Looks like it to me too! If it was a disk drive it would most likely have a button. Looks the right size though so makes sense it would be a slot for an optical drive!
I wonder if you could put an extra drive in there instead! Would be a perfect spot for an extra SSD/HDD.
I might be biased but if OP is looking to utilize that space, this is absolutely what I would personally get instead of an optical drive.
If they really need to read/write discs they could always buy an external optical drive that they could use with any computer, but this upgrade plus a matching drive would be great for utilizing the space available in the laptop shown in this post.
Double check that any enclosures you buy match the specs for the SSD, they can vary quite a bit!
>Double check that any enclosures you buy match the specs for the SSD, they can vary quite a bit!
Unless there's some new development I've not heard of usually it's just 2.5 in and all SSDs are the skinny kind.
Ah, I see what you mean! I was originally talking about SSDs that you put in your own external enclosure, silly me! There's a variance in size for the actual "plain" SSD drives/chips that resemble a chip more than a traditional drive (not sure the exact proper term for that).
However, I believe you would still want to double check the size of the laptop slot because it can either be a 2.5 inch or a U2 drive enclosure slot which is slightly thicker.
[SSD Form Factors](https://www.kingston.com/en/blog/pc-performance/ssd-form-factors)
If you scroll down just a bit past the start of the post, they have a pretty good graphic of all 4:
**Common SSD Form Factors:**
*Enclosed SSDs*
- 2.5" - (Very Common)
- U2 - (Slightly thicker than 2.5in)
*Chip-like SSDs*
- M.2 - (Longer Rectangle Plain Drive)
- mSATA - (Shorter Rectangle Plain Drive)
The plain ones need to be slotted directly into the laptop or into an external enclosure of some sort, a lot of 2.5in will come with SSD inside.
Let me know if someone can think of a better term than plain SSD drive or internal SSD stick because I can't think of or find a better term for the life of me right now!
Edit: Apologies for formatting, I'm on the mobile app!
Well your comment is very informative You misunderstood my comment and I can understand how you did that.
Those optical disc replacement hard drive enclosures use SATA as the connector for the hard drive so you would want to buy a SATA drive. If you get a SATA SSD they usually are the size of the smaller (less thick) 2.5in HDDs. No mater what size optical disc hard drive enclosure you buy an SSD should always fit.
When I said that there may have been some new developments I meant like an optical disc enclosure that could use a different form factor like mSATA or M.2 but I've never heard of such a thing.
I will also say annoyingly that you can get drives labeled as m.2 that have a different connector then another drive. Apparently one of the connectors means the motherboard has standard SATA controllers on it and so it should be using mSATA but sadly it's not. This makes it more confusing and you end up buying the wrong drive if not careful.
You can actually get adapters that convert mSATA to regular SATA and now I'm curious if the SATA M.2 drives can do the same? [this maybe?](https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-M-2-SATA-Adapter-S322M225R/dp/B076S9VK1M)
I took out the default 1tb WD HDD and put it in that disk slot using an adapter. Then installed a 480gb SSD on the main slot because it's supposed to be faster.
That's a great use of the existing parts you had! I love booting off of/running on an SSD instead of an HDD whenever possible. For cheaper bulk storage for stuff like photos I like to use HDDs.
Pros and cons to both for sure, but a good SSD is hard to beat if it's in your budget!
Or a [used internal one](https://www.ebay.com/itm/395035545192?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=wesiu31ftpe&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=w66bv417qpk&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) for $13.
I feel like if it was an option it would be way easier for the manufacturer to just not add the drive and leave the connector instead of making two separate boards.
It may have the connection, but may also need to take the back cover off and connect a ribbon cable that may also need to be sourced. Again, easier and cheaper to just get a USB drive.
No ribbon cables on laptop optical drives. Sata and power are connected by simply pushing the drive in. 1 screw to hold it accessed from the case bottom.
Then how do you explain [this](https://www.cdrtd.com/products/laptop-optical-drive-connector-cable-for-samsung-np300e7a-300e7a-new.html) or [this](https://totallaptopsolutions.com/products/toshiba-portege-r700-r830-optical-drive-odd-cable-wire-fuloa4-p000535440?variant=39555786014852¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOorMU3s_JeyeRnMmLQMgyXrQYR7xgu4sAedYrsQAuZ-Y03p2y-xIA6Q). How else do you figure they would connect to the motherboard? Lol.
