Adding 2nd optical drive

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Level 1

1 points

Adding 2nd optical drive

I want to add a specific optical drive to my Mac Pro. It's an early Mac Pro 2.0 quad core intel, the first generation I believe. The optical drive is a Plextor Premium 2 which has an IDE connection. I've heard mixed info about weather the first Mac Pro's were IDE or something else as far as the optical drives go.
Does anybody have any solid info for me?
I know I could mount it in an external firewire enclosure if it comes down to it, but it'd be great to be able to mount it in my Mac Pro.
Thanks.

Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Nov 29, 2009 5:55 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 29, 2009 6:28 PM in response to jperkinski

The 2009 Mac Pro uses SATA optical drives. Earlier ones use ATA (IDE). Set the drive jumper to CS (Cable Select) and remove the lip of the tray.
There are two extra SATA ports on the main logic board that can be used for optical drives, but they are hard to reach, and some drives will need a power adapter cable.

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Answer 2

jperkinski Author

Level 1

1 points

Nov 29, 2009 6:32 PM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

I have an earlier one, so it should mount in ok and I just change that jumper setting on the new drive and take that lip off and it's all good?
thanks!

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Answer 3

gumsie

Level 4

2,179 points

Nov 30, 2009 9:13 AM in response to jperkinski

You can also add an SATA optical to your Pro using one of the spare sockets on the motherboard.

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Answer 4

gumsie

Level 4

2,179 points

Nov 30, 2009 9:39 AM in response to gumsie

Using the SATA slot as opposed to the other IDE was an idea for two people who wanted to burn two discs at once with more speed than usual. The diagram here

should show you where things need to be, (it's the right angled connector with the pink flash on it-next to where it says ODD SATA).
If you do choose to fit one, get a small phillips screwdriver and a 300mm at least right angled to flat SATA lead, then you'll need to;
First get an IDE to SATA power adaptor lead. You'll need it to plug the original power lead into.
Then, remove the fans and memory cover, or as much as you need so you can get your hands in comfortably.
plug the right angled end into the mother board an thread the rest of the cable up behind the drive caddies………
The rest should be self explanatory.

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