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User profile for user: Graham Woodend
Graham Woodend Author
User level: Level 1
10 points

Mac Pro 6,1 - A required firmware update could not be installed. Compatible internal storage is required in order to update

I have just purchased a trashcan Mac Pro 6,1 (12 core, D700), this already had Monterey 12.0 installed on the default Apple 256gb SSD.


As this was already at Monterey, I assumed that the required firmware was OK so installed the OWC Aura Pro X2 SSD and attempted a clean install.


Got the "A required firmware update could not be installed. Compatible internal storage is required in order to update." error!


Put back the original SSD and started with a clean install of High Sierra and then upgraded to every version until Big Sur - all went OK.


I then tried the upgrade to Monterey and got the same error, this is on the original Apple SSD!!!


So now I am stuck!! I can't go past Big Sur and I can't install my new expensive OWC SSD!!!


Been trawling the Web all night, but no real solutions seem to be out there apart from doing what I've just done.


Firmware seems to be stuck at 132.0.0.0 which doesn't seem right but have also seen that people have successfully done this with such a version.


Really bugging me now and need a solution soon or I'll have to return the item.


Can anyone please offer any kind of help???? PLEASE!


Mac Pro

Posted on Jan 14, 2023 3:29 PM

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User profile for user: PRP_53
PRP_53
User level: Level 10
91,369 points

Posted on Jan 15, 2023 3:11 AM

Somewhere around macOS 12.3 or 12.3.1 Monterey , the Monterey Installer contains an EFI Boot ROM as part of the Installer.


During the Installation Process - it will Verify if an Apple Original Drive is present.


If it does not - the Installation will Fail and may also mention in a Pop Up " A required firmware update could not be installed "


The background is the EFI Boot ROM requires Flashing the Computer and not the drive.


Until that condition has been met - Apple Original Drive is present for the installation, in this computer case, updating beyond the present version of Monterey is a No Go.


If as the User mentions the existing drive is " OWC Aura Pro X2 SSD " suggest communicating directly with them for assistance / resolutions.

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User profile for user: PRP_53
PRP_53
User level: Level 10
91,369 points

Jan 15, 2023 3:11 AM in response to Graham Woodend

Somewhere around macOS 12.3 or 12.3.1 Monterey , the Monterey Installer contains an EFI Boot ROM as part of the Installer.


During the Installation Process - it will Verify if an Apple Original Drive is present.


If it does not - the Installation will Fail and may also mention in a Pop Up " A required firmware update could not be installed "


The background is the EFI Boot ROM requires Flashing the Computer and not the drive.


Until that condition has been met - Apple Original Drive is present for the installation, in this computer case, updating beyond the present version of Monterey is a No Go.


If as the User mentions the existing drive is " OWC Aura Pro X2 SSD " suggest communicating directly with them for assistance / resolutions.

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User profile for user: steve626
steve626
User level: Level 6
11,357 points

Jan 14, 2023 3:55 PM in response to Graham Woodend

You purchased a second-hand (used) 2013 Mac. How do you know for sure that this has THE original Apple internal drive? What do you know about the history or the pedigree of this Mac and its internal drive?


These errors are almost always when the internal drive is not an original (or the correct original) Apple drive.


Or, something else has been done to the Mac preventing the upgrade. The fact that it arrived with Monterey 12.0 seems odd as well, why would it have been left at 12.0.


Many problems have been reported in the Discussions when used Macs are purchased. Best to purchase used Macs through reputable sellers such as Apple or OWC.


Where did you purchase yours? Can you return it for a refund?

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Mac Pro 6,1 - A required firmware update could not be installed. Compatible internal storage is required in order to update

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