temporary Website Closure

Last updated: 23rd April 2025 5:46pm
Website closed until further notice. We willl post on the MakeMKV forum when we will be open again. Existing customers will be supported as usual. We have more Pioneer stock arriving which is good news. All will be revealed when we open.

[MartyMcNuts]

Drives for sale, Flashing Services, where to buy...

Since you're in the UK, Asmcom would be your 'local' seller: https://forum.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=19387

They'll sell you a drive that's properly flashed and tested to work with MakeMKV.

I'll have to Google for more UK sellers, as the Asmcom website gives me the following message:

Notice: Temporary Website Closure

Last updated: 23rd April 2025 5:46pm
Website closed until further notice. We willl post on the MakeMKV forum when we will be open again. Existing customers will be supported as usual. We have more Pioneer stock arriving which is good news. All will be revealed when we open.

The first post of his thread says he is closed for the holidays and reopens in Feb 2026.