As of: 03/2024, the drive is fine. Once in a while it won't read a disc, and once the computer is restarted it'll work. Although that could potentially be the operating system, but on a Mac, that kinda seems unlikely. To update firmware, you need to be on a Windows machine. That's so 2000's. If you're a Mac user, find a friend with a windows computer.
The drive door seems to rattle at times making you think it's the drive mechanism, but it's just its thin plastic door. And the gears for the door opening and closing gets a little noisy after about two months. I might try and put electronic grease on it later.
For digitizing my DVD/CD library to a NAS... AWESOME! With MakeMKV these two are a awesome combination.
The speed is great too. It blows those thin, cheap, push to close three times, drives we are all used to now. This one is a full automated tray (open & close) like they were when CD-rom drives first came out.
The power button on the back is terrible; they tried to make it carved and angular like the design of the case, but that makes it hard to grasp and slide it on and off. Also, there's a HUGE blue LED (1.5") on the top that says "Ice On Fire." At night... IN YOUR FACE! They could have saved money by not having all that fancy designing elements. Looks very 80's inspired.
All that said, for what I'm putting it through (constant ripping) the drive is worth it. For a once in a while drive... get something cheaper.
| Brand | ASUS |
|---|---|
| Item model number | BW-16D1X-U |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Item Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 9.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 40 RPM |
| Batteries | 1 Product Specific batteries required. |
| Manufacturer | ASUS Computer International Direct |
| ASIN | B071VP89X1 |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | May 15, 2017 |
