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User profile for user: brantgab
brantgab Author
User level: Level 1
1 points

M1 MacBook usb power

There seems to be an issue with the M1 macs with regard to the power output at the USB ports. I tried using my dvd drive on my M1 Max MacBook Pro (Monterey 12.3.1). The drive will not work; the disc will not spin in the drive, the drive just clicks. I’m using an Apple usb to usb-c adapter and I tried all 3 USB ports. I tested the drive on two PCs that I have and it works with both of those computers. My wife and daughter both have an M1 MacBook Air and I tried the drive on both USB ports on both computers and the drive did not work. So, the issue isn’t with the dvd drive or the cable / adapter. The problem seems to be the power output at the USB port on the M1 Macs. Anyone else experience this issue? I thought of getting a usb-c to hdmi adapter and trying to run my dvd drive through the hdmi port, but when you drop $3500 on a computer you don’t want a work-around you want a solution.

Posted on Apr 6, 2022 11:11 PM

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User profile for user: Community User
Community User

Posted on Apr 6, 2022 11:25 PM

Hi there! I couldn't find any USB power specifications on the M1 itself, however if I could give this a best guess, I would have to think that the voltage requirements for the drive are much higher then others (this can vary by 3rd party drives)


I've seen workarounds of using a USB hub that plugs into the wall for power and plugging in the data port to the computer.


If you did want to try out something else, I found a 3rd party LG drive that does work with the Mac OS and an OEM apple disc drive sold on amazon


LG Disc Drive

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ODDE33U?tag=georiot-us-default-20&ascsubtag=im-us-5299344834226209000-UUimUdUnU45844YYh-20&geniuslink=true&th=1


Apple Superdrive

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MD564LL-A-USB-SuperDrive/dp/B011K4XZQ0?tag=georiot-us-default-20&ascsubtag=im-us-1446985455582967000-UUimUdUnU45844YYh-20&geniuslink=true


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Community User
Community User

Apr 6, 2022 11:25 PM in response to brantgab

Hi there! I couldn't find any USB power specifications on the M1 itself, however if I could give this a best guess, I would have to think that the voltage requirements for the drive are much higher then others (this can vary by 3rd party drives)


I've seen workarounds of using a USB hub that plugs into the wall for power and plugging in the data port to the computer.


If you did want to try out something else, I found a 3rd party LG drive that does work with the Mac OS and an OEM apple disc drive sold on amazon


LG Disc Drive

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ODDE33U?tag=georiot-us-default-20&ascsubtag=im-us-5299344834226209000-UUimUdUnU45844YYh-20&geniuslink=true&th=1


Apple Superdrive

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MD564LL-A-USB-SuperDrive/dp/B011K4XZQ0?tag=georiot-us-default-20&ascsubtag=im-us-1446985455582967000-UUimUdUnU45844YYh-20&geniuslink=true


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M1 MacBook usb power

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