can the PS3 run without the BD drive, with CFW?

I have dubiously acquired 2 "bad" PS3's. They are in various states of post-tinkering. They fail to boot with the three beeps, yellow light, then flashing red light. I'm assuming a reflow will be necessary (if that even works).

So my question is --- assuming I can get the to boot, can the PS3 run without the BD drive, perhaps once CFW is installed?

I have one BD drive (and fixin's) in unknown state, plus I could probably borrow the BD drive from my good PS3.