
I find H.265 takes way too long with CPU and NVENC doesn't compress enough (plus I can't use my plex server for that since it doesn't have a dedicated GPU, and I'm not leaving my main rig on for file compression jobs all the time). I use Handbrake to encode my videos using H.264, as it provides a balance between filesize, quality, and encoding time. The MakeMKV program is technically in beta and is offered with a free beta key right now, but I just went ahead and paid for the full license, it's been that useful to me.

I'm not a fan of the LG drive I have, it's significantly louder at the same speeds:

I have three bluray drives (one is portable), and I've had success with the Pioneer brand.
