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    ASUS Z70Va - Custom Optical Drive?

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by onlytrueromeo, Feb 15, 2006.

  1. onlytrueromeo

    onlytrueromeo Newbie

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    Does anyone know if it's possible to rig up a Pioneer DVR-K05
    Slot load drive into an ASUS Z70Va laptop...I know that the company says you must buy an asus optical drive, but I'd much rather use the Pioneer drive.

    Thanks! :)

    Onlytrueromeo
     
    onlytrueromeo, Feb 15, 2006
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  2. PROPortable

    PROPortable Company Representative

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    Yes, it's possible... I did it two years ago. I'll tell you right now that you'll wish you just got the drive that was already set up for the unit though.... guarenteed..... It's going to cost you more money.......... a LOT more time..... and some custom fabricating skills....
     
    PROPortable, Feb 15, 2006
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  3. ncsercs

    ncsercs Notebook Enthusiast

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    Can anybody tell me how to do this? Link or site perhaps?

    I would like to use an OEM drive myself. Maybe an NEC or LG.

    Thanks, Nick
     
    ncsercs, Apr 26, 2006
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  4. Shampoo

    Shampoo Notebook Deity

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    ncsercs, like Justin said you are better off with what comes with the system because you have to modify physical things with the drive to get it to fit nice and flush, since the cover/bezel must be "retrofitted".

    It's kinda like getting a monitor that you like for aesthetics then replace the panel or crt inside with another one or something like that.

    I wouldn't suggest it, as it would probably cause headaches. Nothing wrong with the drive that comes with it.

    I would suggest staying away from the DVD burner though, as many people have had problems with it. This is why I stuck with the DVD/CDRW combo drive.

    If you MUST burn DVDs I would suggest getting an external drive for that.

    Cheers,
    Mike
     
    Shampoo, Apr 27, 2006
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  5. ncsercs

    ncsercs Notebook Enthusiast

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    Mike,

    I went with combo drive for a good price.

    I'll take your advice on the external burner.

    Thanks, Nick
     
    ncsercs, Apr 27, 2006
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  6. Shampoo

    Shampoo Notebook Deity

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    Hey no problemo Nick, let us know which external burner you went with, as I am interested in getting an external DVD burner as well.

    I'm still deciding on which to go with based on users experiences since not all burners are the same.

    Some burners are fine with all types of media while others don't like certain types.

    Goodluck hunting.

    Cheers,
    Mike
     
    Shampoo, Apr 28, 2006
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  7. Jasman

    Jasman Notebook Consultant

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    Just FYI, I'm using an NEC ND-6500A in my Z70V. The stock faceplate doesn't fit this (or many other) drives, so it doesn't match the body of the laptop, but also doesn't bother me, and I didn't need to do any physical modding. As for making it work, the optical drive has to be run as primary slave in this laptop. Luckily for me, this was possible to do with a firmware mod in the ND-6500A. Other drives may require soldering of pins, from what I understand. All of this did take a lot of time, but I like my NEC drive and it's performed really well ever since I bought it for my previous laptop.
     
    Jasman, May 6, 2006
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