User profile for user: Caoim
Caoim Author
User level: Level 1
55 points

Upgrade MATSHITA CD-RW CW-8121?

Hi,

The MATSHITA CD-RW CW-8121 drive in my powerbook has never worked very well. It it possible to replace it with a superdrive, or at least upgrade it? If so, can i do the replacement myself?

Thank you, Caoim

titanium G4 powerbook 800MHz Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Mar 22, 2006 7:50 PM

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12 replies
User profile for user: eww
eww
User level: Level 9
53,052 points

Mar 23, 2006 1:40 PM in response to Caoim

Yes to both questions. If still available, this is a stellar price for a good drive that's far more capable in every way than your original unit. Instructions for replacing the drive are here; the procedure is fairly easy. One caveat, though: don't try to do the job until you have the screwdrivers it requires: they are really required. Trying to use the wrong type or size of screwdriver can make a real mess of your Powerbook. The little screws you'll have to replace if you strip their heads are not available in hardware stores.
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User profile for user: Caoim
Caoim Author
User level: Level 1
55 points

Apr 11, 2006 11:54 AM in response to eww

Hi eww,

I've just replaced my Matsushita drive with the Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-K05. The drive is described in System Profiler but it doesn't respond at all when I insert a CD. I wanted to test it before I installed it, but I didn't see any way to do so. Do you have any idea how I troubleshoot this problem? I'm going to check the connections right now, but I don't know what I'm looking for.

Thanks, Caoim
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User profile for user: Caoim
Caoim Author
User level: Level 1
55 points

May 27, 2006 3:02 PM in response to Harry Snodgrass

Harry,

This is amazing; you've asked a question here that I can actually answer. As I recall, there was a little black button on the front of the drive. It wasn't described in the directions that came with the drive, and I installed it without noticing it. When the drive didn't work, I took it out and found it. When I depressed the switch and reinstalled the drive, it worked properly. C
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User profile for user: Bookalaka
Bookalaka
User level: Level 2
255 points

Jun 21, 2006 8:36 AM in response to Caoim

What little black switch are you talking about? I am in the process of sending this drive back! I have tried everything and the cd drives just keep getting spit out. I don't see any type of switch... do you remember was it on the front? are you talking about the eject switch? do I need to open the drive up is the switch on the inside? Your response is greatly appreciated I have posted for days with out any answers to this problem yet I have read this drive works well with the titanium. I prefer to save the restocking fee and all the hassle of a return.

Thanks,

Bookalaka
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Upgrade MATSHITA CD-RW CW-8121?

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