Best New DVD Burner for a G5

In my opinion, the Pioneer DVR series, which Apple has used frequently in the PowerMac/Mac Pro models. I have a DVR-112 dual-layer burner in my PowerMac G5 (replacing the original DVR-107) ... I think the series is up to 116 now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129023

Note that you will have to remove the front bezel of the drive tray when you install it in the G5 (otherwise it won't open fully when the G5 drive cover slides down), but it's very simple to do.

Matt

I have am using a Pioneer DVR-1910LS has anyone ran into any issues with this? I am noticing some strange behavior. Sometimes it wont eject, and if I used iTunes to eject, it also does not always eject. If it does not eject when I use the iTunes CD eject button iTunes stops responding. I also noticed that if I leave a DVD in the drive the machine becomes unstable not allowing me to kill certain applications. Are these macs very picky about what DVD drive they have?

Since I was feeling that there was some sort of incompatibility, I went ahead and ordered a Samsung 20X DVD DL SuperDrive w/LightScr. This was suggested for my dual G5 by Other World Computing.

Have you figured out the reason why your computer becomes unstable after having a disk in the drive?

I am having the same exact issue; after having disks in the DVD drive (PLEXTOR DVDR PX-800A:) they will not eject; I've tried using the eject command in the terminal, and using the "Open Superdrive" menu option.

I've also tried ejecting from Disk Utility but that will freeze the application. I can't force quit the Disk Utility application or even relaunch the Finder. The only way around is to go a hard reboot by holding down the power button.

Every time a disk is in the drive I have to force reboot, this is fast becoming a major issue, the computer works flawlessly otherwise.

I've read that it can be anything from bad RAM to a bad MB. Also, one last item to note, not sure if they're related but I tend to think so. When attempting to boot into the Hardware Test startup disk, the computer goes to the little wrist watch and never stops counting the minutes.

This will also occur when using the boot manager to select a start up disk even without the DVD in the drive, so its not limited to the DVD selection. The computer again needs to be rebooted and I have to select a startup disk from the startup preference pane. Of course the Hardware Test disk does not show as a startup option.

So, this is more than just an eject DVD issue, sounds more complicated than that. Also, just thought I'd mention the drive has been installed for over a year without issue, so its not due to a new piece of hardware.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
rslezak@mac.com

I've just gone and brought the DVR-116DBK (£20 +P&P) New, you can't argue at that..

it has had some good reviews, so i decided to order it late last night (Misco.co.uk)

i'll get it and install it, post a review....

hope this helps make your discussion...

Btw, its replacing the original superdrive (DVR-106D)

My DVD drive has also died - is it simple to fit a new drive yourself or do you need to take it in somewhere? If it is easy - are there any good guides online to help me with this?

Thanks 🙂

Hi-

It's a pretty easy process.
Check out a video on installation Here.

Thanks for the link 🙂 - really useful.