Q: A "Powered USB Port" does not work on Mac Mini
I have an externally POWERED USB multiport unit. When I plug the Superdrive into a Powered Port on the unit which of course is plugged into my Mac Mini (2012) the Superdrive does not even act as if it is plugged in, and will not accept a disc. All ports are USB 3.0. So I am uncertain that the Superdrive will function on any USB port other than the one on the Mac itself. Any advice? I have El Capitan installed but it worked that way before the upgrade.
Mac mini (Late 2012), OS X Mavericks 10.9.5
Posted on Sep 22, 2016 8:38 AM
Tried ejecting external hard drive and substituing the Superdrive, I get the same alert that the Superdrive needs a powered USB on this MAC.
I found the answer - I bought a Plugable (Brand name) 7-port USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Hub w/25 Watt external power supply through Amazon. But I checked with another supplier and found this on the description of the product:
"Featuring the VIA VL812 Rev B2 USB 3.0 hub chipset updated to firmware version 9095 for maximum compatibility with almost all USB 3.0 hosts. Supports Microsoft Windows 10 through XP, Mac OS X, and Linux kernels 3.0 and later. Apple SuperDrive not compatible. Older Mac Pros with USB 3.0 PCI Express add-on cards may not work with this or any USB 3.0 hub. Full forward and backward compatibility between USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 hosts and devices. Not recommended for use with older TI, Fresco Logic, Etron, or Wistron USB 3.0 host controllers. Requires no driver installation (although individual devices may require drivers). 2.4Ghz wireless devices such as keyboard/mouse receivers, Bluetooth and WiFi adapters, may not work in close proximity to USB 3.0 devices or hubs."
So this Hub will not work with the Superdrive - problem solved in the sense I know why I have the issue. Think I will try the $2.99 USB 3.1 1.5 foot extension cord I just found before I get another Hub. Lesson - make certain you have all the specs and details before buying USB Hubs.
Posted on Sep 22, 2016 3:05 PM