need an external blu ray drive - USB 2 or 3?

[robphelan]

built a new htpc and want to integrate an external blu ray drive for playing movies only - I seriously doubt if I'll be burning anything.

the htpc itself is zotac Ad10 - has 2 USB 3.0 and 2 USB 2.0 ports.

Is there any reason to go USB 3.0 other than to free up the 2.0 ports? I have a powered USB hub that I plan on using to connect the wireless KB/M & touchscreen monitor.

I'd really like a slim drive, but can't find a USB 3.0, so i'm heavily leaning towards a slim 2.0 unless there's a good reason not to.

thanks a ton for your advice.
rob.

 

[Ken g6]

Blu-ray reading mechanism speed (1x): 4.5 MB/s
USB 2.0 speed: 60MB/s

No, there's no reason for you to get a USB 3.0 blu-ray drive. It looks like most drives have a maximum speed of 12x, so there's no reason for USB 3.0 drives to exist.

 

[robphelan]

thanks for the info.