Replacement super drive

Which CD/DVD burners work with the G4, MDD 1 GHZ computer? When running 10.4.6, will I be able to use a replacement internal drive with iDVD 4.0.1?
Thanks.

Hi
The drives are all made by a limited number of manufacturers; Pioneer & NEC being two of the more popular, LG, Matshita, Plextor, Toshiba and a few others also make variations.
There is NO REASON to pay more than $40 for a desktop drive, unless you want to pay extra for Mac software that some vendors provide. Even Laptop/iMac drives can be found for substantially less than "retail" Mac vendors offer them for.
xlr8yourmac.com's "Drive Compatability" database is a good place to start, if you are unfamiliar with your options.
The OS has built in burn capabilities, so unless you need more options, additional software is unneccesary.

Similar Messages

Replacing super drive with SSD

Hi everyone,
My iMac is getting old (2.8GHz Core 2 Duo).
I'm thinking to replace a super drive with 240GB SSD (will install OS and Apps). I will still use my internal SATA drive for data and files.
240GB SSD > OS and Applications
500GB SATA > all data and files
I'd like to know if I get significant speed advantage??? Anybody has similar configuration? How is it? Is it worth to do?
Also I'm thinking to upgrade my MBP same way..
Thanks!

Well first off it voids your AppleCare/warranty as a unauthorized change, but if you don't care then most have preferred placing the SSD where the hard drive is and moving the hard drive to where the Superdrive is, placing the Superdrive in a external encloses.
SSD made to be the boot/OS/applications/bare bone user drive for speed and the hard drive for large storage (as SSD's can wear out)
You won't be able to boot off the external Superdrive or install Windows from it according to reports I read.
If you contact Bmer art MacOwnersSupportGroup
http://macosg.com/
He has a lot of experience and did it himself so he can teach you how it's done, the best SSD to use, cloning your drive and so forth.
http://www.mcetech.com/optibay/
http://www.harddrivebenchmark.net/high_end_drives.html

Replacing Super Drive on Intel 20" Alu iMac

Hello,
My iMac optical drive has become faulty and will now no longer eject the disk. The drive in question is a Panasonic DVR -K06PD and it's fitted to a mid 2007 iMac Alu. My question is, could I fit a DVR-K05PE in replacement for the drive that's already installed? I know some users have reported problems with Mac OS not recognizing this drive.
Many Thanks.

Thank you, I know it's not the PRAM battery. I tested the drive with it's lid off and found it don't seem to lift the disk of it peg in the center. It's as if it not pushing the disk up further enough to let it go for the other mechanisms to push it out. I really wish that Apple could have adopted a universal disk drive. Made it slot loading but the ability to put it out as a tray when you can release. (Like a try with a slot in the front)

Need to replace combo drive without electrocuting myself

I want to replace my combo drive. I've purchased the proper replacement super drive, but guys at the Apple store warned me about the danger of electrocuting myself or frying my eMac because of the stored up power in the computer. Is this a real concern?
Can anyone help me with what to do so I don't fry myself or the computer.
Thanks,
BennySez

Michael Lafferty wrote:
This discharge procedure has not been required for years, and has never been for eMacs.
I beg to differ. This is from page 13 of the *eMac Service Source Repair Manual*, published by Apple in 2002:
"Warning: This product contains high voltage and a high-vacuum picture tube. To prevent
injury, always review the Service Foundations: CRT Displays course for safety information.
Whenever the rear housing of the computer is removed and before replacing a module,
you must
1. Discharge the CRT (shown below) and remove the anode cap.
2. Establish an ongoing ground by using a cable with alligator clips at both ends. Connect one end to the anode aperture, and connect the other end to the metal CRT frame (as shown below).
3. With the CRT discharged and the ongoing ground in place wear a grounding wriststrap to prevent equipment damage from static electricity
Page 77 covers replacement of the optical drive; these preliminary steps are listed:
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, do the following:
• Place the computer face down on an ESD mat.
• Remove the user access door.
• Remove the feet.
• Remove the rear housing.
• Discharge the CRT.
• Remove the fan.
• Remove the Faraday cage.
• Remove the digital module assembly.
• Remove the hard drive.
• Remove the heatsink.
• Remove the logic board.
Now, this manual covers the original eMac model. Perhaps later models of eMac do not have the same requirements. But until such documentation from Apple can be found, I think it foolish to not follow the guidelines set out in this manual, for all eMac models.
<Edited by Moderator>

I have an older iMac 5,1 and the disc drive no longer works. I was hoping that I could the Apple USB super drive as a replacement, but the info on the super drive page says compatible with iMac 2012 or later. Does anyone know why it would not work for me?

