I've got a generic I/O Magic 8x drive (hey, I figured for $70 after rebate, what the hey!) and it works fine. If I was really going for a nicer product, I would probably grab up a Sexy Plexy or a Lite-On. Just be sure to pick up some decent media. The first no-name discs I purchased only burned at 2.7x and worked in about 1/2 the players that I tested them in. The next batch was Fujifilm brand that was rated for 4x, but they burn at 8x very nicely and work in all the test machines.