iMac Adapter Confusion for 2021 Model

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Level 1

44 points

iMac Adapter Confusion for 2021 Model

I have just received my new 2021 iMac, replacing my late 2013 iMac, that had SDXC Card reader Slot. 4 X USB 3/2 Ports. Two Lightning ? Ports.

Needless to say the new Desktop has 2 X Thunderbolt & 2 X USB 4.

Even my local dealership & Support line were confused, even suggesting I shop at Amazon for a Multiport Adapter. Can any experienced iMac user advise what Leads/Adapters I will require to connect my old Disc Drive - USB Printer - etc?

Its no wonder I have two boxes of redundant cables in my workshop, plus additional adapters for my iPads!

iMac Pro

Posted on Sep 29, 2021 8:08 AM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

217,716 points

Oct 9, 2021 2:05 PM in response to Harri Flex

I wouldn't get the Apple SuperDrive as it needs to be connected directly to the iMac for it to work. That takes up one of the limited ports on the new M1 iMacs. And it's not self powered. It also has the slower USB connection.

If you have more than a couple peripherals I'd get a self powered dock from OWC (MacSales.com). You can get an external, self powered optical drive there also (I'd get an drawer loading optical drive as they are less prone to jamming). OWC has a great reputation for providing reliable accessories for Macs, great customer support and good warranties.

If you're concerned about ordering the right combination of accessories call OWC's customer support which will guide you thru the many options.

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 10

82,290 points

Sep 29, 2021 9:04 AM in response to Harri Flex

Considering the nature of the devices you need to connect, I feel a powered dock is the best path here. They have independent power supplies. Problem: they are not cheap.

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/docks#drive-docking-stations:multi-port-dock

If you go with a less-expensive USB hub, make sure it is also powered as well. External drives with desktop computers work most reliably through self-powered hubs and docks,

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Answer 3

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,737 points

Oct 9, 2021 5:10 AM in response to Harri Flex

I use USB-A to USB-C adapters with my new Mac and no issues. However, some hardware may draw too much current for the Mac USB ports to handle. In that case a powered USB hub is required. I have an Apple Super drive and it works fine on my Mac Mini M1 and my MBA M1 using the adapter connected directly to my Mac. I assume your iMac should all work in the same manner.

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Answer 4

Oct 9, 2021 6:45 AM in response to Harri Flex

Some powered Docks come with software so they can use a SuperDrive like this one:

https://www.owcdigital.com/products/thunderbolt-3-dock-14-port

The Caldigit does too:

https://www.caldigit.com/ts3-plus/

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Answer 5

Rudegar

Level 10

183,996 points

Oct 9, 2021 1:40 AM in response to Harri Flex

the external blueray burner I have connected is connected by an usb cable with 2 usb connectors in one end one connects to the mac and the other to an ac charger with usb USB_Splitter_2xA-han_Til_USB_mini-han.jpg (400×400) (edbcentret.dk)

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Answer 6

Oct 9, 2021 6:17 PM in response to Old Toad

Both OWC and Caldigit say they have software to allow the Superdrive to be used with the dock. I have not tried it, since I do not have a SuperDrive.

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Answer 7

Harri Flex Author

Level 1

44 points

Oct 9, 2021 12:18 AM in response to Allan Jones

So after further telephone calls to Apple Care, the situation is still disappointingly unresolved by the confusion from untrained Staff.

One recent representative sent me the link to purchase a "Satechi USB-C MultiPort V2". Two days later I now discover it still doesn't power my Apple Superdrive DVD Disc tray. Even its lead isn't long enough, as it was probably designed to fit a Mac-Book and I had specified my iMac is the latest 4 port (Thunderbolt/USB4) M1 Desktop.

Being based in the UK, I am astonished that even my local Stores are as confused. Surely customers like myself, are simply replacing their old Desktops and therefore rightly expecting a straightforward means of using their old USB devices. Why isn't there an Industry Standard to efficiently identify Leads and adapters.

I'm beginning to wonder why I paid nearly £190 for additional AppleCare, when it doesn't seem "Fit for Purpose"?

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Answer 8

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Oct 9, 2021 1:13 AM in response to Harri Flex

The Apple Superdrive needs a direct-to-Mac connection. The Thunderbolt ports are full-function USB so it may be possible for you to not use the Satechi at all. Use an adapter like this one https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1M2AM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter to convert from USB-A to USB C.

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Answer 9

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,737 points

Oct 10, 2021 3:51 AM in response to Keith Barkley

The software I got stated it was for managing the ethernet connection speed with the USB ports. Nothing about Superdrive support. I'm not a fan on installing software I do not need to reduce any possible conflicts with other software (learned the hard way from Apple).

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Answer 10

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,737 points

Oct 10, 2021 1:27 PM in response to Keith Barkley

Sorry, my bad. I have both the Caldigit and Kensington dock and got them mixed up in my comments. I have not personally tried the Caldigit download for the Super drive support so it may work after all.

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Answer 11

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Oct 9, 2021 9:24 AM in response to Harri Flex

😁😉👍

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Answer 12

Oct 9, 2021 12:46 PM in response to tbirdvet

Did you install the software?

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Answer 13

Oct 10, 2021 7:05 AM in response to tbirdvet

Strange, the only utilities mention the superdrive and one click unmounting of drives, nothing about ethernet:

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Answer 14

Harri Flex Author

Level 1

44 points

Oct 9, 2021 9:09 AM in response to Harri Flex

Such a simple resolve after visiting my local PC World store, who it would appear have better well trained staff, fully conversant with Apple and other products. I wasted so much time with several misleading phone calls to Apple, as well as their Online LiveChat, spending hours, plus the unnecessary expense of ordering the incorrect Multi adapters. I cannot believe that all that was required was the USB-C to USB-A converter leads! What an amazing drama, all because the representatives weren't conversant with older Desktop Outputs.

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Answer 15

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,737 points

Oct 9, 2021 10:56 AM in response to Keith Barkley

I have the Caldigit and the Apple drive does not work through this hub

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iMac Adapter Confusion for 2021 Model

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