pokhins
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: SuperDrive needs power

I connected an Apple SuperDrive to a 3.0 USB Hub and connected the Hub to power and my Macbook Pro. However, I still get a notification saying "USB Device Needs Power," "Connect 'Apple USB SuperDrive' to a USB port on this Mac." I tried connecting it to my Mac directly and it worked, but does that mean there are no other options? Thanks

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014)

Posted on Oct 12, 2014 12:53 PM

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pokhins

Q: SuperDrive needs power

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  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Oct 12, 2014 12:55 PM in response to pokhins
    Level 10 (270,418 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 12, 2014 12:55 PM in response to pokhins

    Yes, that's what it means. It does not get adequate power from a hub.

  • by spudnuty,

    spudnuty spudnuty Oct 12, 2014 12:59 PM in response to pokhins
    Level 5 (7,097 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 12, 2014 12:59 PM in response to pokhins

    So Kappy is correct. The reference is here with an expanded explanation:

    Apple Computers and Displays: Powering peripherals through USB

    "An Apple peripheral device must be plugged directly into an Apple computer or display. Apple peripheral devices connected to hubs will not have access to extra power above the standard USB specification of the port the device is connecting to (500 mA for USB 1.1 or 2, 900 mA for USB 3)."

  • by Michael Mortilla,

    Michael Mortilla Michael Mortilla Dec 5, 2015 5:13 PM in response to pokhins
    Level 2 (289 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 5, 2015 5:13 PM in response to pokhins

    I have a USB SuperDrive that has worked perfectly on every hub and USB extension cable for about two years now.

     

    Today I bought a Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter to run a 30" Cinema display on my 2013 Mac Pro trash can and plugged the Super Drive into the new adapter. Now the Super Drive will ONLY work on a USB port on the Mac Pro. It will NOT work on my Mac Book Pro so it would seem something has happened to it as a result of plugging it into the DVI adapter.