MacBook Pro 16" Optical Drive

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MacBook Pro 16" Optical Drive

I have a new M1 MacBook Pro 16" 2021 laptop and it does not seem to be compatible with my Samsung SE-218 optical drive. When I insert a CD, the light on the drive flashes but the disc does not spin or mount. The drive is not recognised in System Information.

Do I need to install a driver or should it just plug and play ?

If this drive is not compatible with the new model MBP then please can someone recommend models that are ?

Many thanks !

MacBook Pro (2020 and later)

Posted on Nov 18, 2021 12:29 PM

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Answer 1

markwebstar Author

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Dec 21, 2021 2:27 AM in response to markwebstar

I've since bought a ASUS ZenDrive U9M and it works fine with the 2021 MacBook using the ASUS USB-C cable.

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Answer 2

lllaass

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210,513 points

Nov 18, 2021 1:16 PM in response to markwebstar

The following is from:

https://oemdrivers.com/optical-samsung-dvd-writer-se-218

There is a known issue with this drive not working on modern computers especially notebooks and tablets due to their not being enough electrical current on the USB port.

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Answer 3

lllaass

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210,513 points

Nov 18, 2021 2:49 PM in response to markwebstar

I use one with an A/C adapter.

Previously I had one that used two USB plugs. one was for power and dat and the other was for power only.

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Answer 4

lllaass

Level 10

210,513 points

Nov 18, 2021 12:51 PM in response to markwebstar

DO other USB accessories like a disk drive work?

Are you connecting directly to the Mac?

Through a hub? A simple adapter?

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Answer 5

markwebstar Author

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Nov 19, 2021 1:08 AM in response to Smilin-Brian

I’ve read reports that the Apple SuperDrive do not work with new MacBooks (they are also not on the list of compatible devices on that page for the Apple Store).

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Answer 6

markwebstar Author

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Nov 23, 2021 12:48 PM in response to markwebstar

There seem to be many others experiencing problems powering optical drives with recent MacBooks.

Can any users recommend an optical drive that they have working with a 2021 M1 MacBook Pro 16 inch ?

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Answer 7

markwebstar Author

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Nov 18, 2021 12:55 PM in response to lllaass

Yes, older USB drives, for example, are working fine.

I'm having to connect all my USB accessories via a USB C to USB OTG adapter.

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Answer 8

markwebstar Author

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Nov 18, 2021 1:20 PM in response to lllaass

Thanks very much for that information ... bad news though it is !

Can anyone recommend a CD/DVD writer that is compatible with an M1 MacBook Pro 16" 2021 with OSX Monterey ?

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Answer 9

lllaass

Level 10

210,513 points

Nov 18, 2021 1:44 PM in response to markwebstar

Maybe:

https://www.imore.com/best-cddvd-drives-mac

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Answer 10

markwebstar Author

Level 1

17 points

Nov 18, 2021 2:45 PM in response to lllaass

Thanks. I saw that article, but it's not clear anywhere if these drives work with the M1 MacBook Pro. I've written to Asus to ask if they could confirm.

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Answer 11

Nov 23, 2021 12:52 PM in response to markwebstar

Apple has not updated their Super Drives (still uses USB-A).

I suppose it’s obsolete by Apple standards.

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Answer 12

Nov 18, 2021 2:49 PM in response to markwebstar

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD564LL/A/apple-usb-superdrive?fnode=208f5bf6520114ded3b2676ec64dd795b52534872d44989265a708eba192e1dee2150c7d43bc1b7392e6792fdf77a575f2a69789ddc18b72173f329294d0e56109d6feba4bb3856fabf9b57383c1e6d209bc74a7240979bcd0c27c428bc5b94a

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MacBook Pro 16" Optical Drive

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