You can use any DVD drive for the install. I couldn't find a DVD-ROM in my spare parts. I ended up going to a (well known) retail store and buying an external drive, changed settings in BIOS to boot from USB, installed, and returned it after I was done. I don't recommend this but it worked. I knew I had one just couldn't find it. However, you might want to get a cheap one if you can. Some software, and most games, are utilizing the DVD for installation; higher capacity. Even if you get a cheapy, you said you weren't going to use it, so if you do want to install something in the future, you won't have to worry about it.