possible to add a bluray drive?

I have thebest buy vesion, g73jh-bst7 and while it loves it, one of the main things I miss is a blu ray drive (along with 1080p) screen. Is it possible to swap out my current drive for a blu ray?

 

Yep, did it with my own. Also search button people.

 

well did some searches and found a few. but no real info on which drives work and how to change them out?

 

The stock one on mine is an LG CT21N. Other slim-line/notebook drives should work as well, like the Sony BD-5730S.

Changing out is pretty simple (see pg 2-5 of the Asus G73 Series Disassembly Guide ). Two screws to get the access panel off, one screw to release the optical drive. The face plate on the drive tray can usually be snapped on and off so you can generally replace the new drive's face plate with the one currently on the machine if desired.

 

ok, seems pretty easy i've built desktops but never taken apart a laptop. so im assuming the part of removing the drive is the ODD Module? So i just pop that out, than pop in a drive (pref one of the ones you recommended?) re assemble everything and I guess its good to go? seems like itd be harder than that with connections etc...

any other cables/connectors needed? and does the computer auto detect and its good to go? Im looking at others, but not sure what the req are
but if you say this works
http://www.amazon.com/LG-Super-Multi-Blu-ray-Combo-CT21N/dp/B003E91KM6

im prob. gonna buy that unless anyone else has other ones to recommend over it.

 

My g37jh had the following blu ray drive (stock): MATS-HITA(lol language filter) BD-CMB UJ141AS

Dont buy this one, go for the CT21N. I had lot of trouble to fix my drive, old firmware.

 

Panasonic UJ-240A Slim Blu-Ray Burner Slimline SATA (Tray Load) Drive

I put this on in my G53JW. Its a Blu-Ray burner. I had to pop off the front bezel where the eject button is and use my OEM's drive bezel. Nice drive so far no issues.

 

I'm assuming that replacing the dvd drive with the blu-ray one would not void the warranty. correct?

 

The way I changed it is hard to prove it didnt come with the computer. The fact is Asus had no clue what drive this had when I ask them, there are too many different configurations and even with my serial number they said I had Blu-Ray when I didnt. Bought from Newegg in original sealed packaging.

 

no, it's considered a replaceable object since you do not need to pop open the chassis

 

I thought you do open the chassis. I had to remove my keyboard, then touchpad/palm rest, and undo all those screws to remove the bottom cover assy.

 

Did you open it, replace the drive, and nothing broke, right? So your warranty is OK.

 

Correct. ODD = Optical Disk Drive.

That's it! All connectors are built in....the optical drive just plugs in

*Note* The first 40 seconds of the G73 disassembly video shows the removal of the optical drive. Installation is reverse of removal.

With Windows, yes (I can't answer for other operating systems).

Maybe for other components, but for the optical drive on a G73JH (which is being discussed here), only the access panel needs to be removed.

 

I wonder if anybody's already swapped the ODD in the G53jw? I've been considering a Blu-Ray writer upgrade..

 

You should DEFINITELY go back and read through this exact thread one more time. :-D

 

Duh.. I see it's been done... but it appears we can't re-use our stock bezel on an aftermarket unit :/

 

ok thanks guy you all have been SOO helpful. unless anyone objects this drive seems to be the one to go with unless any objections
Amazon.com: LG Super-Multi Slim Blu-ray Combo Drive CT21N - Bulk: Electronics