Solved! Bought a G73SW, can I replace the optical drive?

[TheGuitarist]

Hey all,

As the title says, I just purchased an Asus G73SW. It comes with a Double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW optical drive. Are laptops optical drives something that can be replaced? As in, can I replace it without having to do major surgery?

I've replaced LCD screens on my cell phone and another laptop, so I'm relatively comfortable working with small parts, but is this in the same league? Or easier?

I'm wanting to install a BD combo drive. Tips?

Thanks all!

 

[marinegundoctor]

Hi, did you ever figure out how to r&r your optical drive? I have gutted my last laptop a couple of times, but I can't remember how the optical drive was in. I just bought a G73sw as well. It's got a BD-ROM/DVD but I want to replace it with a BD writer later on.

 

[Pyree]

The drive is just fixed to a slot on the chassis most case. Simple unscrew, take drive out, slot new drive in and screw back into place. Don't even need to open the chassis.

 

[WR2]

On a scale of 1 to 10 - 10 being hardest - it's about a 1.509
Replacing LCD screens on cell phone / laptop is probably a 6.25.

YouTube video: G73 Disassembly

 

[Kamab]

On a scale of 1 to 10 - 10 being hardest - it's about a 1.509
Replacing LCD screens on cell phone / laptop is probably a 6.25.

YouTube video: G73 Disassembly

That's some pretty high resolution on your tech difficulty scales!