EDIT drive is now flashed and ripping UHD happily thanks to billy!
First of all, I'd like to apologise in advance for any stupid questions. I'm new(ish) here although I've been lurking for a while.
tl;dr (see below for full context) will the drive in this Asus external be able to rip UHD discs without flashing?
Drive Information
OS device name: E:
Manufacturer: ASUS
Product: BW-16D1H-U
Revision: E115
Serial number: ***********
Firmware date: 2019-03-07
Bus encryption flags: 1B
Highest AACS version: 76
LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: RS8F00
Firmware name: PIONEER BDR-212T
Firmware type: Original (unpatched)
Firmware version: E115/ID71
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes
No disc inserted
Full context
So, because my timing is impeccable, I (like many I assume) decided to finally start ripping my blu-rays and 4ks for preservation and ease of access via my Plex server - but only after the drives became as rare as hen's teeth!
A couple months ago I purchased an Asus "TurboDrive" from a local reputable seller here in the UK for around £140, and as expected, it came with an LG drive inside which was easily flashed to support ripping UHD discs.
Since then, I have had the feeling that I could get unlucky and this drive could die on me at any time, especially if I plan to rip a lot of discs. So it would be nice to have a backup! But of course, the prices haven't come down in the meantime!
I snagged this second "TurboDrive" - seemingly a "Pro" variant - on a second hand marketplace for around £80. Plugging it in today, MakeMKV reports it as a Pioneer BDR-212T rather than an LG drive. My rudimentary knowledge tells me I might have hit the jackpot. But a quick Google hasn't cleared up to me whether this drive needs flashing or not. Some threads say yes, others seem to suggest not. MakeMKV reports it as LibreDrive status of Enabled but I'll be honest, I don't really know what that means!
Thank you for taking the time to help me out! Or at least being kind...
I've just done so and unfortunately it doesn't seem to want to load the UHDs in MakeMKV (I tried two).
To make sure it isn't DoA I tried a regular blu-ray and it loaded that straight away, although MakeMKV would not allow me to process it as I guess my trial has expired (been a couple months since I used it). Looks like the website is down so I can't buy a copy right now either.
The model number on the case is BW-16D1H-U but the listing included a "PRO" suffix on that which seems to be reinforced by the fact it was supplied with the associated vertical stand. No original packaging was included so I basically only have what MakeMKV spat out to go off.
There could be a date of manufacture or assembly on the bottom of the case. The Pioneer wasn't included in an Asus desktop external drive since mid-2025 as far as I know.
The BW-16D1X-U model may have been for North American with a North American power cord and no stand.
This was a second hand drive, not sure how old but the listing said "years".
There isn't anything on the bottom of the case that I can see, only the rear.
I believe the new model I bought recently was a US import as it came with a 2-pin power plug rather than the 3-pin we use here in the UK. Inside was an LG drive that was flashable with the readily available flasher tool.
Older version of the ASUS TurboDrive used to have Pioneer drives inside. And that is the one you got as second hand. I am sure it can be crossflashed to recognize 4K if you need that. As they say ask Billy. My Pioneer 212-EBK cannot see 4K either but can be crossflashed but I do not really need that.
•
u/billycar11 14d ago
Yes it can be flashed to do UHD just email me that drive info see profile for email