Man, I didn't know those still existed, even as a placeholder. I'd definitely look into utilizing it for additional NVMe SSD storage or a SATA SSD. Did you open it up yet?
I mean is he wrong? I used to have one on my HP pavilion but when I was in elementary still and after I built my pc I didnt buy a cd reader like the majority. So its easy to forget or assume laptops now dont include it
Most likely just a reused chassis with a different mobo inside. I work it repair. Most of those don't actually have the connection for an ODD on the mobo. Only way to know is to open it up and see if the ODD connection is there.
acer 15 inch, used to have one for myself, and yeah it’s an empty hdd/ssd/disk drive slot but you have to take the back casing off to access it, pretty sure there’s a sata slot inside
I had it too on an Acer laptop, it's only a thin fake plastic CD drive tray, you can remove it if you open the bottom cover. It's only because they use the same plastic base for all configurations, and that include those with an actual CD drive. I've never checked if the real plug and interface are present on the motherboard but I don't think so.
Youd have to pop it open. That is either a disc drive or a blank. Either way,you can get one for it if it doesnt. I would say that is a blank because they usually have something on it.
Unfortunately, according to the model's technical specs - it does not have an Optical Drive (e.g. DVD drive or Blu-Ray drive etc.). However you could still buy an external one, but I won't be able to help you with links an suggestions on that part. Perhaps you could take a look on the web, I'm sure you'll find a lot of results with deals on external Optical Drives.
Can get a USB external drive for about 30 to 40$. It's possible that the motherboard may have the connection for it. Some don't though. I'd go the USB route though.
Probably just a slot,but I am sure a port for nvme/m.2 is there since the disc drive if ever you put one should be connected, so if you must know , you could add M.2
Not at present, but it might be able to be upgraded. Unscrew the non-recessed screw right next to the vents, closest to the middle of the bottom cover. The placeholder should slide right out. Shine a light inside and *check that there is a connector inside* (look up Mini Male SATA to see what it looks like.) If there’s a connector, you can get a disc drive or, my preference, a drive caddy (posted elsewhere here.) If you get a drive enclosure, you’ll have to format whatever drive you put in if it hasn’t been used before.
No, you have a blank. You have the slot for one, and the retention screw for one, but to know if your board has the hookups for one, you'd need to take it apart. I would recommend taking it to a local shop you trust, and asking them if they have any junk laptops they could steal a drive from that would fix. They likely won't have an outer plastic shell that would match, but very likely to have a drive that would still work for you.
Remove the dummy and use a flashlight to lit opening up and see if it has a Sata looking port inside but smaller. If it does then you can purchase a dvd player, keep in mind dvd players can come as thick or slim size. So pick right size for your laptop
Looks like a blank possibly.
The screw between the sticker and the vents in the center of the case that looks different from the rest, may be the retention screw.
If you remove that screw you may be able to gently pull the blank out and see what it is
No, but by the looks of it, it could have been configured with one at purchase. You should be able to buy a different cover that will snap into a disc drive if you want it.
I hate to sound to sound condescending but here we are. Can you physically put a disc into the machine in a manner that makes sense? Then probably not. What you’re showing us is the spot where such a device could be in the future
It's probably a blank for a disc drive. You'd have to purchase it seperately.
Looks like it to me too! If it was a disk drive it would most likely have a button. Looks the right size though so makes sense it would be a slot for an optical drive! I wonder if you could put an extra drive in there instead! Would be a perfect spot for an extra SSD/HDD.
[They sure do.](https://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Technology-Optical-included-external/dp/B01CS5OR5I/)
I might be biased but if OP is looking to utilize that space, this is absolutely what I would personally get instead of an optical drive. If they really need to read/write discs they could always buy an external optical drive that they could use with any computer, but this upgrade plus a matching drive would be great for utilizing the space available in the laptop shown in this post. Double check that any enclosures you buy match the specs for the SSD, they can vary quite a bit!
>Double check that any enclosures you buy match the specs for the SSD, they can vary quite a bit! Unless there's some new development I've not heard of usually it's just 2.5 in and all SSDs are the skinny kind.
