Replacing the Superdrive... Scary stuff!

The time has come when my Superdrive has finally given up and ejects everything I throw at it!
So I have two options
1. Get an external burner (quite like the Lacie Slim Burner but it's still an extra thing to carry around with you.
2. Get a new Internal Superdrive and either a) install it myself or b) get a pro to install it.
Would do people think? I've installed a new internal hard drive but looking at the instructions it seems a lot more complex a job. If I were to get someone to install it does anybody know of anywhere in the UK?

Hi,
I too have replaced my hard drive (so many bloody screws) I bought it from these guys at a reasonable price - I'm sure they have Superdrives and they fit them for you with a collection and delivery option - check them out -
http://www.macupgrades.co.uk/store/index.php
Regards

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Help required on replacing the Superdrive please!

My internal superdrive gave up the ghost a few weeks back and I have been managing fine with a LaCie external DVD burner without a problem. However, i am thinking of selling my iMac to get one of the newer models and would like to replace the superdrive before selling.
I have found these easy to follow instructions on how to remove the existing drive:
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/imacg517inchOpticalDrive.pdf
This all looks simple enough and was wondering if purchasing the Pioneer DVR-K06 would be a viable option as a replacement drive as it seems to only be about £35 ?
http://www.play.com/Product.aspx?r=PCSH&title=3508472&source=9593
Will this model fit ok into the space vacated by the Superdrive or is it particularly difficult operation to carry out for a novice?
Any help would be greatly appreciated ! Thanks in advance

Hi,
Clearing can be performed, only if the GL account / Vendor account / customer account balance is 0.
In your case the account balance must not be 0.
Please check.
Thanks,
Srinu

I have a MacBook Pro which has a SSD replacing the superdrive. I have bought an Apple USB superdrive but It's not working when I plug it in?

i have a MacBook Pro which has a SSD replacing the superdrive. I have bought an Apple USB superdrive but It's not working when I plug it in? Is it broken or do I need to download something to make it work?

System Requirements
MacBook Pro with Retina display
MacBook Air computer
Mac mini computer

I have a Macbook Pro 15 Late 2011, can i replace the superdrive with an data 3 hdd or does it only work with sata2?

I was wondering if the superdrive can be replace with an sata 3 hdd or whether it should be a sata2 hdd.
I´ve heard of problems with sata 3 ssd´s as superdrive replacement.
thx

thank you, but the hdd that i was thinking about comes with an 6Gb/s interface...
http://www.hgst.com/tech/techlib.nsf/techdocs/79BA810F702AD64E88257977006375D8/$ file/TS5K1000_ds.pdf
do you think i could use this model in the optibay ?

Replacing the Superdrive with an SSD or HD

I'm thinking of replacing my internal superdrive in my 17" MBP (2.3 i7 early 2011), as I very rarely use it, and could do with more internal portable space...
Can it be done?
Does anyone have any links to tips or guides?
Can anyone recommend specific tools/products I should use?
Can anyone recommend a casing/caddy that I can put the Superdrive into should I wish to use it externally?
Are there any compatibility issues I should be aware of? Particularly with communication with the OS...
Any other comments?
Thanks!

RedHavoc wrote:
Now this is the kinda response I was hoping for!
Thanks! A few questions...
Has having the second drive affected battery life at all?
Have you experienced any compatibility issues with start-up/mounting/unmounting/OS interaction/transfer rates etc?
Does the SuperDrive still read/write at it's original (or near enough) speed?
Cheers!
Since a SSD uses less power then a typical spinning HDD I have not noticed and real decrease in battery life.
But then I don't use any of my notebooks on battery that much. My MBP is is 5 weeks old and only has 14 charge cycles on it. My new Dell maybe 5-7 which I got about 1 week before I bought the MBP.
Not sure what you mean by your seconsd question. Are you talking aboth the Superdrive or the second HDD.
Neither with either.
I never unmount the HDD in the Superdrive bay. If the Superdrive is connect by USB cable once you eject the disc it unmounts and does not mount until you put a disc in.
Yes the Superdrive still reads and write the same as far as I can tell. Which IMHO is very SLOW. Even when it was in the case it was slow. Not sure how jyour is but mine was like watching paint dry.
Tthe only thing you can't do is Boot from it. So if for some reason I need to boot something that is on a CD or DVD I image it and then restore to a USB thumb drive. The one reason I did this is about the only time, in the last 3-4 years, that I use a CD/DVD drive is to make MP3s from music CDs or to burn utilities and info to give to someone.
As far as burning I haven't done that yet on the Mac so I don't know for sure but I don't think I'd have a problem.

What drive to replace the superdrive with?

