Adding an OEM DVDRW super drive and 2nd HDD or SSD to Aspire5 A517-51x-xxx with photos

There are multiple incomplete or incorrect threads dealing with adding a 2nd HDD and/or an optical drive to Acer Aspire5 model A517-51(x)-xxx. Here it is complete with photos of how to do it.

The x's mean that there might be a G or other letter after the 51. Then there are three or more number/letter combinations after the next dash. So it might look like A517-51-54L4 for a model with a 256K internal SSD mounted to the main board (motherboard) and an empty normal HDD/SSD bay (capable of accepting a 2nd SSD or spinning HDD), and no optical drive (DVDRW super mulit-drive). This particular model does not have either the HDD cable or the receiver plug, board or ribbon cable for the DVRW – called the ODD board and cable. I'm told some models does have the ODD board, but none I've seen has the HDD cable if it didn't come with a spinning HDD – usually a 1TB. If you have any doubts whether you will need the HDD cable, just look in the empty HDD bay and see if the SATA connector is flopping around in there with nothing connected to it.

I've tracked down an authorized Acer factory repair shop and parts dealer, part #'s and prices (which are quite competitive) for all parts related to these additions. I've ordered parts (about 10-day delivery by USPS as they order parts from the Acer factory then deliver them to you) and actually installed all of them (and... have done a HDD to SSD conversion on a Aspire 5 A517-51-568Y not covered in this post. (Clone, remove, initialize new drive, install, clone back (I use Acronis)).

I've posted tips along with pictures to guide you in installing these yourself. Expect about an hour for your 1st HDD/SSD install and 10 more minutes for theDVDRW. You will not need any additional drivers or software. These installs are Plug and Play.

All parts are listed below for both installations with part #'s: both Acer's and the dealer #'s. I didn't list sources for an SSD or SATA to USB3 adapter (handy for cloning, etc), but I've gotten several from Amazon in the past.

I am not a dealer or rep, nor do I receive any compensation for referral, sale of parts or otherwise.

You will need some screws for mounting the HDD or SSD with and in a bracket if you use one (M3x3 or M3x2.5). Also the ODD board to the chassis (M2x3). Some don't bother with a bracket if it's an SSD, but I did. There are some nice mini-metric screw assortments out there. I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D19SDQK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It has only an M3x3 for 3mm screws and as you will see I recommend M3x2.5 for the side holes on a Samsung 860 Evo. I got around it by tapping the side holes in the SSD a little deeper. If this sounds scary it's not - because of the way hole are arranged on this drive.

For a nice driver set I got this one which has everything I've needed for years for all those tiny computer screws of all head types:

https://www.amazon.com/Kingsdun-Precision-Screwdriver-Professional-Eyeglasses/dp/B00OZGAE9C

PARTS Dealer:

Capital Data Inc

3300 W. Main St

Lansing, MI 48917-4389

Authorized parts distributors for Acer factory parts.

1-800-999-4409 option/ext 2 for Charlotte. She has researched out all these parts for me/us. They fit all models which begin with A517-51. What is behind that doesn't matter I'm told.

Part #'s are listed as Acer # first followed by Capital Data's part # abbreviated as “CD” then the #

For installing an HDD or SSD:

HDD/SSD cable: (50.GSUN2.002), CD # (A517-51/51/HDDCBL) ( main board connector to standard SATA connector) $15.00

HDD/SSD mounting bracket (Caddy): (33.GP4N2.002), CD # (A517-51/HDDCDY) $11.00

For installing an optical drive:

Acer Super Multi-Drive kit - $55.00 includes:

DVDRW: (KO.00807.025)

DVDRW Faceplate (42.GSUN2.003) You need this. Dummy insert cannot be adapted.

DVDRW Mounting Bracket (33.GSUN2.001)

Also need if your unit does not have it:

ODD Board (55.GSUN2.002), CD part # (A517-51/ODDBD) $22.00

ODD Cable (50.GSUN2.004, CD part # (A517-51/ODDCBL) $9.00

Good luck! Don't forget to keep yourself grounded before you crack the case of any electronics device with a chip in it, adding/replacing memory, etc.