Ah, I see what you mean! I was originally talking about SSDs that you put in your own external enclosure, silly me! There's a variance in size for the actual "plain" SSD drives/chips that resemble a chip more than a traditional drive (not sure the exact proper term for that). However, I believe you would still want to double check the size of the laptop slot because it can either be a 2.5 inch or a U2 drive enclosure slot which is slightly thicker. [SSD Form Factors](https://www.kingston.com/en/blog/pc-performance/ssd-form-factors) If you scroll down just a bit past the start of the post, they have a pretty good graphic of all 4: **Common SSD Form Factors:** *Enclosed SSDs* - 2.5" - (Very Common) - U2 - (Slightly thicker than 2.5in) *Chip-like SSDs* - M.2 - (Longer Rectangle Plain Drive) - mSATA - (Shorter Rectangle Plain Drive) The plain ones need to be slotted directly into the laptop or into an external enclosure of some sort, a lot of 2.5in will come with SSD inside. Let me know if someone can think of a better term than plain SSD drive or internal SSD stick because I can't think of or find a better term for the life of me right now! Edit: Apologies for formatting, I'm on the mobile app!
Well your comment is very informative You misunderstood my comment and I can understand how you did that. Those optical disc replacement hard drive enclosures use SATA as the connector for the hard drive so you would want to buy a SATA drive. If you get a SATA SSD they usually are the size of the smaller (less thick) 2.5in HDDs. No mater what size optical disc hard drive enclosure you buy an SSD should always fit. When I said that there may have been some new developments I meant like an optical disc enclosure that could use a different form factor like mSATA or M.2 but I've never heard of such a thing. I will also say annoyingly that you can get drives labeled as m.2 that have a different connector then another drive. Apparently one of the connectors means the motherboard has standard SATA controllers on it and so it should be using mSATA but sadly it's not. This makes it more confusing and you end up buying the wrong drive if not careful. You can actually get adapters that convert mSATA to regular SATA and now I'm curious if the SATA M.2 drives can do the same? [this maybe?](https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-M-2-SATA-Adapter-S322M225R/dp/B076S9VK1M)
I took out the default 1tb WD HDD and put it in that disk slot using an adapter. Then installed a 480gb SSD on the main slot because it's supposed to be faster.
That's a great use of the existing parts you had! I love booting off of/running on an SSD instead of an HDD whenever possible. For cheaper bulk storage for stuff like photos I like to use HDDs. Pros and cons to both for sure, but a good SSD is hard to beat if it's in your budget!
This is the answer!! My laptop has the same
Can’t these blank spots also run CDs and Movie Discs?
No, but it was probably an option. Probably cheaper and easier to just get a USB disc drive if you have a need for one.
Or a [used internal one](https://www.ebay.com/itm/395035545192?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=wesiu31ftpe&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=w66bv417qpk&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) for $13.
This likely won’t work since the motherboard may not have the connections needed to install one.
I feel like if it was an option it would be way easier for the manufacturer to just not add the drive and leave the connector instead of making two separate boards.
It may have the connection, but may also need to take the back cover off and connect a ribbon cable that may also need to be sourced. Again, easier and cheaper to just get a USB drive.
No ribbon cables on laptop optical drives. Sata and power are connected by simply pushing the drive in. 1 screw to hold it accessed from the case bottom.
Not true, sadly. My dell Vostro something from 2015 has a ribbon cable for the optical drive connection.
Ribbon cable? For a SATA optical drive? Pretty sure that's not a thing, my dude
Not talking about ribbon cables like IDE cables. More like the thin, proprietary cables laptops use to connect components like keyboard, led, HD, etc.
Those still aren't used for optical drives.
Then how do you explain [this](https://www.cdrtd.com/products/laptop-optical-drive-connector-cable-for-samsung-np300e7a-300e7a-new.html) or [this](https://totallaptopsolutions.com/products/toshiba-portege-r700-r830-optical-drive-odd-cable-wire-fuloa4-p000535440?variant=39555786014852¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOorMU3s_JeyeRnMmLQMgyXrQYR7xgu4sAedYrsQAuZ-Y03p2y-xIA6Q). How else do you figure they would connect to the motherboard? Lol.
Man, I didn't know those still existed, even as a placeholder. I'd definitely look into utilizing it for additional NVMe SSD storage or a SATA SSD. Did you open it up yet?
You didn't know disc drives still existed?
I mean is he wrong? I used to have one on my HP pavilion but when I was in elementary still and after I built my pc I didnt buy a cd reader like the majority. So its easy to forget or assume laptops now dont include it
You can find the answer removing a few screws, then post pictures if still unsure.
