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Is SuperDrive compatible with M1?

Is the Apple SuperDrive compatible with a 2021 iMac with an M1 chip?

iMac 24″, macOS 11.5

Posted on Sep 11, 2021 2:59 PM

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User profile for user: Old Toad
Old Toad
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Posted on Sep 11, 2021 3:30 PM

As Jack-19 said, yes. However, it's based on the slower USB speeds. You would get much better performance from a 3rd party optical drive that supports the faster USB speeds. Give the optical drives at OWC (MacSales.com) a look. The self powered drawer loading units are preferable in my opinion.


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User profile for user: Old Toad
Old Toad
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Sep 11, 2021 3:30 PM in response to caity8080

As Jack-19 said, yes. However, it's based on the slower USB speeds. You would get much better performance from a 3rd party optical drive that supports the faster USB speeds. Give the optical drives at OWC (MacSales.com) a look. The self powered drawer loading units are preferable in my opinion.


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User profile for user: caity8080
caity8080 Author
User level: Level 1
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Sep 12, 2021 8:28 AM in response to Old Toad

Thank you! This is helpful. The only issue is that a couple of months ago I purchased a third-party drawer loading drive that is a USB 3.0 and it worked a couple of times, but is no longer functioning. It’s the Rioddas brand and supposedly compatible with iMac, but I can’t get it to function. I’m wondering if it’s a software update issue. All I want to do is not re-buy all my movies, you know? 😭 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLRG9VH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EEZ0CSC3JDN087DR44HH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

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User profile for user: Old Toad
Old Toad
User level: Level 10
212,163 points

Sep 12, 2021 9:23 AM in response to caity8080

It seems you get what you pay for. That's an incredibly low price for an optical drive. And it's bus powered. Try it with another computer and see if it'll work with them. If not it's toast.


I recommend you junk it and get one from OWC. They are reliable and have excellent warranties.

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Is SuperDrive compatible with M1?

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