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Quick Question: iMac G3 CD-ROM
- Thread starter benjgvps
- Start date
Apostrophe
Well-known member
Depends on how you mean. Like, I've transferred files without a problem from my PC to the iMac G3, but it has to be the right kind of disk, and unless it's a CD-RW, the iMac won't be able to write CD's for the PC.
Of course, a regular USB memory stick works perfectly to transfer files from an iMac G3 to a PC. I do it all the time.
But if you mean actually swapping the drive into a PC, though, then there I can't help you.
-Apostrophe
Of course, a regular USB memory stick works perfectly to transfer files from an iMac G3 to a PC. I do it all the time.
But if you mean actually swapping the drive into a PC, though, then there I can't help you.
-Apostrophe
Franklinstein
Well-known member
The optical drives in the iMac G3s are all notebook drives. Therefore, they use special connectors typically unavailable in desktop machines. The iMac has a circuit board with a non-standard ATA/power interface cable that interfaces with the drive, but it won't work on anything other than an iMac unless you're into hardware hacking (the cable is unusual and provides both power and ATA functions). It may be possible to find an adapter of some sort for the drive itself to attach to standard PATA and power connectors, but it's probably not worth it; the closest you'll get is one of those slim external USB optical drives (which also use notebook drives). But if you're going to go that route, it would probably be a better idea just to leave the original drive in there (unless, of course, it's dead).
But, if you've got a PC notebook in need of a new optical drive, it should swap right over once the iMac's adapter board is removed; there are no Mac/PC differences between these drives. One must simply observe the method (and correct setting) for changing the drive to Master/Slave/CS; some drives have a switch, others rely on the setting on the cable/interface board, and a few are permanently assigned in hardware or firmware (and therefore difficult to change).
But, if you've got a PC notebook in need of a new optical drive, it should swap right over once the iMac's adapter board is removed; there are no Mac/PC differences between these drives. One must simply observe the method (and correct setting) for changing the drive to Master/Slave/CS; some drives have a switch, others rely on the setting on the cable/interface board, and a few are permanently assigned in hardware or firmware (and therefore difficult to change).
tmtomh
Well-known member
Actually, there might be a compatibility problem, depending on what you're using it for.
The slot-loading iMacs - at least the earlier (350MHz-450MHz) ones - use an older type of optical drive that won't fit in PC laptops or other Macs that use laptop drives. Same deal for the 400MHz, 500MHz, and 550MHz Titanium Powerbook G4s.
Best,
Matt
The slot-loading iMacs - at least the earlier (350MHz-450MHz) ones - use an older type of optical drive that won't fit in PC laptops or other Macs that use laptop drives. Same deal for the 400MHz, 500MHz, and 550MHz Titanium Powerbook G4s.
Best,
Matt
SiliconValleyPirate
Well-known member
In short, yes they are. All the drives in IDE Macs are just bog standard IDE hard drives and ATAPI CD/DVD drives they work in 99.9% of other IDE machines.
They are made to order by OEM suppliers with Apple ROM tags on them on some older drives but I think they've even stopped doing that now, they just use off the shelf stuff. I can't remember if my Mac Pro's hard drive has an Apple sticker on it or not, they usually still do as most drive manufacturers offer the service for all OEM supplied hardware.
] ]'>. The ATA laptop CD connector is a low depth surface connector about 3/4 of an inch long. ATA hard drives use an IEC 44-pin narrow pitch pin header (I forget the exact spacing) and the appropriate female attachment. Both carry power and IDE, the CD drive also carries stereo audio out.
They are made to order by OEM suppliers with Apple ROM tags on them on some older drives but I think they've even stopped doing that now, they just use off the shelf stuff. I can't remember if my Mac Pro's hard drive has an Apple sticker on it or not, they usually still do as most drive manufacturers offer the service for all OEM supplied hardware.
FWIW the 667 GigE TiBook has an old fashioned non-standard slot loader in too, I think the GigE was the last model to do so though, they wen to using standard form factor ones with the DVI versions I think.
Your memory would be correct, oh flaming bench top gas burner of wisdom [
] ]'>. The ATA laptop CD connector is a low depth surface connector about 3/4 of an inch long. ATA hard drives use an IEC 44-pin narrow pitch pin header (I forget the exact spacing) and the appropriate female attachment. Both carry power and IDE, the CD drive also carries stereo audio out.
tmtomh
Well-known member
You can put a Powerbook SuperDrive in a Slot-loading iMac, if the SuperDrive is from a 400MHz-667MHz Titanium Powerbook G4.
If the Superdrive is from a later Powerbook, then it will be a standard laptop optical drive, and therefore will not fit in the iMac G3, which, as Silicon Valley Pirate says, uses the non-standard type of slot loading optical drive.
Best,
Matt
If the Superdrive is from a later Powerbook, then it will be a standard laptop optical drive, and therefore will not fit in the iMac G3, which, as Silicon Valley Pirate says, uses the non-standard type of slot loading optical drive.
Best,
Matt
