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Draximus

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 24, 2024
6
8
The super drive (part number UJ-846 C manufactured by Panasonic) has completely failed and needs replacing. My question is, do I have to replace it with the same part or can I use a different slot loader? I just need something that can read CD's and DVD's so I don't need a write function. Thanks in advance.
 
I could do that, or get a usb drive I suppose but I already have the machine part dis assembled so I can re paste the processor and upgrade to an SSD. Might as well replace the super drive whilst I'm at it :)
 
Thank you :) Fortunately I managed to find the correct drive on ebay this morning for a good price.
 
Success. Thermal paste replaced, old hard drive cloned to a new SSD and a working super drive. Running nice and snappy on OS Lion with 2GB of ram, which I'll probably upgrade to 4GB at some point. Also installed Firefox Legacy-2 and it works great, can even play youtube video at 720p full screen :)
 

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Success. Thermal paste replaced, old hard drive cloned to a new SSD and a working super drive. Running nice and snappy on OS Lion. Also installed an older version of firefox optimised for older systems and it works great, can even play youtube video at 720p full screen :)

Congrats on the overhaul work, good job!

Have fun with your iMac. ;)
 
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Success. Thermal paste replaced, old hard drive cloned to a new SSD and a working super drive. Running nice and snappy on OS Lion. Also installed an older version of firefox optimised for older systems and it works great, can even play youtube video at 720p full screen :)

Another browser option for Lion 10.7 is Sealion made by @wicknix.


Great job on the overhaul. I love seeing these v1 early Intel imacs getting some love.
 
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Success. Thermal paste replaced, old hard drive cloned to a new SSD and a working super drive. Running nice and snappy on OS Lion with 2GB of ram, which I'll probably upgrade to 4GB at some point. Also installed Firefox Legacy-2 and it works great, can even play youtube video at 720p full screen :)
Found 4gb of compatible ram in an old Toshiba Satellite this morning so it's now upgraded as far as I can take it :)
 
Something you could look at is wot I'm doing with my iMac 17 inch:
Running MX Linux from and external SSD..the updates come in almost weekly.

Factors to consider:
Setup requirements can be done thru the initial pop up menu.
No default fan support so need to install mbpfan and set temperature settings
..then psensor to have a desktop monitor to ensure it's working.
This is to ensure the GPU doesn't cook

I've OSX 10.9 on the HD to run EyeTv via sub adaptor
 
Oh..I should mention Antix linux too.. MX is like a more polished version and found it easier to set up..but Antix may be faster..being more light weight.

Ive used MX on both my iMacs - the other being a 2009 21.5 inch and naturally does run MX a noticeably quicker...has more ram.
 
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