The embodiments herein describe an apparatus and method for a reduced Z stack slot loading optical disc drive (ODD). In one embodiment a reduced Z stack height slot loading optical disc drive (ODD) is described. The reduced Z stack height ODD includes at least a hub/turntable arrangement having a hub portion and a turntable portion, the turntable portion arranged to support an optical disc secured thereto by way of the hub such that when a rotational motive force is applied to the hub/combination, the optical disc rotates about a hub/turntable axis of rotation, and a rotational motor adjacent to the hub/turntable arrangement, the rotational motor being arranged to provide the rotational motive force to the hub/turntable arrangement, the rotational motor being located in such a way that a rotational motor axis of rotation is translated in a direction perpendicular to the hub/turntable axis of rotation and wherein a Z height of the hub/turntable arrangement and a Z height of the rotational motor are not cumulative.