Where to buy some brand new (unflashed) drives : a reminder (almost worldwide shipping)

[Sayaka]

Buffalo BRXL-16U3 (the only one on this list that's a 5.25 drive, might be a Pioneer if you're very lucky, apparently) : https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... u_ray.html

Buffalo BRXL-PUS6U3B-TAA : https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... e_usb.html

ASUS SBC-06D2X-U : https://www.ldlc.com/en/product/PB00162422.html

Sadly, at this point, I doubt the above drive will turn out to be a Pioneer if you buy it, so don't get your hopes up.

ASUS SBW-06D5H-U : https://www.ldlc.com/en/product/PB00270625.html

Unknown Verbatim External Slim Drive : https://www.ldlc.com/en/product/PB00556082.html

I believe LDLC may run out of drives sooner rather than later, as the ASUS BW-16D1X-U 5.25 drives (https://www.ldlc.com/en/product/PB00440708.html) are already gone.

EDIT : To further clarify, all of these drives are likely to turn out to be LG drives.

[Makar]

Thanks for putting this list together, Sayaka.

I have to agree that, unfortunately, most of the drives listed above are likely to be unreliable LG dogsh*t that will, in all likelihood, die within the first 1-3 months of use. You will absolutely end up buying twice with most of these drives.

If you’re in the EU, the best option by far is the Verbatim 43890 (LG BU40N) from LDLC.

[Sayaka]

If you’re in the EU, the best option by far is the Verbatim 43890 (LG BU40N) from LDLC.

Thank you for clarifying that it is a Verbatim 43890, Makar.

As I have stated in another thread, I seem to be among the lucky ones, as I haven't had a LG Blu-ray drive fail me just yet. However, should someone ask whether I've had my LG Blu-ray drives for over 2 years while attempting to rip 300 Blu-ray discs, the answer would be "no way", so I cannot predict the lifespan of my LG drives should I ever start using them much more often (as opposed to using them in an off-and-on way).

For those looking for a Pioneer, I believe their best bet is this forum, followed by *possibly* being on the lookout for opportunities on eBay if they are very careful and avoid buying from China.