iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Mass Storage 80
2010-09-09
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specications
Unlikely cause: LCD panel, power supply, fans, speakers, camera, microphone
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Optical Drive Not Performing to
Specications
• Read or write speeds slower
than expected
1. Test optical media in another computer of the
same type to rule out media issue.
2. For write issues, check with known-good media
that performs well in another computer and drive
of the same type.
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Test both CD and DVD media.
Verify if optical drive can read
both CD and DVD media.
Yes Go to step 5.
No If both types of media fail,
check that Finder Preferences
are set to “show CD’s and
DVD’s”, then go to step 2.
If only one type of media fails,
drive has a laser pickup issue.
Replace optical drive.
J03
2. Connect known-good optical
drive to SATA cable. Verify if
both CD and DVD media are
read reliably.
Yes SATA cable and port on logic
board good. Go to step 4.
No Go to step 3.
3. Reseat SATA cable connections
at optical drive and logic board
(cable connects to back of logic
board). Verify if both CD and
DVD media are read reliably.
Yes Go to step 5.
No Replace SATA cable and test.
If issue persists, replace logic
board.
Go to step 5.
X03
M19
4. Connect original optical drive
to known-good SATA cable.
Verify if both CD and DVD
media are read reliably.
Yes SATA cable issue. Replace
SATA cable. Go to step 5.
X03
No Replace optical drive. J03
5. Test write data to compatible
CD and DVD media. Verify if
burned media is recognized
and read reliably.
Yes Issue resolved.
No Go to step 6.