Question 1

I have a Mac Pro tower, 2010.  I want an internal drive that will play bluray movies.  Can this drive do this or is it only for burning BDs?

Accepted Answer

Hi C R,

This drive plays bluray movies just like a regular set-top bluray player. To ensure this function, you might want to use third-party softwares such as Cyberlink Bluray Player that you need to pay around $49.99 or Media Player Classic, which is a free version. I use a PC, but sure there is a Mac version of a good bluray player software. Good Luck!

Question 2

This may seem like a stupid question, however this does fit in a 5.25" bay correct???

Accepted Answer

Yes, just like your standard CD om or DVD Drive would.  One suggestion, I would make sure you have plenty of fans blowing in and out of air. Blue Rays run a little hotter then Normal CD / DVD Drives.  Adding an Extra Intake and Exhaust fan would also be a good Idea.

Question 3

Does this drive come with software that will work with Windows 7 Ultimate 64 and also can i put more than 1 in computer? If there is a better model that performs better could you tell me about it as i am looking for the best internal player that i can buy?

Accepted Answer

After physically installing the drive with internal SATA connections, my Windows 7 - 64 bit computer automatically searched for and installed a device driver for this BluRay device after rebooting. No additional software was required to support this device regarding its basic read and write functionality. However, Windows 7 does not have BluRay movie viewer built in so you will search the internet for some sort of player and download it.

It is possible to install more than one of these drives.  They will have a different drive letter distinguishing them. I have two installed.  Be sure you have enough internal SATA connectors and power connections for each drive.

Can not say what is the best drive is as my familiarity with all the drives out there is minimal. That's very subjective.

Question 4

I have HP Pavilion computer, will this blu ray burner play blu ray dvds?  I recently purchased an LG blu ray burner from Amazon and it did not play blu rays?  The LG burner I purchased did play and burn regular dvds but not blu rays?  Did I get a bad LG, there was no soft ware with the blu ray burner I purchased, do you need software to play and burn blu ray?

Accepted Answer

The drive is fine.  I don't think there's a single OEM drive out there that will play blu rays without the assistance of a 3rd party software.  Some drives may come with software bundled with it that will enable you to watch blu rays but OEMs do not.  So you'll need to find a 3rd party software like Cyberlink's PowerDVD and this will most likely cost you.  As for burning blu rays, ImgBurn is free and does a nice job of it.  I did 21GB in about 10 and a half minutes (25GB 6x disc).

Question 5

Is there a way to use this without installing it in my tower (docking station or something)?

Accepted Answer

I use the Vantec DX NST-536S3-BK USB 3.0 External Enclosure for SATA Blu-Ray/CD/DVD Drives.
It works great with Linux, Windows 7 or 10 without drivers.

Question 6

Is the front of this drive plastic or brushed aluminum? 
Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Plastic, it has a brushed look, much like the Fractal case I have it in, but it won't fool anyone that touches it or looks closely

Question 7

Hello does this burner burn DVD- RL up to 8.7 GB no problem?

Accepted Answer

I've used earlier models of this drive to burn DL discs successfully, but haven't tried it yet with this one.  Since the capacity of DLs is given as 8.5 GB, I'm guessing you're talking about overburning.  I've never tried to overburn discs, out of compatibility concerns.

Sorry I can't be of help.

Question 8

where is the cord?

Accepted Answer

It's OEM equipment, meaning it is sold cheaply as possible.  (no cables)  OEM sellers assume you're already knowledgeable and have everything else you need to run the unit.  Retail costs more, but comes with manuals, cables, maybe a CD-ROM, and a pretty box.  Find a local nerd, he'll more than likely give you a cable - especially if you're a girl.  Most nerds worth their salt have a supply of SATA cables they'll never use.

Question 9

Is this drive a 5.25" ? I would like yo have dimensions of the drive.Is it compatible with my Dell XPS 8300 PC?

Accepted Answer

This is a 5.25 inch standard drive for standard 5.25 inch drive bay. I am not familiar with the XPS 8300 but it most likely uses the standard 5.25 inch bay for optical devices. If it has a hidden door that the drive is mounted behind, then you may need to remove the front basil of the new drive. Hope this helps.

Question 10

I have two questions:
1) Is this drive good to install Windows 10 with, I wanna use it on a brand new build?
2) Will it be ready for use as soon as I install it onto the motherboard using the SATA cables and turn it on?
(Keep in mind it will be for my brand new build)

Accepted Answer

Drivers are included in any modern OS, including the one on a Windows install disk. The motherboard BIOS will recognize a connected optical drive at startup - set it to be the first boot device. Boot with the Windows media disk and follow instructions presented.

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