I have an older iMac 5,1 and the disc drive no longer works. I was hoping that I could the Apple USB super drive as a replacement, but the info on the super drive page says compatible with iMac 2012 or later. Does anyone know why it would not work for me?

A reply to similar question (Q & As , in product page Apple Store) says:
"...dissable the internal reader hardware from devices setup. Then plug the external usb superdrive and that's it." Answered by Enrique T from Lima Oct 25 2013.
If you can locate an external Apple USB 'Air" superdrive for earlier model MacBook Air, that should work. The newer one for the Air is the same as for iMac, now.
You may be able to use other brands of external USB optical drive with your older intel-based iMac, as some of them function capably. A few should also be able to see system discs or other bootable utilities on DVD.
Hopefully this helps.
Good luck & happy computing!

Gave mbp for super drive replacement ends up with display replacement as well

Hey there,
My mbp 13" late 2011 was not reading any dvds but reading cds well so i gave it in under warranty to my authorized service provider, they asked me to keep the macbook for 3-4 days as they did not have the super drive in stock. I was supposed to get my laptop back today when i rang them up they tell me that just one part has arrived and not the other one! asked them what are the two parts and bam they tell me the super drive and the display.
I dont remember having any display issues or webcam issues so i asked them about it and they tell me while running some diagnostics tests they found that my webcam would fail soon and hence they are replacing the display unit as well.
Now i would like to know if they could really find out via the diagnostics about which part would fail in the near future or did they mess up the camera cable which is quite close to the super drive.
They are replacing the display in warranty but id like to still know so that i could avoid the service centre in future if it turns out that they had actually damaged the connector.
thanks guys.
13" mbp late 2011
2.8ghz i7
8gb ddr3 1600 mhz corsair vengeance

This is a technical site that users volunteer their time on. Most forum users do not directly/officially question the Apple Genius Bar because they do not know the specifics of your case and do not have the Apple Repair Certification. Also we are not allowed to, by terms of use.
Most advise you take it up the chain of Apple Support and through the store management itself.
I am exiting this discussion.

Replacing combo drive with super drive

I think my iMac G5 needs a new optical drive, because I frequently get the error "failed to calibrate the laser power" when trying to burn from iTunes. (Yes, I've tried all the usual remedies: Different media, cleaning the lens, changing the burn rate... The Apple store genius say they see this "a lot," and it's probably the drive.)
My G5 has its original combo drive, but I've never burned a DVD and don't expect to with this machine. So my question is: Would there be any problem in replacing the combo with a super drive? Would the OS be able to "recognize" the different device and adjust for any differences?

You're right -- I had super and combo reversed. (Actually, the website I was looking at when I posted had them reversed.) I currently have the super drive (MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-845) that came with the iMac.
I can get an Apple combo drive replacement for $95 or a super for $145. There will not be any labor cost. So what I'm considering is replacing the super with a combo. I'm set on keeping it internal. My only concern would be that the change might cause some sort of system errors.

Super drive won't recognize audio CDs but will burn

Anything I can do about this?
When Audio CDs are inserted I will hear the drive attempting to load through several cycles then spit it out. Tried multiple CDs and CDs do work in CD player. ALL are original audio CDs not copies, cloned or burned. ALL are clean.
BLANK CDs will seat and allow me to burn through iTunes.
ALL DVDs load and play fine.
I feel like this suddenly happened but can't remember the last time I inserted an audio CD. I completely reformated (clean install) my HD last Thanksgiving, updated all drivers and programs I could find. (not sure about firmware for super drive but I think I found it was the lastest) I swear the CD ROM worked.
Got a new iPod at Christmas and it works fine. Itunes works fine!
Original Mac Mini and updated SuperDrive..... Info here:
I replaced original CD ROM drive with Super Drive about 4 years ago. There has never been a hardware issue. Clean install fixed random CD burn problem.
Super Drive:
PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-K06:
Model: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-K06
Revision: 1.01
Detachable Drive: No
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 1
Socket Type: Internal
Machine Name: Mac mini
Machine Model: PowerMac10,1
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (1.2)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1.42 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 512 KB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 167 MHz

