external cd drive for macbook pro 16"

[justabrake]

I have a external CD drive that I used on my 13" macbook air 2017 but it's not working on my macbook pro 2020 16"
is there a problem ?

if so where can I get another external cd drive for it

 

[satcomer]

At s some like the MacSales’ Blu-Ray Externals. I say because my old one is still going today!

 

[Fishrrman]

"I have a external CD drive that I used on my 13" macbook air 2017 but it's not working on my macbook pro 2020 16"
is there a problem ?"

It would help if you told us WHICH drive you have.
Show us a pic if necessary.

Having said that...
Is this a small USB DVD/CD drive?
Some (not ALL, but some) external USB drives need a USB "y-cable" to work.
This is because not all Mac USB ports provide enough power to run an external DVD/CD drive from only one port. Did your drive come with one of these cables?

The single end of the Y cable goes to the drive.
The double-end goes into TWO USB ports.
Now there will be enough USB bus power.

I'm not saying that's what's wrong with yours... but it happens now and then.

Having said THAT...
Might be time for a new DVD/CD drive.
DON'T buy the Apple drive -- too expensive.
Get a 3rd party drive, like a Pioneer or LG.
Many are available at low prices.
Small-form-factor is good...

 

[justabrake]

I have a USB-C 3.1 Male to USB A Female Adapter

 

[Fishrrman]

Thanks for the pics
Looks like it needs 5v, 2.0 amps.

I looked at my own Samsung SE-506 BD/DVD/CD burner, and the manual states that it needs USB port current 1.4a or higher.

I'm wondering if the "2.0" amp requirement is just too much for a single USB port on the 2016 MBP?

Also... I'm wondering how the USBa/USBc adapter handles or "passes through" bus power? Perhaps that could be "getting into the mix". Could it prevent USB power from getting to the drive?

Does your drive have a "hard wired" USB cable (can't be unplugged from the back)? Or is it removable?
If it's removable, I'd try replacing it with a USBa (drive end) to USBc (Mac end) cable. That would eliminate the adapter.

Does the back of CD drive have a small input for an external power supply?
I realize it's "one more thing to carry around", but it may provide enough power to run the drive so that the Mac's USB port isn't overloaded.

Another thought:
Get a POWERED USB hub (one that comes with its own power supply), and connect that to the Mac, and then connect the drive to it.

When all is said and done, it MIGHT be "easiest and cheapest" just to buy another DVD/CD USB drive.
BUT... CHECK CAREFULLY before you buy, to be sure that the power requirements are "less than" this one...

 

[justabrake]

Thanks for the pics
Looks like it needs 5v, 2.0 amps.

I looked at my own Samsung SE-506 BD/DVD/CD burner, and the manual states that it needs USB port current 1.4a or higher.

I'm wondering if the "2.0" amp requirement is just too much for a single USB port on the 2016 MBP?

Also... I'm wondering how the USBa/USBc adapter handles or "passes through" bus power? Perhaps that could be "getting into the mix". Could it prevent USB power from getting to the drive?

Does your drive have a "hard wired" USB cable (can't be unplugged from the back)? Or is it removable?
If it's removable, I'd try replacing it with a USBa (drive end) to USBc (Mac end) cable. That would eliminate the adapter.

Does the back of CD drive have a small input for an external power supply?
I realize it's "one more thing to carry around", but it may provide enough power to run the drive so that the Mac's USB port isn't overloaded.

Another thought:
Get a POWERED USB hub (one that comes with its own power supply), and connect that to the Mac, and then connect the drive to it.

When all is said and done, it MIGHT be "easiest and cheapest" just to buy another DVD/CD USB drive.
BUT... CHECK CAREFULLY before you buy, to be sure that the power requirements are "less than" this one...

Mine is hard wired it's a 10.00 drive i'll go to micro center and pick up one there I chatted with them yesterday and they said they have a compatible one i'm not going to use it much like I did before I just wanted to make one copy of a song probably won't use it after that

Thanks

 

[Fishrrman]

"i'm not going to use it much like I did before I just wanted to make one copy of a song probably won't use it after that"

There might be others ways to do this.
Where and in what format is the song now?

 

[justabrake]

"i'm not going to use it much like I did before I just wanted to make one copy of a song probably won't use it after that"

There might be others ways to do this.
Where and in what format is the song now?

CD

 

[justabrake]

I see what your saying a cd burner is almost just as expensive as the blue Ray ones for the macbook

 

[hobowankenobi]

How about a powered USB hub or docking station? More money, but if one can use the ports (ethernet, HDMI, etc) it could be a good solution. Something like this should provide adequate USB A power. If one has no ongoing need or use for more ports...fairly pricey.

 

[Fishrrman]

Can you connect the cd player to another Mac and copy the song from there?

Another alternative:
- see if it's posted on youtube
- if it is, use "Clipgrab" to grab the clip
- then, convert it into an mp3 file.

 

[justabrake]

I went with the hub more usefulness than another drive

Thanks All