How to replace strange OEM DVD burner with aftermarket BD-RE

lbeck · 03 Jan 2017

I have an Acer Predator AG3 desktop computer that has an unconventional SATA DVD burner. Slim one and looks like one for a laptop. The burner has gone bad and I'd like to replace it with a BD-RE. I've found a slim o ne on Ebay but before ordering it I'd like some advice on the replacement.

There may be a bezel issue but I can live without the bezel. Also I'm pretty good at jerry-rigging stuff as long as there is bracket compatibility.

I guess my question is whether slim DVD/DVD-RE drives are pretty much interchangeable or whether I'm looking for trouble.

RoasterMen · 04 Jan 2017

As long as it has SATA and SATA power connector, then you're good.

But you may face problems with software compatibility.

RoadBlaster · 04 Jan 2017

I can not see a problem with changing the optical drive will work like a normal CD/ DVD Drive as long as the back end connections are the same unless that only applies to the non-sata optical drives.

If you have a desktop why not use a full size drive in 1 bay they are normally cheaper to buy & are easier to insert the disk into it as you do not have to push it in to lock the disk ect ?

If you do not have room use an external optical drive using an internal drive with a "usb" or "eSata to Sata cable" direct connection with external psu - would last longer being "powered off" in between usage ?

mike s · 05 Jan 2017

lbeck said:

I have an Acer Predator AG3 desktop computer that has an unconventional SATA DVD burner. Slim one and looks like one for a laptop. The burner has gone bad and I'd like to replace it with a BD-RE. I've found a slim o ne on Ebay but before ordering it I'd like some advice on the replacement.

There may be a bezel issue but I can live without the bezel. Also I'm pretty good at jerry-rigging stuff as long as there is bracket compatibility.

I guess my question is whether slim DVD/DVD-RE drives are pretty much interchangeable or whether I'm looking for trouble.

The form factor for the drive chassis, the placement of mounting screw holes and the connector are pretty much standard. As has been pointed out, the only physical incompatibility you might run into is with the front bezel.

On slimline optical drives, the front bezel is attached using plastic tabs that go into industry-standard located holes on the front edge of the metal drawer frame. You can open the drawer using a paper clip inserted into the eject hole, remove the front bezel of your existing DVD drive (careful not to break the plastic tabs), and transfer it to the new BD-RE drive in a couple of minutes.

With respect to choosing laptop optical drives, which are basically industry/OEM items and not designed for direct-to-consumer support, be aware that Panasonic is not reputed for the highest quality or compatibility; not to mention total lack of firmware updates. Also the UJ-240 is a pretty old drive (vintage 2010) which might cause issues especially if you want to use it for 4K (BDXL triple or quad-layer discs). If the price were similar I'd favor a newer LG or Pioneer ... pretty much the last men standing in this market. Be sure that you're ordering a drive of the correct height - 12.7mm for drawer load; 9mm for slot-load with no drawer.