Can I convert my MBP's internal optical drive into an external USB optical drive?

[edmkid44]

Hi,

I'm currently trying to upgrade my 2012 MacBook Pro 13" (non-Retina) and change some of the internals. Last year, I upgraded my failing 750GB HDD that the laptop came with to a 500GB SSD. Now I'm looking to swap out the computer's internal optical drive for a second drive - a large-capacity HDD (which would then give me a fusion drive).

Anyways, that's all relatively doable for me. But what I'm here asking about is if I could actually take my old optical CD/DVD drive and make it into an external USB optical drive?

I found a USB external enclosure for a SATA optical drive on Amazon (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MRUN0HQ) and I'm wondering if this will work with my Mac's drive. I'm fairly inexperienced with this all haha.

Thanks so much for your help and take care. Cheers!

 

[Audit13]

The enclosure you linked is designed for 5.25" desktop optical drives.

You need something like this: https://www.amazon.ca/Apple-MacBook...enclosure&qid=1587424540&s=electronics&sr=1-9

 

[vince22]

Hi,

I'm currently trying to upgrade my 2012 MacBook Pro 13" (non-Retina) and change some of the internals. Last year, I upgraded my failing 750GB HDD that the laptop came with to a 500GB SSD. Now I'm looking to swap out the computer's internal optical drive for a second drive - a large-capacity HDD (which would then give me a fusion drive).

Anyways, that's all relatively doable for me. But what I'm here asking about is if I could actually take my old optical CD/DVD drive and make it into an external USB optical drive?

I found a USB external enclosure for a SATA optical drive on Amazon (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MRUN0HQ) and I'm wondering if this will work with my Mac's drive. I'm fairly inexperienced with this all haha.

Thanks so much for your help and take care. Cheers!

you might want to check this out.

OWC Superslim USB 2.0 Enclosure for Apple SuperDrive from MacBook and MacBook Pro Unibody Models.

OWC SuperSlim for Apple SuperDrive USB 2.0 External Enclosure. Fits slot-loading 9.5mm SATA optical drive from Macbook, or MacBook Pro replaced by OWC Data Doubler. Powered by laptop's USB port, no AC adapter needed. New, 1 Year OWC Limited Warranty.

www.amazon.com

 

[Audit13]

Just an FYI: almost any external optical drive should work with your MacBook. I used to have a mid-2012 13" and every portable optical drive was recognized and perfectly usable in macOS High Sierra and newer.