Upgrading iMac G5 20" Superdrive - anyone done it?

[craig0ry]

I've got an old iMac G5 kicking around that I use from time to time. I plan on throwing a 2TB WD in here within the next couple of months and while I'm at it, I want to replace the "Superdrive", as it is failing a lot on me these days.

I have read a lot about certain slim slot-loading DVD+RW drives not being recognized natively by the OS. That's a big deal for me. I'm looking for the closest thing I can get to a stock solution, but I refuse to believe there isn't something faster than what is in there on the market. I don't want to buy the same drive that came with the machine. I mean, this machine is from 10/2005. In almost 4 years, there has to be a faster drive I can replace it with that the machine will recognize.

But good luck asking about this on MacRumors or AppleInsider. If you do get a reply, it's along the lines of "It's sacriligious to open a Mac if you don't work at the Genius bar!". I'm hoping there is someone here with a little experience in this area that can help me out, much appreciation in advance as always!

 

[WalkingDead]

It will be cheaper and easier for you to just plug in a external firewire DVD-RW drive. Depends which generation of G5 iMac. The first generation all it needed is take off 6 screws to open it up. The 2nd gen needs more steps.

 

[craig0ry]

Thanks, I appreciate the tip. However, I absolutely hate the idea of having an all-in-one computer... and then using an external drive. I've looked at the internals of the iSight G5 models before and while it certainly won't be fun to get behind the screen, I'm pretty sure I can handle it. I've done a lot of system building and small electronics work.

 

[LtPage1]

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2278?viewlocale=en_US
Is this what you're looking for? I'm not 100% certain about the specific revision.

 

[Silversierra]

You could put in a third party drive, like one from MCE if you find the pricing on the Apple drive too salty. The drive is also likely faster.
http://mcetech.com/imacg5dvdr8dl.html

To open the G5 iSight, you remove the memory bay cover, then take out the four hex screws along the bottom. The top of the bezel has latches that hold it in place, these are released through the cooling slot on the top/back of the unit. Apple techs use a "access card" to release the latches through the slot. Getting inside without the Apple "access card" tool will be more difficult. Maybe an old credit card will work, idk. Once the bezel latches are released, tilt the bezel forward to expose the webcam/mic cabling. Disconnect these cables and then completely remove the bezel from the unit. Lay the unit on it's back. Peel back the emi tape covering the area below the screen and also on all sides of the screen. There are four screws that secure the lcd to the back casing, one at each corner, unscrew them. Unscrew the 2 small screws holding the video cable to the system board, and pull the connector up to release. Also disconnect the inverter (backlight) cable from the system board. At this point the screen should be removed. The internal parts are now exposed. Congrats, you now have access to the optical drive.

I've worked on these units, and they're not too bad once you've done it a few times, but the first time's a PITA.

Too bad you don't have a vanilla G5 or G5 ALS, they're much easier to open up.

 

[craig0ry]

Silver, thank you for all the help! I'm not sure which drive I'm going to buy yet but I have some time (I want to throw a 1.5 or 2 tb drive in there and I'm waiting for the price to drop).

All the help is appreciated everyone, thanks!