How to Install a Blu-Ray Drive in Your Desktop PC

 Want to get that new Hi-Def picture on your PC?  Follow these simple Steps to get it installed.

 Before ever opening the case and dealing with the internal components of a computer ALWAYS unplug the power.  After you pull the cord, wait 30sec for the capacitors to discharge before making contact with anything inside the case.  It is also a good idea to touch the metal screws on the back of the case to ground yourself so you avoid zapping anything with a static shock.

 In the front of your case, find an opening for the drive to go in and remove the plastic cover from the case.  Some cases, like mine, have a metal backing that also needs to be removed.  This is easily removed just by twisting it a few times and it will break off.

 Insert the drive into the Computer.  Some computers like mine require rails for the drive to be inserted.  Most cases will just require you to insert the drive and then use the included screws to secure it in place.  You will want to make sure that the drive face is flush to the front of the case to avoid doors not shutting and a poor looking install in general.

 Locate the smaller width cable that came with the drive.  You will find that each end of the cable is keyed with an L shape.  There is a plug on the back of the Blu-Ray drive that matches it so you cannot plug the cable in incorrectly.  Attach it to the drive.  Next locate the SATA connector plug on the motherboard.  Most motherboard companies have the connectors colored bright yellow, but it is not standard, so yours may be different.  Plug the other end of the cable into an open SATA connector on the motherboard.

 Next you will need to connect the power to the drive.  Most newer computers will have a SATA power cable that looks like the same type of plug from the previous step, only larger.  If you don't have a free one you can use the included Molex to SATA converter like I did to get power to my drive.

Once connected, go ahead and close back up the case and reconnect the power to the computer.

Your drive will come with an included disc that will contain most likely PowerDVD for playing back Blu-Rays movies.  Insert the disc and follow the on screen instructions to install.  Some software will need to be updated with a patch after the install to play on newer Operating Systems like Windows 7.  PowerDVD required a 100mb Patch before I could play my movies.

 Now that you have the drive and players installed, sit back and enjoy the Hi-Def movies that Blu-Ray has to offer.  If you are like me and have your PC hitched up to your TV, you just got one of the best Blu-Ray players available for under $100.