This kit, containing two 2TB modules, replaces the current SSD module(s) in your system. Installation required. The 4TB SSD Kit for Mac Pro enables you to upgrade the internal SSD storage capacity of your Mac Pro. Know more in Apple 4TB SSD kit for Mac Pro review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Connectivity : USB-C
- Dimension: 7.24 x 3.27 x 0.94 inches
Cons
- Only compatible with MacBook
Price
Apple 4TB SSD kit for Mac Pro price is $1600.
Apple 4TB SSD kit for Mac Pro review
Design
Apple 4TB SSD kit for Mac Pro measures at 7.24 x 3.27 x 0.94 inches and weighs 4.8 ounces. This kit, containing two 2TB modules, replaces the current SSD module(s) in your system.
Capacity
Apple has just added a user-configurable solid-state drive kit to the Mac Pro desktop computer, letting you add and remove modules of 1TB, 2TB, 4TB or 8TB SSD storage as you please.
The kit will replace the Mac Pro’s default SSD and is primarily intended for users who bought a smaller SSD and want to upgrade
How to do Apple 4TB SSD kit for Mac Pro upgrade?
Mac Pro owners now have three options for more storage on their device — they can choose an external storage drive such that connects over USB or Thunderbolt 3, they can choose an internal option such as the Promise Pegasus R4i or OWC Accelsior 4M2, or they can upgrade the stock internal SSD thanks to newly released upgrade kits from Apple.
Tools required
Before you begin the task of upgrading the SSD in your Mac Pro (2019) there are a few things to touch on.
Once done, your old SSD module will be unusable. Apple uses its own proprietary SSD so it won’t fit in any enclosure and once the new SSD has the T2 firmware restored, the old SSD’s data will be inaccessible.
2019 Mac Pro with case removed
And speaking of data, if you are planning to restore from the previous drive, it is important to ensure you have a recent backup that you are able to use.
Mac Pro SSD kit upgrade requirements
- T8 screwdriver
- USB-C to USB-C cable — must support data as well as power
- A secondary Mac with 10.14.6 or later
- Apple COnfigurator 2.12 or later on the second Mac
- Apple Mac Pro SSD upgrade kit
- A recent backup if restoring user data
Uninstalling old SSD and installing new SSD modules
Once you’ve checked the requirements above you are ready to proceed.
How to install the Mac Pro SSD upgrade kit
- Properly shut down the Mac Pro from the Apple menu
- Disconnect all cables from the Mac Pro and remove the external case Always be sure to discharge any static electricity when working inside the Mac Pro
- Carefully place the Mac Pro horizontally, ensuring that the Mac won’t damage your work area and vice versa
- Push down on the SSD cover and slide it away from the MacCarefully remove SSD baffleNote: The PCIe baffle clips can be delicate. Don’t force these apart or clips will break. If you have issues removing PCIe baffle, remove the DIMM baffle above first
- Use your T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the screws on the existing SSD modules and pull them straight out from the clipRemoving T8 Torx screw from SSD
- Remove the new SSD modules from their protective foil wrappers, ensuring you’ve discharged any static electricity prior to doing so
- Side the new modules into the clips and secure with T8 Torx screwsThe Mac Pro’s labeled SSD slotsBe sure module one goes into the top slot labeled “1” and two goes into slot labeled “2”
- Slide covers back into place over top of new SSD modules and put the case back onto the Mac Pro
The new pair of SSDs installed on the Mac Pro
Once you complete the steps above, the new SSD modules are fully installed, but still not usable. If you try to power on the Mac Pro, the status light atop will flash orange.
Before you can use the Mac, we will need to restore the T2 chip’s firmware to pair with the new SSDs.
Restoring the T2
- Optionally connect a monitor to your Mac Pro to keep an eye on the process
- With the power still unplugged, connect a USB-C cable to the top Thunderbolt 3 port that is farthest from the power button and connect to your second MacConnect your USB-C cable to the furtheest Thunderbolt 3 port
- While holding the power button, connect the Mac Pro’s power cable. Hold the button for at least three seconds
- In Apple Configurator 2, select the Mac which will show as “DFU” and listed as “Apple Controller”Restoring the T2 firmware in Apple Configurator 2
- From the menu bar, choose Actions > Restore
- Wait for the process to complete
- If the Mac doesn’t automatically reboot, press the power button to automatically boot into recovery mode
Install macOS
The Apple Mac Pro SSD
From here, it is a more familiar affair. Reinstall macOS and restore your data.
- Wait for Mac to boot into macOS Recovery
- Choose “Reinstall macOS
- Go through the prompts and wait for macOS to install
- Once it reboots, walk through the new Mac onboarding process
- If restoring from a backup, choose that option when prompted
Alternate of Apple 4TB SSD kit for Mac Pro
WD Black SN850
Specs
- Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Form Factor: M.2 2280 Single-sided
- Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4
- Sequential Reads/Writes: 7,000 MBps / 5,300 MBps
- Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 1,200 TBW
Pros
+Competitive performance
+Large dynamic SLC cache
+Black PCB
+Software package
+5-year warranty
Cons
-Hot under heavy load
-High idle power consumption on desktop test bench
-AES 256-bit encryption not supported
With ever-so-much faster random performance, a more consistent write profile, and higher efficiency, Samsung’s 980 PRO earned the title as our top pick for a next-gen PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe, but WD’s Black SN850 makes for a top-tier runner-up. Depending on the price, you can’t go wrong with either one for your high-end gaming or workstation build.Advertisement
WD’s Black SN850 paired with the company’s new 16nm WD Black G2 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe 1.4 SSD controller marks a substantial improvement in the company’s SSD architecture. WDs Black SN850 can sustain speeds of up to 7/5.3 GBps and deliver very responsive random performance enabling the SSD to go toe-to-toe with our top pick. Although, that is at the cost of high idle power consumption on our desktop test bench. Also, unlike the Samsung 980 Pro, the WD Black SN850 lacks AES 256-bit encryption.
