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I just got a USB Superdrive and I am using it on my m2 pro mac mini with no problems but there seems to be a firmware update that addresses the noise issue I am having but the firmware updater apple provides for the superdrive firmware 3.0 only runs on intel macs. therefore I can't update the firmware with my mac. Is there anything I can do?
Earlier Mac models
You are most welcome.
I prefer tray-load, self-powered ones. And also faster USB3 speeds. This the one I'm considering when Ms AJ gets a new iMac:
OWC Mercury Pro 24X Super-Multi DVD/CD Burner/Reader External Optical Drive with M-DISC Support
It checks all my boxes. A lot of problems we see with SuperDrives and other "bus-powered" drives are due to their having to get all power from the computer's USB ports. The OWC model has an independent power supply—in my experience, they get plenty of "juice" and drives of that class are more reliable.
There are other advantages I see to the less glamorous but more robust non-Apple drives. The combined data/power cable on the SD is permanently affixed (or used to be) to the drive case. If the puppy chews through that cable, it cannot be repaired. You buy a new drive and maybe rehome a nice dog.
The OWC uses removable and separate power and data cables that are cheaply replaced at home, with a cute puppy still at your feet.
Both drives require a USB to USC-C adapter on newer Macs. Best results as reported here by others with the SD seem from using one of the three Apple-branded adapters shown in this article:
How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive - Apple Support
The OWC is about same price as the SD. However, in spite of its old-school exterior, Its innards are technically far ahead of the SD.
Also, do you think if I can find an Intel Mac I could do the firmware update?
I have doubts. The updater may update the computer to work better with the drive, not the drive itself. I'm not sure. That could be a waste of money.
My best advice is to try the drive and computer together as is before worrying further. The firmware may be a moot point today. Remember—and I only say this because it affects the biggest cause of SuperDrive complaints: Silver side goes UP. 😉
Also, if you have issues and bought directly from an Apple retail store on the Online Store, they have a 14-day no-questions-asked return for refund policy. If you bought elsewhere, the policy whatever the seller uses.
We are traveling for a few daysand I may not be able to get back to this until tomorrow morning. I'm not running away!
Allan
Welcome!
v3.0 was the last, released in 2009 when Intel Macs were only three years old. This archived article, last revised in Aug 2023, has some info but no mention of Apple Silicon Macs, and has dead links.
About SuperDrive Firmware Update 3.0 - Apple Support
The System Information codes for Minis to check under "Learn More" may not be applicable to Apple Silicon, but you can still try to check that way.
Generally, if an OS version is far newer than the last FW update and the update is still needed, it is built in to the newer version. If the revision did not extend to Apple Silicon Macs, I suspect you will either have to listen to the noise or consider a more modern external drive. I don't believe your fellow end users here with have an official answer so you may need to contact Apple support directly. They won't see your question here.
The last hardware revisions to the SuperDrive were in the summer of 2012 and it is USB2. It is technically obsolete today. Finding a fix years after the last update was released may prove a struggle. If you decide to shop for a more modern optical drive, post back. We need to order Mrs AJ a new Mac and I've been researching the current optical drive offerings.
Thanks a lot for your answer. Such a well composed one! I got this superDrive brand new today, so I don’t think I will ever buy any other optical drives for the rest of my life but I’m still wondering what those optical drives might be that you were looking at. Also, do you think if I can find an Intel Mac I could do the firmware update?
I don't think there could have been a better tailored answer to my question. You have gone above and beyond. It is my first time using the apple support forum and I must be lucky to have coincide with you.
I am using the SD with my Mac Mini directly hooked up to the usb-a port so I don't need any adapters and I think Mac Minis have plenty of extra power available on the power supply to safely power a few bus-powered devices and I don't have many. I dont remember the exact power rating for my mac mini but I remember it being way more than any bus-powered device would ever need. So that is not a worry to me but I do like to faster speeds that come with OWC and also the Blu-ray disc support! Also, good thing my cat is not much of a nibbler although I am all for the replaceable power and data cables!
On updating the SD using an Intel Mac, you answer makes so much sense since I doubt there is a chip in the SD that would allow software updates. I also suspect that it would only update that Mac to apply the fixes that come with SD firmware 3.0. Thanks for the final advice as this was just something I wondered if I would be able to do and I am not adamant about doing it. I do see on the system information that my SD is on firmware 2 though.
That being said, I don't seem to have any issues though, with my unit and yes, I have been using it the correct side up. Kind of surprised that that is a common problem since it seemed obvious to me which side is supposed to be up.
İlkim
superdrive firmware update on m2 mac