Ditto for like 2 years.
I have the exact! same problem. A lot of people confuse similar drive problems with ours when diagnosing.
Here's what I have found out, although after 2 years, I haven't been able to completely fix it.
Something related to my login is corrupt or missing. If I log in under my wife's login, and insert the audio cd, everything is perfect. Then if I switch back to my login, everything is perfect for again. However every cd must still be inserted under her login.
I really with this additional post will help somebody who has had this actually answer. It isn't a drive problem, or itunes problem.... and clearly a complete re install of osx isn't necessary.
Dan

IBook G4 will not recognize Super Drive

There is a DVD stuck in my optical Super Drive. The drive now is no longer recognized in the system profiler either. There is no noise at all coming from the drive on startup or when an eject is attempted. This is a second-hand iBook so unfortunately i don't have any other information as the disc was stuck in the drive on purchase.

If a problem occurs when Applecare is in effect, Apple will honor the warranty until the problem is fixed, even if the Applecare expires in the meantime. A product specialist at Apple told me this.
You need to contact Apple and tell them that the replacement of the hard drive did not solve the problem, and that the hard drive is still not being recognized. It's possible that the new hard drive is bad, but it's also possible that the hard drive cable was not securely plugged into the logic board and that it has worked loose. Or there could even be a logic board problem that is keeping the hard drive from being recognized. But it's Apple's problem to sort out.
Good luck!

Can I use a super drive double layer in my ibookG4?

I have a 12 inch G4 iBook with the following specifications:
Max OS X version 10.4.11
Machine Name:          iBook G4
Machine Model:          PowerBook6,5
CPU Type:          PowerPC G4 (1.1)
Number Of CPUs:          1
CPU Speed:          1.2 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU):          512 KB
Memory:          768 MB
Bus Speed:          133 MHz
Boot ROM Version:          4.8.7f1
Serial Number:          4H******S87
I want to upgrade the optical drive combo I have for a super drive double layer to record movies, music and learn to use properly IDVD function.
Also I would be interested to upgrade my operation system to snow leopard, Do I need to change the CPU speed as well? and I want to change the Memory to 1 GB. Should I get specific memory card to get 1GB? look forward to hear from you.
Fernando
<E-mail Edited by Host>

The matter of obtaining a retail or replacement install DVD for Leopard 10.5
can be elusive; some say they'd been able to call AppleCare or Sales Support
US (two different 800 numbers, in Apple site) and for a fee of about $17, get
a white label full install DVD for Leopard 10.5; also said to be available, was
a white label DVD for Tiger 10.4. {These may or may not still be available;
the kicker here, was some who called over the past year did get them, others
who called later did not. Then even later on, others were able to get them.}
This topic has come up a few times in ASC discussions, even early this year
with posts in these threads with contact phone numbers to try & order discs.
And at this moment, I do not have those numbers available to include here;
nor do I know if I did, if the persons who may answer would be able to answer
the question of availability themselves. Appears the answer has changed
depending on who you are able to talk to, there at Apple.
Since those of us who answer these discussions do not know policy nor do
we represent Apple corporate, the results of any finding can be hit & miss.
About browsers. Some exist that are custom builds for PowerPC Mac and
there are some limits due to the nature of the volunteer efforts behind them.
Of them, note of these some only work in OS X 10.5.8; a few offer an older
OS 9 version (see icab site for a classic pre-X version.)
•TenFourFox - 7450 ("G4e" - see DL link)
http://www.floodgap.com/software/tenfourfox/
http://sourceforge.net/projects/tenfourfox/files/24.4.0/TenFourFox7450-24.4.0.ap p.zip/download
•iCab - shareware - runs free w/ small limitation
http://www.icab.de/dl.php
•SeaMonkey-for-PPC (OS X 10.5)
http://sourceforge.net/projects/seamonkey-for-ppc/
For my PPC G4 Macs, which run 10.5.8, I have these three browsers, and
also the Safari browser of the vintage; you can use Safari to set a different
browser as 'default' to the system, so a general browser launch triggers a
different browser than Safari, another one will take its place. I also have
an older Opera browser 10.63 that works, but is not supported w/ updates.
So regarding the purchase of retail label (not grey from a machine series)
DVD for a full install Mac OS X Leopard 10.5, an answer may exist, but
I do not have the details; nor do I know of some are workable answers.
And the discs said to be offered were either vintage replacements so a
caller would need a serial number, to match; or were white label installer
versions for a wider range of machines, not just one built model. So there
is some matter of what they are, and if what you want may really exist!
Some persons had looked into amazon or other possible sources, but if
a seller misrepresents their product, you can't really use what won't work.
You may be able to get old stock unused retail Leopard DVDs, ? online.
{Oh, if you have some favorite classic applications from OS 9.2.2 & before
you should consider a clone of Tiger 10.4.11 system with Classic, so you
can later boot the computer from there, in order to run those old applications.
Leopard does not support Classic in OS X. A backup hard disk drive with
its own power supply, and with oxford-type chipset, can be used for clones.}
Anyway, I thought to add the browser list; and a few add-ons from FireFox
will work with TenFourFox. I use one that makes the first open browser
window not have a tab. TenFourFox 17 had no tabs by default, now v.24
has tabs. I prefer separate windows so I can drag-drop between them and
do multiple searches or have other topics open at once. Or run two browsers.
Hopefully this helps somewhat.
Good luck & happy computing!

