DIY transplant surgery

Ok lads, do you want to become a surgeon? Err, I mean a "computer surgeon". All you need is just some basic computer knowledge, so you can do it even if you're a layman! Sounds easy right? Great, let's move on.

I went to Low Yat Plaza today to buy a new DVD-RW drive to replace my LG GSA-H55N which died few weeks ago. I was unlucky perhaps, the H55N just lasted for 1 year+, just exceeding the 1 year warranty. Zzz.

Today, I was unlucky again. I was opting for the Pioneer S16FXB, but none of the shops I visited has the stock. Dumbstruck. Out of no choice I had to buy the inferior Pioneer DVR-217BK. (Well, my mom was with me, which made me felt lazy to survey any longer). Anyway here's the picture:

There's nothing special about the package, but it's bundled with a decent burning ROM software, Nero 8 Essentials. (Well again, I didn't bother to try it, so I didn't know how essential it is, obviously)

The "surgery" started as soon as I get home. Before I start, allow me to explain my title.
DIY (Do-It-Yourself): I don't think you need a group of "surgeons" to replace a broken DVD drive?
Transplant: An action of replacing a broken part with a functional one. In this case, the broken H55N is replaced by the new 217BK.
Surgery: Err, what's the reason? Transplant is a kind of surgery?
So, current or future doctors & surgeons (pro pro), please don't despise me and thinks that I'm trying to act pro with my title. ;p

I tend to talk too much cr@p, now back to the topic. I start by cleaning dusts stuck at the mesh material at the front of the casing to ensure optimum airflow. This action is irrevelant, but I know it will be left uncleaned for another half year if I don't clean it now, which might cause any of the hardwares to go haywire again.

Then, both side panels were removed. The device was disconnected from the motherboard, along with the IDE cable. I found a new SATA cable, and was made to spiral helix shape using a pencil, because it will be the same with IDE cables in terms of space occupation and appearance (BEING FLAT! LOL).

The final product

Next I installed the new 217BK on the 5.25" bay where the H55N used to be. Finally, SATA cable and power connector were connected. Side panels were then installed again. Surgery has finished, in less than 5 minutes!

Ignoring those wires, the SATA cable is still looking good IMO

I can finally do everything related with discs again. Hooray!

By the way, now I know why it's a surgery, because it's so identical to surgeries done by real professional surgeons!
1)Cleaning mesh material --> Surgeons disinfecting patients before beginning
2)Removing side panels --> Opening up the patients body with surgeon knife
3)Removing broken hardware --> Removing broken organs (example: kidney)
4)Installing functional hardware --> "Planting" in functional organs
5)Installing side panels --> Closing/sewing up the wound
Well, the CPU's a system after all, I bet there's nothing wrong with it ;)