What is the latest macOS supported by a 2013 Mac Pro, and what type of SSD can I install?

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Level 4

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What is the latest macOS supported by a 2013 Mac Pro, and what type of SSD can I install?

Mac Pro 2013 questions -- having trouble finding a simple clear answer to what is the latest macOS a 2013 Mac Pro will run -- supported by apple?

what type of SSD can i put in there?

found one used 100$ -- 3.5 GHz 6-core Intel Xeon E5 Dual AMD Firepro D500 3GB, 256GB SSD, 16GB ram -- where is that model on the year (entry or top of line)

sorry 2010 was my last mac pro -- just curious about getting 2013 to mess around with an old macOS

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: mac pro 2013

Posted on Dec 19, 2025 6:33 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 19, 2025 6:46 PM in response to -g

<< what is the latest macOS a 2013 Mac Pro will run -- supported by apple? >>

MacOS 12 Monterey.

<< what type of SSD can i put in there? >>

Owc/MacSales is the only vendor who decided to develop an aftermarket boot SSD. But do not discard the old one, you will need it for some required firmware upsdfates.

<< where is that model on the year (entry or top of line). >>

vs today's requirements, it stinks.

But PROVIDED everything is working perfectly (the graphics cards tend to die) that is a top processor and a middle graphics setup.

if you look up the processing power benchmarks, ANY Apple-silicon Mac out-computes it.

I would not recommend paying money for 2013 model.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

91,012 points

Dec 19, 2025 6:50 PM in response to -g

A 2013 Mac Pro can only run macOS 12 Monterey which is no longer supported by new updates.

see > Mac Pro (Late 2013) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

and > Identify your Mac Pro model - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Dec 19, 2025 7:08 PM in response to -g

That Mac Pro model is middling. 6-core with mid-range clock. The Mac Pro 2013 got very little in terms of hardware upgrades, too. (tech spec details)

If you’re looking for cheap, I see a Mac mini M1 available for USD$250, and it’ll handily outperform the trashcan.

And it’ll run macOS 26; current.

Handily outperform? 2.7 GHz 12-core Xeon 675 single and 5124 multicore versus 3.195 GHz 8-core M1 at 2377 and 8204. Intel Xeon tends to be toasty warm, too. (And your Mac Pro 2013 here is nowhere near as fast.)

As for old Macs for running old macOS versions, sure, whatever meets your needs. You can boot most (all?) off external storage with them, too.

Models running macOS 10.13 and earlier will be having issues with secure network connectivity. Variously newer versions than that can have problems, too.

As a resource for these sorts of questions, download the MacTracker app from the app stores.

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Answer 4

-g Author

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3,383 points

Dec 19, 2025 7:09 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

thanks the Monterey confirmation

i perused the 2013 MP videos on macsales-com owc

i have a 512gb SSPOLARIS from a 2019 iMac that might work -- tho the 256gb original probably ok as is

i'm not sure what i would be using this machine for other than playing around with it for a while...

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Answer 5

Dec 20, 2025 7:18 AM in response to -g

<< i have a 512gb SSPOLARIS from a 2019 iMac that might work >>

you don't seem to understand. NOTHING else works directly without adapters, and you have to get exactly the right adapter. Or buy from MacSales.

... and if it comes to you with marginal or failed graphics cards, the entire unit is no good any more. NO aftermarket graphics cards.

Also, if it needs its PRAM backup battery changed, that is a 32-step tear-down to get to it.

This is NOT a fun hobbyist Mac.

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Answer 6

-g Author

Level 4

3,383 points

Dec 20, 2025 8:24 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant Bennet-Alder >> you don't seem to understand.

yea -- that's why i posted

i was trying to relate my experience upgrading the Apple SSD on 2017-2019 iMacs

those come from apple with Samsung SSPOLARIS SSDs

they will upgrade seamlessly with a retail M.2 SSD using Sintech adapter

once i saw the OWC video, the SSD looked similar though i didn't count the pins

or compare to my 2014 mac mini Apple flash blades i have here if they were different

but you are right again -- a 23-step battery change -- the machine has lost its appeal as a DIY project -- i'm not even sure what i would use it for except to watch it run and feel the heat...it just looked interesting

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Answer 7

Dec 20, 2025 8:46 AM in response to -g

if you like your 2010 Mac Pro, there are a LOT of hobbyist projects you can do with it. it can get updated Wi_fi if you like to tinker, and using alternative Boot loaders can be pushed to run later macOS, including Sequoia.

BUT since these sorts of changes are not supported by Apple, and could cause harm to your computer or your person, we are not allowed to provide direct links.

But you can read this blog:

https://blog.greggant.com/posts/2018/05/07/definitive-mac-pro-upgrade-guide.html

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Answer 8

-g Author

Level 4

3,383 points

Dec 19, 2025 7:15 PM in response to MrHoffman

"toasty warm" might be a deal breaker on the 2013 -- i still remember my dual 30-inch apple cinema displays on my 2010 mac pro running SCSI RAID 0 drives -- made for baking cookies...

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Answer 9

-g Author

Level 4

3,383 points

Dec 20, 2025 10:53 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant Bennet-Alder>> if you like your 2010 Mac Pro

i got rid of my 2010 mac pro and cinema displays years ago for 2017 iMac and apple flash SSD -- 2017 ran mojave and cs6 photoshop and kept me in business -- 2017 ran cooler and faster with much less energy than my 2010 ever did

then i discovered 2019 iMac also ran mojave (and cs6) -- and Sequoia -- so i got rid of 2017 -- now 2019 iMac are my current machines (i still working in Mojave cs6 and Snow Leopard) -- i do not anticipate buying a new Mac for some time -- certainly not a M series silicon iMac until they get the screen issues fixed

i originally asked what type of SSD the 2013 MP took -- that was an easy answer as was the last supported macOS -- for someone spending time here and i appreciate all the help i receive here

not sure why this turned

why you say changing a SSD could harm a healthy computer -- with appropriate instruction and caution -- Apple original SSDs are available preowned off auction sites (no gloom and doom there, just ask for DriveHealth and Power On hours and use common sense)

i am not a fan of OWC SSDs and would avoid them ... their RAM yes

2013 mac pro swapping SSD is about as easy (and routine) as upgrading RAM -- it doesn't compare with cutting the screen assembly off an iMac, flipping the main board, installing a NVMe SSD, changing out the weird battery (no one sells), upgrading the RAM in 21.5" 4k models -- and putting it back together

i don't recommend non-apple upgrades or system hacks for professional use -- they never worked 100% for me and wasted my time troubleshooting conflicts -- exceptions: Microsoft 2-button scroll USB mouse, 3rd party RAM and SSD/HDD, external USB/TB3 enclosures, card readers (to name a few off top of my head)

but this is why i like computers -- everyone can develop their own approach -- this place is extremely useful for moving people forward...and getting them back to work

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