A few days ago the superdrive in my Powermac G4 (MDD - 1.42Ghz) decided to start making tons of circular scratches in any disc that is inserted into the computer. I have a feeling it's going to have to be replaced (actually - this is the second superdrive in the computer. First one was replaced under warantee within the first year... but that's not an option anymore...)
So... what drive should I use to replace it? Is it best to stick with whatever is currently in it - or is it possible to replace it with one of the new dual-layer drives found on dealmac? Most of those don't seem to be specifically mac compatible, but often times things like that work anyway. Does anyone have any experience replacing their superdrive with something else? How does iDVD, itunes, etc. work? Thanks!!!

I installed the Pioneer DVR-111D in my MDD G4 and have not had any problems using it in any applications. I moved the OEM Combo drive down to the second bay and use it as the disk source for copying CDs and DVDs.
BTW, IMO, the 111D is a very quiet and smooth operating drive compared to most optical drives I've heard.
Note, you have to remove the 111D's tray faceplate to use it in the MDD G4 as the faceplate will interfere with the opening and closing of the flapper doors on the MDD G4. Not a big deal, just pry it up gently from the bottom with your fingers and it will pop off.
Good luck.
Carl B.

Replacing the superdrive

i burned a dvd yesterday and popped it out, and now the tray on my SONY DVD RW DW-D150A superdrive will not retract. it goes in about 1/2" before it stops, and then comes back out again. the eject commands / key all work still, but the tray physically is stuck. it also seems to stick as it tries to come back out.
have rebooted, reset pram, and even tried jiggling the tray as i gently push it back, nothing. stops dead. so basically im figuring its hardware failure.
anyone suggest some replacement dvd±r drives that will operate with the macpro's pretty drive door?

it does not address my question however of recommended optical drives to put into a mac pro. as in, specific non-apple models people have used before...
Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-115D
Set the jumper to CS (Cable Select). You have to remove the lip from the tray
<http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/index.cfm?page=removedrivedoor.html>

How much does it cost to replace the superdrive on an iBook?

It appears that I have a mechanical failure in the slot-loading superdrive on my 14" G4 iBook. If I take it to my local apple store, does anyone know roughly how much it'll cost if they have to replace it with a new drive ($USD)? My one-year warranty ran out three weeks ago. Typical.
Thanks.

I can only speak from personal experience. When my CD-Rom drive needed to be replaced 18 months ago I was quoted a price of $300.00 by the Apple Store. That seems to be a basic price for cracking the case. A Superdrive might be more expensive.
MCE offers a self-install for $129.00. On the same page is a link to service providers. I have no idea how much they would charge for the installation.
http://www.mcetech.com/ibg4dvdr8dl.html
DT&T will replace it for a $75.00 install fee plus $145.00 for the drive itself. They are located in California so you would have to pay shipping both ways.
http://www.dttservice.com/ibookg4.html#ibook%20g4%20combo%20super
Good luck,
Susan

How do I replace my superdrive in my late 2007 macbook pro 15 inch?

My macbook pro doesn't read or burn CD's, doesn't burn DVD's. It's a 5 year old computer and I'm sure it's time to replace the superdrive in it. Is there a step by step procedure in doing this that I can do myself? I went into an apple store and was told the optical drive needs to be replaced. I'm assuming superdrive and optical drive are the same thing?....

After you visit either PowerBookMedic.com or IFixIt.com to purchase a replacement that will surely surpass the original in terms of speed and reliability in burning, amble over to their DIY section where you will find either pictorial or video procedures.
Yes, superdrive == optical drive.

Lion does not recognizes the superdrive as external drive

Hello,
After having replaced my superdrive for a SSD in my macbook, I look for a solution to retrieve the original superdrive in Lion.
the superdrive is now contained in a slim box firstcom. Each time i plug the drive via USB, it starts normally but i have no software able to detect it (even VLC)
I already did this method but with no success : http://macenstein.com/default/2011/07/how-to-get-your-external-super-drive-worki ng-in-lion/
That would be great if somebody can give me some help to solve it.
Thank you for your responses.

I do not think, that replacing the superdrive by another drive is a hack. It probably does not influence the warranty. Changing the HDD by a another HDD or SSD does void your warranty, I think.
Can you not even "mount" the external superdrive with Disk Utility?
But I have another question for you: do you use the SSD for the OS? If yes: why did you not put it in the place of the HDD and the HDD in the superdrive slot (if both are the 2.5" type)? Because with earlier MBP's the Superdrive Sata connection has a lower speed than the HDD Sata connection, which means that you can have even more speed advantages by putting the SSD in the HDD place and place the slower HDD in the Superdrive location.
But, like ds said, on Bmer's forum you will certainly find the answers on your issue.

How do I replace the main SATA HD in my macbook pro 9,2 with an SSD?

Can anyone direct me to photo directions for replacing the main HD in my macbookpro? Do I need a caddy to install a 2.5 SSD? I am not trying to replace the superdrive, so those caddies are not what I am looking for. CAn I just install the SSD in the same space left for the main SATA drive without using any adapter?

You can install the SSD in the same bay as your current HDD. You don't need a caddy.
Here's a link on iFixit.com with pictures of how to replace the HDD on a Macbook Pro. Same instructions apply when replacing the HDD with an SSD. I recently replaced a 320GB HDD in my early-2011 13" MBP with an SSD. Very easy to do.

