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Apple PowerBook Expansion Bay Modules

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PowerBook DVD-ROM Module M7931 (Raimond Spekking)
A PowerBook DVD-ROM Module, model M7931, out of a PowerBook (FireWire) (Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Several PowerBooks from 1995 onwards have an expansion bay: a slot in the side of the case that takes a removable drive or battery module. Apple made CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and floppy drive modules for these bays. The bays changed shape twice, so a module fits only the family it was made for.[1][2]

Bays by model

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PowerBook expansion bays
Computers Bays What Apple lists for them
PowerBook 5300 and PowerBook 190 (1995) One An expansion bay for third-party products such as a second hard disk, a magneto-optical drive or an internal AC adapter[3]
PowerBook 1400 (1996) One Floppy drive, 6x, 8x or 12x CD-ROM drive, a stored NiMH battery or other modules; Apple also names Zip and magneto-optical drives from third parties[4][5]
PowerBook 3400c and PowerBook G3 (1997) One Floppy drive; CD-ROM drive, 6x (optional on the 3400c), 12x or 20x (G3)[6]
PowerBook G3 Series (1998) Two Left: floppy drive or battery. Right: battery, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or Zip drive[1]
PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) (1999) and PowerBook G3 (FireWire) (2000) Two Left: battery only. Right: battery, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive[2][7]

Modules made for the 3400c and G3 do not fit the PowerBook G3 Series, and modules for the G3 Series do not fit the Bronze Keyboard model.[1][2] Modules for the Bronze Keyboard and FireWire models fit both; Apple warns that third-party modules made for the FireWire model may not work properly in the Bronze Keyboard model.[7] On the G3 Series and later, modules can be changed with the computer on, asleep or shut down, but not while it is starting up.[1][2] The security slot on the 5300 and the 3400 locks the expansion bay as well as the battery.[3][8]

CD-ROM modules

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Apple sold the 6x CD-ROM drive for the 1400 as the Macintosh PowerBook 6x-speed CD-ROM Module.[9] In the 1400 the CD-ROM module adds 0.14 kg to the weight given with the floppy module fitted.[4]

CD-ROM module service part numbers (Apple Service Sources)
Computer Drive Part number
PowerBook 1400 6x 661-1286[10]
PowerBook 1400 8x 661-1426[10]
PowerBook 3400 CD-ROM drive assembly 661-1290[11]
PowerBook 3400 and G3 CD-ROM drive assembly 661-1476[11]
PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) CD-ROM drive with bezel 661-2188[12]

The door on the 1400's CD-ROM drives can break off at the tabs that hold it to the drive tray. Apple made the door a separate replacement part and told service providers to change the door, not the drive: 922-2531 for the 6x and 8x mechanisms and 922-3331 for the 12x. Fit the tabs into the slots under the screw holes and refit the screws; the 12x door has a third screw, left of centre under the front of the tray. Spare screws come in kit 076-0641.[13]

Apple's symptom charts for the 1400 and 3400 CD-ROM drive are short. A drive that will not accept a disc: try another disc, reseat the drive, then replace it. If the Mac cannot mount the drive, reseat it and then replace it.[14][15]

DVD-ROM modules

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PowerBook G3 (FireWire) with DVD-ROM module half out (Raimond Spekking)
The DVD-ROM module half out of the right expansion bay of a PowerBook (FireWire) (Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0)

The first DVD-ROM module was the PowerBook G3 Series DVD-ROM Expansion Bay Module of 1998. It reads DVD discs at up to 1.5x and CD-ROMs at up to 12x, and supports DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, ISO 9660, CD-ROM, audio CD, Photo CD, CD-R and CD-i discs.[16] Apple sold it with some G3 Series configurations and in the Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video Kit, order number M7164LL/B, together with the Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video PC Card and Apple DVD Player software.[16][17]

On the G3 Series, DVD-Video playback comes from the PC Card, introduced in July 1998. It is a 16-bit Type II Zoomed Video card drawing at most 1.5 W at 3.3 V, with MPEG-2 decoding at 720 × 480 and Dolby Digital audio mixed to two-channel Dolby Pro Logic.[18][16] It works only in the lower PC Card slot, the one with the Zoomed Video interface. The 12.1-inch passive-matrix screen of some G3 Series models is too slow for full-motion DVD, so those need an external monitor.[19] Apple's service manual asks technicians to try at least two DVD-Video titles before condemning the card, because poor or damaged discs give the same symptoms.[18]

The Bronze Keyboard model has a DVD decoder built in on some configurations, and the DVD-Video Kit does not work in it: its DVD module will not fit the new bay. The Bronze Keyboard DVD drive with bezel is part 661-2189.[2][12] Every PowerBook (FireWire) shipped with a 4x DVD-ROM drive, which also reads DVD-RAM, CD-RW and CD-R discs; its service part is 661-2244.[7][20] The module in the photograph is labelled "PowerBook DVD-ROM Module", model M7931.[21]

Floppy drive modules

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The floppy drive is a module in the 1400, the 3400c and the PowerBook G3; on the 1400 it ships packed separately when a CD-ROM module is fitted.[4][6] In the PowerBook G3 Series it is an option for the left bay, sold as the PowerBook G3 Series Floppy Disk Drive Expansion Bay Module, M6396G/A.[1][22] Service parts are 661-1359 for the 1400 drive and 661-1360 for the 3400 and G3 drive, with a separate case kit, 076-0688, and floppy drive board, 922-1632, for the 3400.[10][11] See Floppy Drive Repair for the mechanisms.

