Using nonstandard discs in optical drives
Summary
Learn about the sizes and shape of discs that can be used in the CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, Combo and SuperDrives in various Macintosh computers.
Products Affected
iBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook, PowerBook, Desktop Computers
Drive mechanisms
Many optical media are available in unusual sizes and shapes. Your computer's optical drive mechanism may or may not be able to accept discs of a nonstandard size and shape.
| Drive mechanism | Standard discs | Nonstandard discs |
| Slot loading | Yes | No |
| Slotted tray | Yes | No |
| Flat carrier tray | Yes | Yes |
Some of the computers that use a slot-loading optical drive mechanism include:
- iMac (Slot Loading) and later
- iMac G5 and later
- Power Mac G4 Cube
- PowerBook G4 and later
- iBook G4 and later
- Mac mini
Warning: Inserting a nonstandard-sized or -shaped disc into a drive that is not designed to accommodate it may damage the drive. Some slot-loading drives may be able to accomodate 80 mm round discs, but their use is not supported and any damage caused will not be covered under your Apple warranty or applicable extended service contract.
Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) computers were manufactured with both slotted tray and flat carrier tray drive mechanisms. For more information on identifying the drive in your Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) computer, see "Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics): DVD-RAM Drive Differences"
Standard size and shape discs
The 120 mm round discs are the only size and shape that work with either slot loading or tray loading drives.
Warning:These discs must be between 1.2 mm and 1.5 mm in thickness. Discs that are thicker than 1.5 mm or thinner than 1.2 mm are not supported and any damage caused will not be covered under your Apple warranty or applicable extended service contract.
Nonstandard size and shape discs
Discs of the following sizes and shapes work ONLY with drives that have a flat carrier tray such as certain Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) computers. The discs do NOT work with slot loading drives.
