External Optical Drive

[harvdog47]

Is it possible to get an old (5-7 years) to work with a silicon Mac or MacBook Pro. Both devices are running 18.5 MacOS.

 

[RadDave]

Is it possible to get an old (5-7 years) to work with a silicon Mac or MacBook Pro. Both devices are running 18.5 MacOS.

Well, you really need to provide a MUCH clearer explanation of your devices and needs? For example, what does an 'old to work' mean, what device are you talking about (an external optical drive is mentioned in your title)? Then 'both devices are running 18.5, which makes no sense if referring to macOS - the most current version is 15.5 Sequoia; now 18.5 is the most recent version of iOS/iPadOS - please explain more clearly. Dave

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Yes, there's nothing special about the optical drive and it'll work fine with either Mac.

 

[Rod]

Yes, I have a Sony external optical drive that has been working since my 2015 Intel MBP and still works perfectly with my M1 Silicon MBP using a USB-A to USB-C adaptor.

 

[Jimmysb]

Is it possible to get an old (5-7 years) to work with a silicon Mac or MacBook Pro. Both devices are running 18.5 MacOS.

I am using HHD and SSD bought for use with Windows, quite a few years ago, and like my optical drive, and as long as the correct ports are available, they should be "plug and play"

 

[harvdog47]

Well, you really need to provide a MUCH clearer explanation of your devices and needs? For example, what does an 'old to work' mean, what device are you talking about (an external optical drive is mentioned in your title)? Then 'both devices are running 18.5, which makes no sense if referring to macOS - the most current version is 15.5 Sequoia; now 18.5 is the most recent version of iOS/iPadOS - please explain more clearly. Dave

Sorry Jim . . . my iMac is a 2021 M1 using 18.5 macOs while the optical drive is about 6 or 7 years old and is branded Amicool, Class 1 Laser Product Model No. BT686.
Harvey

I am using HHD and SSD bought for use with Windows, quite a few years ago, and like my optical drive, and as long as the correct ports are available, they should be "plug and play"

 

[RadDave]

Sorry Jim . . . my iMac is a 2021 M1 using 18.5 macOs while the optical drive is about 6 or 7 years old and is branded Amicool, Class 1 Laser Product Model No. BT686.
Harvey

Hi Harvey - again the most recent macOS is Sequoia 15.5 as stated in my first post - I'm using an Air M2 laptop and my 12+ year old Apple SuperDrive works fine (needed a USB-A to USB-C adapter). Here's the manual for your optical drive - you should be fine as the others stated previously. Dave

 

[Jimmysb]

Sorry Jim . . . my iMac is a 2021 M1 using 18.5 macOs while the optical drive is about 6 or 7 years old and is branded Amicool, Class 1 Laser Product Model No. BT686.
Harvey

Sorry, though bought for Windows many years ago, they still work on my 2022 M1, didn't explain properly.

 

[Benzowner]

I have an Apple optical drive and running it on my M4 iMac will not work through a hub it must be connected direct using an adaptor. It fires up when connected through the hub but will not load a CD

 

[Rod]

Is it an AC powered hub? My point being that it may draw more power for mechanical actions than can be provided by a USB powered hub.

 

[RadDave]

Is it an AC powered hub? My point being that it may draw more power for mechanical actions than can be provided by a USB powered hub.

Agree w/ Rod - my 'old' Apple SuperDrive needs to be plugged directly into a USB-C port of my iMac or AppleAir laptop - tried in non-powered hubs on both computers w/o success - so need a direct port plugin or a powered hub. Dave

 

[Rod]

My old Sony DVD/CD burner/player is independently AC powered so not a problem for me but it does work perfectly on current M series MacBooks so function is not an issue but I think power may be.
Even plugging it in directly might be detrimental, in the long term a powered hub is probably the best solution especially if you are running multiple devices off the hub.

 

[Slydude]

Is this the drive?

AMICOOL BT686 External DVD Drive Manual - ItsManual

Note

itsmanual.com

Notice the split nature of that cable? Some drives with that design only function when both ends of the cable are connected to a port.

 

[Benzowner]

I have both a powered and non powered hub and neither of them works, in fairness the drive is probably 11 or 12 years old so like me a bit fragile lol

 

[RadDave]

I have an Apple optical drive and running it on my M4 iMac will not work through a hub it must be connected direct using an adaptor. It fires up when connected through the hub but will not load a CD

Hello - I know this is not likely the issue but has occasionally resolved a 'non-working' SuperDrive - make sure that the CD or CD-R is inserted as shown below w/ the shiny side of the drive up; the second pic is the 'bottom' of the device although some have confused this with the top because of the logo. If not the problem, then you may need a new optical drive? Good luck - Dave
.

 

[Rod]

Same as the new Mac MinI

 

[Benzowner]

Hi RadDave that is exactly my drive, but it came with an Apple sticker , so stuck that on the top lol I now have it working plugged directly into my Mac with a small converter. It's a bit slow but being retired I have plenty of time lol

 

[RadDave]

Hi RadDave that is exactly my drive, but it came with an Apple sticker , so stuck that on the top lol I now have it working plugged directly into my Mac with a small converter. It's a bit slow but being retired I have plenty of time lol

Well, I've had mine for about 12 years and still working fine - had to put on a USB-C adapter to use with my M2 Air which has only two USB-C ports - now I have not used it much over those years so still looks new. Dave

P.S. If you're just getting back into 'burning' optical discs, Burn is a simple free app that I've used for years - now a 'universal' version that works fine in Sequoia - click on the link if interested.
.