Zip and SuperDisk modules

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Apple did not make Zip or SuperDisk modules. Its data sheets for the PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) and the PowerBook (FireWire) list Zip, SuperDisk and hard disk drives as third-party modules for the hot-swappable expansion bay, and say they could be ordered with the computer from the Apple Store.[23][24]

Zip drive modules

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Apple's November 1996 Apple Facts names a third-party Zip drive among the options for the PowerBook 1400 expansion bay.[5] At the launch of the PowerBook G3 in November 1997, Apple said a Zip drive from VST Technologies was expected to be available for its bay.[25] The PowerBook G3 Series Service Source lists Zip drives among the modules for its right-hand bay.[1] For the Bronze Keyboard and FireWire models, VST's Zip module is model ZIPG32. It replaces the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive in the right-hand bay and takes 100 MB Zip disks.[26]

VST SuperDisk module

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VST Technologies' SuperDisk module for the Bronze Keyboard and FireWire models is model LSG32. It also goes in the right-hand bay in place of the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, and it reads and writes both 120 MB SuperDisk disks and 1.44 MB high-density floppy disks.[27] SuperDisk (LS-120) came from Imation in 1996, and the drives also read 720 KB and 1.2 MB floppy formats.[28] On the Bronze Keyboard model the left bay takes only batteries, so the right-hand bay is the only place for a drive module.[2]

Faults

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  • A module that will not go into the bay on a PowerBook (FireWire): check the bay for obstructions and check that the far right keyboard tab is seated and not sticking into the bay, then try another module, then replace the I/O logic board.[29]
  • Changing a module while the computer is starting up is outside Apple's instructions for the G3 Series and later; wait until it has started.[1][2]
  • A DVD-Video fault on a G3 Series may be the disc. Test two titles before replacing the PC Card.[18]

