Can I use a W530 ultrabay device in a regular "slimline" 5.25" bay (for HTPC)?

I have a bit of a weird question, see title.

Let me explain: I have a W530 with a DVD multiburner in the ultrabay.

Completely independently (and sorry if this gets slightly off-topic), I am putting a compact (mini-ITX) HTPC together.
As one example, this is one case I'm thinking about: Flyer FI-01B.

So I'm thinking, could I buy a bluray drive for my W530 and "recycle" the ultrabay DVD in my HTPC or vice-versa as needed?

I guess an offbrand slimline bluray would fit not into my ultrabay (random example here), but what about the other way round?
How much does the ultrabay specification really deviate from a standard "slimline" 5.25" external bay?
Is there some "ultrabay-to-slimline-5.25 adapter" available?

Thanks!

 

1. You can use the ThinkPad optical drive in a HTPC as long as you get a slimline SATA cable. The slimline end of such cable connects to the ThinkPad optical drive, and the two connectors of the other end connect to the mini-ITX motherboard and to the power supply.



2. You can replace the ThinkPad optical drive with a Blu-ray drive. See here for relevant instructions (with video and Panasonic drive recommendation).

I used this same Panasonic drive in a mini-ITX build last summer, using a Lian-Li PC-Q03B case.

(By the way, if you use the Intel BOXDH77DF board, you have the option of installing an mSATA SSD right on the board for boot/OS/programs, in conjunction with a large HDD for storage. Very neat HTPC space saving.)

 

Awesome response Kaso!
I'm amazed that a bluray BURNER would come that cheap.

Now I need to think my HTPC case options through...

You've helped me a lot, thank you very much.

 

Glad I could be of some help. (I love mini-ITX form factor.)