Abstract: A disk drive unit, such as a DVD recorder, comprises a turntable (3) having an axis of rotation (2?). An optical pickup unit (4) is provided next to the turntable. A cooling device directs a cooling air stream to the optical pickup unit to cool the hot components thereof. The cooling device comprises a centrifugal blower (5) having an axis of rotation (5?) substantially parallel to that of the turntable. The centrifugal blower (5) is accommodated in a housing (7) which is attached to a side of the disk drive unit within the height dimensions of the disk drive unit. This may lead to a cooling device having a high cooling capacity and a low noise level and which does not affect the height dimensions thereof.