Documentation

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References

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Apple Computer, PowerBook G3 Series Service Source, Basics, "Expansion Bay Modules", PDF p. 34. Hosted as File:PowerBook G3 Series Service Source.pdf. Bays differ from the 3400 and G3; left bay floppy or battery, right bay battery, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or Zip; hot swapping, not during startup.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Apple Computer, PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) Service Source, Basics, "DVD-Video" and "Expansion Bay Modules", PDF pp. 27–28. Hosted as File:PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) Service Source.pdf. Built-in DVD decoder on some configurations; the DVD-Video Kit and its module do not fit; earlier modules do not fit; left bay batteries only.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Apple Computer, Apple Facts, October 1995, PowerBook 5300 entries, PDF pp. 72 and 84, https://vintageapple.org/applefacts/pdf/Apple_Facts_9510_10.95_October_1995.pdf (retrieved 2026-10-04). Expansion bay for third-party hard disk, magneto-optical drive, internal AC adapter or other devices; security slot locks battery and expansion bay.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Apple Computer, PowerBook 1400 Service Source, Specifications, PDF pp. 41 and 45. Hosted as File:PowerBook 1400 Service Source.pdf. Removable floppy and 6x, 8x or 12x CD-ROM drives; expansion bay modules; weight with floppy or CD-ROM module.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Apple Computer, Apple Facts, November 1996, PowerBook 1400 entry, PDF p. 56, https://vintageapple.org/applefacts/pdf/Apple_Facts_9611_11.96_November_1996.pdf (retrieved 2026-10-04). Expansion bay for a CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, or third-party additional hard disk, Zip or magneto-optical drive.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Apple Computer, PowerBook 3400c and PowerBook G3 Service Source, Specifications, PDF p. 34. Hosted as File:PowerBook 3400c and PowerBook G3 Service Source.pdf. Floppy drive in the expansion bay; 6x (optional), 12x and 20x CD-ROM drives.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Apple Computer, PowerBook (FireWire) Service Source, Basics, "Module Compatibility" and "DVD-ROM Drive", PDF p. 8. Hosted as File:PowerBook (FireWire) Service Source.pdf. Bronze Keyboard and FireWire modules interchange; 4x DVD-ROM standard; formats read.
  8. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook 3400c and PowerBook G3 Service Source, Specifications, PDF p. 37. Security slot also secures the battery and any module in the expansion bay.
  9. ↑ Apple Computer, Apple Facts, November 1996, "PowerBook 1400 series expansion", PDF p. 62, https://vintageapple.org/applefacts/pdf/Apple_Facts_9611_11.96_November_1996.pdf (retrieved 2026-10-04). Macintosh PowerBook 6x-speed CD-ROM Module.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Apple Computer, PowerBook 1400 Service Source, Exploded View, PDF p. 234. CD-ROM drive 6x 661-1286, 8x 661-1426; floppy drive 661-1359.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Apple Computer, PowerBook 3400c and PowerBook G3 Service Source, Exploded View, PDF p. 209. CD-ROM drive assembly 661-1290 (3400) and 661-1476 (3400/G3); floppy drive 661-1360, case kit 076-0688, board 922-1632.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Apple Computer, PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) Service Source, Exploded View, PDF p. 194. CD-ROM drive with bezel 661-2188; DVD drive with bezel 661-2189.
  13. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook 1400 Service Source, Hot Issues (PDF p. 7) and Additional Procedures, "Door Replacement for CD-ROM Drives" (12/97), PDF pp. 229–231.
  14. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook 1400 Service Source, Troubleshooting, "Symptom Charts/CD-ROM Drive", PDF p. 67.
  15. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook 3400c and PowerBook G3 Service Source, Troubleshooting, "Symptom Charts/CD-ROM Drive", PDF p. 64.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Apple Computer, Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video Kit specification sheet, bound into the PowerBook G3 Series Service Source, PDF pp. 54–56. Kit contents; module disc formats and speeds; PC Card interface, power, decoding and audio; order number M7164LL/B.
  17. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook G3 Series Service Source, Basics, configuration tables, PDF p. 18. Some configurations with a DVD-ROM drive.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Apple Computer, PowerBook G3 Series Service Source, Basics, "DVD-Video PC Card Option", PDF pp. 19–20. Introduced July 1998; test two DVD-Video titles before replacing the card.
  19. ↑ Apple Computer, Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video PC Card manual, 1998, pp. 3–6. Hosted as File:Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video PC Card manual (1998).pdf; see Macintosh PowerBook DVD-Video PC Card Manual. Requirements, lower slot only, passive-matrix display limits, battery use.
  20. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook (FireWire) Service Source, Exploded View, PDF p. 107. DVD-ROM 661-2244.
  21. ↑ Raimond Spekking, photograph of the DVD-ROM module of a PowerBook G3 500 (FireWire), Wikimedia Commons, File:Apple PowerBook G3 500 Pismo-2773.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0. Label reads "PowerBook DVD-ROM Module", model number M7931 (DRN-8080B).
  22. ↑ Apple Computer, Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series technical specifications, October 1998, bound into the PowerBook G3 Series Service Source, PDF p. 52. Accessories: Floppy Disk Drive Expansion Bay Module M6396G/A.
  23. ↑ Apple Computer, Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series data sheet, October 1999, L03778C, pp. 1-4: expansion bay for CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives and third-party Zip, SuperDisk and hard disk drives; Zip and SuperDisk drive expansion modules orderable from the Apple Store. Hosted as File:PowerBook G3 (Bronze Keyboard) Data Sheet (L03778C, 1999).pdf.
  24. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook data sheet, February 2000, L05016A, pp. 1-4: expansion bay for the DVD-ROM drive or third-party Zip, SuperDisk and hard disk drives; Zip and SuperDisk drive expansion modules orderable from the Apple Store. Hosted as File:PowerBook (FireWire) Data Sheet (L05016A, 2000).pdf.
  25. ↑ Apple Computer, press release "Apple Designs Different: Extends Leadership in Notebooks with PowerBook G3", 10 November 1997, reprinted by MacTech as "(MD1) PowerBook G3" (read 4 October 2026). Expansion bay for floppy, CD-ROM, hard disk, magneto-optical drive and internal AC adapter; a Zip drive from VST Technologies expected; modules from the 3400, 5300 and 190 usable; hot swapping.
  26. ↑ Apple Rescue of Denver, "VST Zip 100 Drive ~ PowerBook G3" (read 4 October 2026). Dealer listing: VST Technologies model ZIPG32, right bay of the Bronze Keyboard (Lombard) and Pismo PowerBook G3, 100 MB Zip disks.
  27. ↑ Apple Rescue of Denver, "VST SuperDisk Drive ~ PowerBook G3" (read 4 October 2026). Dealer listing: VST Technologies model LSG32, right bay of the Bronze Keyboard (Lombard) and Pismo PowerBook G3, 120 MB SuperDisk and 1.44 MB HD floppy disks.
  28. ↑ Wikipedia, "SuperDisk" (read 4 October 2026). History and formats only: Imation, 1996; 120 MB media; backwards compatible with 1.44 MB, 1.2 MB and 720 KB floppy formats.
  29. ↑ Apple Computer, PowerBook (FireWire) Service Source, Troubleshooting, PDF pp. 36–37. Expansion bay module will not insert.


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