Putting in a laptop blu-ray drive.

[Silk_the_Absent1]

I just picked up an HP G7-2320DX at Best Buy, and am wanting to throw in a blu-ray reader/DVD burner. I've swapped out (for identical drives when one has failed) optical drives in laptops before, and this is probably a stupid question, but in this case, does it have to be an HP drive?

I'm reasonably certain that it's SATA (seriously, what isn't anymore?), and I know I will have to use the original bezel from my current drive. I just want to know if I will need to take any extra steps.

-Adam

EDIT: I just checked, and yeah, it's SATA.

-Adam

[bobnova]

It shouldn't matter, as long as it has the correct connectors and is the correct form factor, it should slide right in and go.

[Silk_the_Absent1]

I guess the question now, is whether the "mount" for the bezel is universal. Anyone know?

-Adam

[bobnova]

Based on my very limited experience, if it's a simple vertical slab you're golden. If it's a curved piece, you'd best hope it can be dismounted and mounted on the new drive, if you want it to look right.

[McSteel]

You could probably remove the Blu-Ray drive's front mask, and if everything else fails, glue on the decorative bezel from the laptop. Also make sure that the internal retention piece fits.

[Silk_the_Absent1]

Hmm. How's this sound? I'll check the maker of the current drive, and see if I can find a blu ray drive from the same manufacturer.

I'm thinking the is at least a slightly better than none chance the bezel mount will be the same.

-Adam

[McSteel]

Sounds reasonable enough to me, it's worth a shot.

[Silk_the_Absent1]

It was made by Panasonic. I found and ordered this one on ebay. Here's hoping!

-Adam

[c_hegge]

The front bezels and mounts are universal. I've swapped optical drives in laptops with different brands lots of times in the past and it's always worked fine.

[shovenose]

As c_hegge said, the bezel for the disc drive, as well as physical size and shape, and connector, should almost always be the same. you may have to swap connector ends but it will be two screws probably. very easy

but... why an HP?