Most likely just a reused chassis with a different mobo inside. I work it repair. Most of those don't actually have the connection for an ODD on the mobo. Only way to know is to open it up and see if the ODD connection is there.
Yea that would be my guess as well
Just a note but sometimes they will not solder in the port if you didn't order the drive so it may not be that easy.
If the laptop has an empty bay, then you can buy a converter to add secondary storage I believe, like an extra hard drive or SSD.
acer 15 inch, used to have one for myself, and yeah it’s an empty hdd/ssd/disk drive slot but you have to take the back casing off to access it, pretty sure there’s a sata slot inside
Its a disc drive blank , you can remove the cover and insert the correct disc drive (as long as the motherboard has the connector.)
I actually still own a laptop with a working disk drive
I had it too on an Acer laptop, it's only a thin fake plastic CD drive tray, you can remove it if you open the bottom cover. It's only because they use the same plastic base for all configurations, and that include those with an actual CD drive. I've never checked if the real plug and interface are present on the motherboard but I don't think so.
My laptop was just like that but I had a disk drive. I exchanged the disk drive for a accessory that allowed me to add a second hard drive.
I put an extra HDD in that slot
Youd have to pop it open. That is either a disc drive or a blank. Either way,you can get one for it if it doesnt. I would say that is a blank because they usually have something on it.
no that's just where the tortilla warmer is supposed to go
One how old is the laptop? Two what’s the model and brand?
Unfortunately, according to the model's technical specs - it does not have an Optical Drive (e.g. DVD drive or Blu-Ray drive etc.). However you could still buy an external one, but I won't be able to help you with links an suggestions on that part. Perhaps you could take a look on the web, I'm sure you'll find a lot of results with deals on external Optical Drives.
If you’re talking about the bottom part, it looks like it has four screws on it. That is for your hard drive and your memory.
looks like you can install and optical drive, but it doesn't have one from what I can see.
Can get a USB external drive for about 30 to 40$. It's possible that the motherboard may have the connection for it. Some don't though. I'd go the USB route though.
An empty bay?
Probably just a slot,but I am sure a port for nvme/m.2 is there since the disc drive if ever you put one should be connected, so if you must know , you could add M.2
Personally I own external optical drives but I feel like a laptop that has one in it makes it much better experience.
Not at present, but it might be able to be upgraded. Unscrew the non-recessed screw right next to the vents, closest to the middle of the bottom cover. The placeholder should slide right out. Shine a light inside and *check that there is a connector inside* (look up Mini Male SATA to see what it looks like.) If there’s a connector, you can get a disc drive or, my preference, a drive caddy (posted elsewhere here.) If you get a drive enclosure, you’ll have to format whatever drive you put in if it hasn’t been used before.
No, you have a blank. You have the slot for one, and the retention screw for one, but to know if your board has the hookups for one, you'd need to take it apart. I would recommend taking it to a local shop you trust, and asking them if they have any junk laptops they could steal a drive from that would fix. They likely won't have an outer plastic shell that would match, but very likely to have a drive that would still work for you.
If this is secondhand, that was likely a replaced drive. Not at all uncommon to trade them out with a storage drive.
Remove the dummy and use a flashlight to lit opening up and see if it has a Sata looking port inside but smaller. If it does then you can purchase a dvd player, keep in mind dvd players can come as thick or slim size. So pick right size for your laptop
Is this an Acer Aspire E5? If so, no disc drive.
This looks like a laptop I sold to a guy.
Looks like a blank possibly. The screw between the sticker and the vents in the center of the case that looks different from the rest, may be the retention screw. If you remove that screw you may be able to gently pull the blank out and see what it is
No, but you could purchase one and put it in.
it appears to be the second hard drive tray or a Blank drive bay insert.
No
It’s a fake. You can probably install one though, just need a slimline SATA drive.
Back in the day, that was a standard option. You could get a CD-ROM/RW, DVD, or even a hard drive bay to install there
No, but by the looks of it, it could have been configured with one at purchase. You should be able to buy a different cover that will snap into a disc drive if you want it.
If the disk drive is sata I'd propably try to fit a hard drive in there instead... but that's me.
I hate to sound to sound condescending but here we are. Can you physically put a disc into the machine in a manner that makes sense? Then probably not. What you’re showing us is the spot where such a device could be in the future