My computer has been seen at Genius bar 6 times for freezing up, reloaded all original settings and even went to the apple shop where they replaced the battery and logic board. Still freezes after I try to reload iTunes stuff and app stuff from apple

my computer has been seen at Genius bar 6 times for freezing up, reloaded all original settings, all of their diagnostics, and they even sent it to the apple shop where they replaced the battery and logic board. Still freezes after I try to reload iTunes stuff and app stuff from apple, especially iPhoto which is seems to refuse to load and then begins freezing up all over again. Anyone else have this problem. Other than this, I have had absolutely no problems with this computer. Now, it's a file of junk.

Hi Ronald ...
Have you checked lately to see how much free space there is on the disk? Especially since iPhoto freezes at launch ...
Click your Apple menu icon top left in your screen. From the drop down menu click About This Mac > More Info > Storage
Make sure there's at least 15% free disk space.
And make sure the OS X software is up to date.
Click the Apple  top left in your screen.
From the drop down menu click: Software Update
If you have anti virus software installed or are using third party Mac cleaning utiliites, that may be part and parcel of the your problems.

I have a MacBook Pro laptop purchased in June 2011, and the superdrive no longer works. Rather than have it replaced, I'll buy a 3rd party superdrive that plugs into the USB port. Does it need it's own power source, or will the USB port suffice?

I have a MacBook Pro laptop purchased in June 2011, and the superdrive no longer works. Rather than have it replaced, I'll buy a 3rd party superdrive that plugs into the USB port. Does the external superdrive need it's own power source, or will the USB port provide enough power?

The Apple external SuperDrive actually exceeds the allowed power draw. Because of this, it is only trouble-free on certain models that accommodate this excess.
All others require an external Power source.

Is it worth it to replace the hard drive of a brand new macbook?

I'm buying a Macbook today and realize it would be cheaper to buy the 160gb laptop, and switch out the hard drive to a 320 gb (its only $76, compared to the $300 difference between the 160gb macbook and the 250gb macbook).
I picked out the hard drive and I know where the hard drive in my laptop will be located, and how to remove and replace it. However I'm a little worried about actually doing it. I wouldn't need to back anything up because I haven't used it before, so can I just replace the hard drive before I ever even turn it on for the first time?
Also, I've never done this before..
What are the risks I'm taking by doing this?
and, is it worth it?

Yup, gotta love OWC!
Try this:
1. Place order for DIY (external enclosure kit + HD) kit.
2. While waiting for delivery, enjoy your MacBook.
3. When kit arrives, back up your MacBook to DVDs!! You know how, right?
4. Swap drives. Careful, you'll need to swap the 4 mounting pins from the current HD to the new one. Our current HD uses hex-keyed pins. And the kit came with enough screws, right?
5. Install "old" HD from MacBook into enclosure (FireWire 800 (zoom!) for Pros, USB for Not Pros). You did order the right one, right? And it came with the right cables, right?
5a. Boot 'Book from that external device (you know how, right?). Maybe not as fast via that cable, hm?
6. Restore to the new internal HD and now reboot from it. Check that all is well before . . .
7. . . . erasing "old" HD in new enclosure. Your backup was fine, right?
8 (and last). Use "old" HD in enclosure as your Time Machine device. What could be better? Continue to use DVDs to back up the whole Mac. (Though there are even cooler ways to bulletproof it . . .)
With Leopard's tools, and these new Macs, geekery will never be the same. It's insanely easy to keep your stuff safe and sound for not that much $$. So gofer it!
MSES

(2011 13" Macbook Pro Model 8,1) I want to replace my 320GB HDD and replace it with a 6gb/s 120GB SSD. I also want to replace the optical drive with a 7200RPM HDD 750GB.

I want to use:
The SSD and enclosure to replace the optical drive with the new HDD
So basically, I want to use the SSD in the link above. I want to set this up as either preferrably a fusion drive. If not the smoothest most stable configuration. I have a Macbook Pro Early 2011 13" with 8 GB of ram, 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5, 320GB HDD.
I want to install the SSD directly to the SATA port where the 320 GB HDD is currently. I then want to install the new HDD, preferrably a name brand 750 GB 7200RPM hard drive where the optical drive is now. I want the storage to work in a way in which the OS, and my most used programs and files get stored on the SSD, and everything else gets stored on the larger hard drive. My most preferred method would be Fusion drive, or a SPAN drive.
I would like to use a Seagate Momentus XT, but I learned that there might be issues with compatability with this. I dont mind using the 3 gb/s 500GB option, but would like to know if it would even be smart to do it. I also have no problem settling for a regular 7200 RPM hard drive.
I have read a bunch of stuff online but I still am not sure if this is even possible. I want my machine to run as fluid as possible so any info would be appreciated.

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Replacing the Superdrive... Scary stuff!

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