I've been using my SuperDrive recently, using the USB-C Apple dongle and I get a lot of "this device is using too much power" errors. The MBP is plugged in. The dongle is my only option, and it's made by Apple. What is the solution here?
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USB SuperDrive + M1 MBP = Frustration
- Thread starter rickeames
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Is the M1 MBP plugged in to power, or are you running it on battery? You may need to have the M1 running with the power adapter while using the SuperDrive.
That is inaccurate information; I use my Superdrive with my 2018 MBP fairly frequently. I plug the Superdrive into the Apple adapter first, then the adapter into a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port on the computer. I also have the computer plugged into a power source, too, rather than using it on just battery power when running the Superdrive.
From Apple:
To connect your SuperDrive to a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port on your Mac, you can use one of these adapters:
I use the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter with my Superdrive.
That does remind me, though; the very first generation of Superdrive devices worked ONLY with the first-generation and early MBAs before a second generation was released. I recall being annoyed at the time I was buying a 2012 iMac at having to purchase a new Superdrive because the one I used with my first-generation MBA was not compatible with the new iMac.
Interesting. I'm using it with the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, and it works for a majority of the time but will curiously throw up the power warning at random points.
I was referring to Apple’s own product page which you can quickly check that lists supported Macs in Compatibility section.
Apple USB SuperDrive
Apple USB SuperDrive lets you install software on your Mac and play & burn both CDs and DVDs. Get fast, free shipping when you shop online.
www.apple.com
There was a story in tech press about 5 years ago mentioning the support article.
Yes, it's listed on the compatibility section because the device alone with its old USB 3 connector, is NOT compatible with current machines using USB-C/Thunderbolt 3. All one needs is the appropriate adapter (USB 3 to USB-C) and voila! The device works just fine. A story written five years ago does not apply to 2021.....
I don't use my Superdrive that often but I haven't had any issues with it (knock on wood!). I do make sure that I'm using the adapter AND that my 2018 MBP is plugged into a power source, too, just to be on the safe side. I haven't ever tried it while running the machine on battery power alone.
They list the Mac mini M1 because it doesn’t need an adaptor.
The story and many posts I read since indicate that using the adapter with the drive isn’t reliable especially on battery, including two posts on this thread. Maybe that’s why they won’t list any of the MBP 2016 onwards.
To me it makes common sense to have one's MPB or MBA plugged in while using something like the SuperDrive, given the power that thing is likely to draw.....
I haven't had a need to use my SuperDrive with my M1 MBP yet so can't report how it works with that, but since it works just fine with my 2018 and the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, I'm sure it also will work just fine with the M1 MBP as well....
I haven't had a need to use my SuperDrive with my M1 MBP yet so can't report how it works with that, but since it works just fine with my 2018 and the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, I'm sure it also will work just fine with the M1 MBP as well....
I'm confused as to why this would need to be the case, considering it's the exact same piece of hardware that was built into the machines 9 years ago.
I've used Superdrive connected to USB-A pot without .. It is defiantly not a power hog, as long as its not actively used 24/7
Because 9 years ago it wasn't drawing power off a USB port. It was connected internally via IDE or SATA and a dedicated power connector.
Again, while it may work just fine on some machines, it might be more reliable connected to something like Apple's multiport adapter with the power connected.
While I've not tried it on my M1 MBA (I'd have to go diggings for some discs), it worked fine on my 2016 MBP with Apple's USB-C to USB-A adapter the last time I tried it maybe two years ago.
Get a dumb adapter not one of Apple’s active ones. It works for me with my M1 MBA with no issues. Also Caldigit just released a driver update to support the SuperDrive on their SOHO USB-C dock and that also works.
I use this https://www.amazon.com/Syntech-Adapter-Thunderbolt-Compatible-MacBook/dp/B07CVX3516/
Here is my experience
2020 MBA M1, Apple A2119 EMC 3279 Digital AV Multiport Adapter, Apple A1379 EMC 2526 Super Drive
- MBA powered via USB-C apple charger
- Read+Play DVD fine
- Read+Mount blank DVD-R but burn (both 8x and 4x which are all the options) fails with following message after 2nd spin up to speed
superdrive the disc can’t be burned because the disc drive is not accessible (error code 0xffffffff80020020)
Same Super Drive and DVD-R disc burns fine on 2015 A1502 MBP
2020 MBA M1, Apple A2119 EMC 3279 Digital AV Multiport Adapter, Apple A1379 EMC 2526 Super Drive
- MBA powered via USB-C apple charger
- Read+Play DVD fine
- Read+Mount blank DVD-R but burn (both 8x and 4x which are all the options) fails with following message after 2nd spin up to speed
superdrive the disc can’t be burned because the disc drive is not accessible (error code 0xffffffff80020020)
Same Super Drive and DVD-R disc burns fine on 2015 A1502 MBP
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I'm using mine by plugging it into a tiny Anker USB to USB-C adapter and plugging it into the back of my UltraFine display. It instantly wakes up and connects to either of my Macs depending on which one is connected and I haven't had any hiccups yet as far as I'm aware.