I currently have a mbp with two internal hard drives ( took super drive out) which for a video editor like myself is a dream I can edit video anywhere, my question can I order a new mbp with 2 internal flash drives?

I currently have a mbp 2.3 gighuz intel core 7 16 gig of ram with two internal hard drives ( took super drive out) which for a video editor like myself is a dream I can edit video anywhere, my question can I order a new mbp with 2 internal flash drives?

I wouldn't think so because the newer ones with Retina displays don't have an internal SuperDrive that can be replaced. Therefore the newer logic boards wouldn't have the two SATA/SATA Express connections on the logic board.
At least that was the case as of 2012. I've seen newer ones and they also don't have a SuperDrive.

My super-drive macbookpro stopped recording DVD

My super-drive macbookpro stopped recording DVD and continues to correctly read and burn cd. Has anyone had this problem? Is the drive or software? thanks
MATSHITA DVD-R   UJ-868:
Revisão de firmware:          KB19
Interligação:          ATAPI
Suporte de gravação:          Sim (unidade de origem Apple)
Cache:          2048 KB
Lê DVDs:          Sim
CD-Write:          -R, -RW
DVD-Write:          -R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Estatégias de escrita:          CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Suporte:          Para mostrar as velocidades de gravação disponíveis, insira um disco e escolha Visualização > Actualizar

This is a very common problem. Some are beacuse of the quality of media, some are because of the speed the media is burnt, some are because the drive gets dirty just where DVDs are concerned, and some are because of computer age. The last problem is common if the machine gets more than 4 years old, the PRAM battery needs replacing, and all sorts of settings start malfunctioning, until lastly the system clock no longer works and it might not boot. The others, see my FAQ*:
http://www.macmaps.com/cdrfailure.html

Late 2009 Mac Mini odd Super Drive Loading and Ejecting Noise

I have had no problems with my Mac Mini until now. Just today I inserted a disk into the super drive and it made a different noise to usual as it took the disk. Also, when I ejected it, it made different noise to what it usually makes. The drive still reads and writes fine it is just the loading and ejecting noise I am worried about.
Help would me much appreciated
cp1996

Sounds like you should be expecting the drive to fail more or less any time now. If the thing is still under warranty, take it in and try to get it replaced. There is a category for abnormal noise when selecting the failure type, so you should have a decent chance. But only if it's under warranty.

DVD super drive problem-does not eject

am facing strange problem with my DVD super drive. It does not eject when idle for some time and when its empty. I have a dual core Mac Pro with snow leapord OS. I have replaced it, updated the OS.. nothing fixes the issue.
it only ejects when I restart the mac pro.
Please help as it does not respond to eject key on keyboard also.
Thanx in advance.

If nothing else works for you, when you hear sound of drive trying to open after pressing keyboard eject button, strike the box of mac pro on both sides of the drawer with clenched fists.
I have been doing this for years.

Is there a printable DVD label that will not cause my Super Drive to crash?

CD Stomper and Avery paper labels cause the Super Drive to: reject the CD/DVD disk; report that the disk is damaged/unreadable; or just grind to a halt. Replaced the iMac internal Super Drive - still has same problem. Disks were prepared using the Super Drive and play without problems until I put a label on and try to play it in the same Super Drive. Labeled disks work fine in LG and Panasonic DVD players connected to TVs.

Many thanks. Used an external LG super multi drive burner to put labels on DVDs using Lightscribe, but the contrast and label limitations (black-gray) are less than ideal. Noticed that Avery sells CD/DVD label packages with paper labels for about 40 CDs and 2 "film" labels for DVDs. Web site doesn't appear to have packages of just DVD "film" labels. Has anyone had success with "film" labels for DVDs?

Replacement super drive

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