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voth · Nov 30, 2005, 06:01 AM

Current drive
PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-106D:
Firmware Revision: A606
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipped/Supported)
Cache: 2000 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, +R, +RW
Burn Underrun Protection CD: Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD: Yes
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw, DVD-DAO
Media: No

I would like to replace my current internal drive with one of the newer drives that ship with the dual/quad 2.5. Something at least 8x or better (dual layer).

My question is what can I replace it with, does anyone have one of these 8x or 16x models? Where can I go to get one of these replacements, CompUSA, Apple retailer and what would it set me back?

zacharydz · Nov 30, 2005, 07:38 AM

I replaced the dvd-rom in my Sawtooth with a Pioneer DVR-100D. It's a 16x dual layer DVD-R/+R/-RW/+RW drive. I didn't have to do anything with drivers for it; just put it in and it worked fine. (I'm using OS 10.4.3)

You can get it online at newegg.com for $41.99

I'm sure Compusa would have it, but it might be more expensive.

zwiebel_ · Nov 30, 2005, 09:44 AM

I've gotten an aftermarket Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-109 dual-layer from Newegg.com for around $45, that replaced the old 106D. Before 10.4.3 i had to patch the drive to be able to burn from iLife apps, but now it says:
PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109:

Firmware Revision: 1.57
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipped/Supported)
Cache: 2000 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, +R, +RW, +R DL
Burn Underrun Protection CD: Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD: Yes
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw, DVD-DAO
Media: No

mduell · Nov 30, 2005, 11:18 AM

Yes you can replace it.
The fastest drive (and strangely enough the cheapest also) on the market is the Pioneer DVR-110D (which I think zacharydz was trying to suggest) and it's Mac compatible out of the box. Newegg has it in black or gray for $41.99 + $4 shipping.

zacharydz · Nov 30, 2005, 01:26 PM

yeah, that was a typo. I meant the dvr-110d

power142 · Nov 30, 2005, 01:52 PM

I recently got a Pioneer DVR-110D a couple of weeks back for $39.99 (with free shipping) and it works like a charm, even quieter than the stock drive in my G5 (Pioneer 117D). System Profiler lists it as having +R DL support, Toast also.
However, unless Apple tweaks their Burn Support list to include it, you need a hack if you want to burn dual-layer projects from iDVD. I hear that Apple has been shipping the 110D in some new G5 machines, so X.4.4 might bring us native support for the drive (as X.4.3 did for those who had upgraded their Powerbook/Mini drive to a Pioneer K05).

mduell · Dec 1, 2005, 01:03 AM

Originally Posted by power142

I recently got a Pioneer DVR-110D a couple of weeks back for $39.99 (with free shipping) and it works like a charm, even quieter than the stock drive in my G5 (Pioneer 117D). System Profiler lists it as having +R DL support, Toast also.

The 110D supports +R DL (8x) and -R DL (8x).

BrianZeit · Dec 1, 2005, 04:25 AM

i have a dvdr 110 im loving it my cousin have it on his mac and is pretty fast

voth · Dec 1, 2005, 04:50 AM

Quick question, would I need to remove the face place in order for it to fit properly in the original drive bay? Has anyone used a Sony brand DVD-RW (Dual Layer), I have a spare DRU-800A sitting about.

Thanks.

power142 · Dec 1, 2005, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by mduell

The 110D supports +R DL (8x) and -R DL (8x).

Very cool info, thanks... my System Profiler only shows +R DL and not -R DL. So far, I've only used 2.4x +R DL, so it hasn't been a problem, but I want some 8x as soon as I see them