Preserve RAID 0 when replacing Sonnet M.2 4x4 cards?

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Level 1

58 points

Preserve RAID 0 when replacing Sonnet M.2 4x4 cards?

Hi everyone, looking for some troubleshooting advice.

I have two Sonnet M.2 4x4 PCIe cards that were originally purchased in 2019 (https://www.sonnettech.com/product/legacyproducts/m2-4x4-pcie-card.html) installed in my 2019 Mac Pro 7,1.

Each one has four 2 TB Samsung SSD 970 EVO blades installed inside. They are configured into two RAID 0 arrays.

Both Sonnet units are experiencing issues with the built in fan, I am hearing a loud noise that I’ve never heard before from both units. I've reached out to Sonnet directly to try and troubleshoot (I've already taken both units out of the computer, cleared all dust, and put them back in).

If the mechanical fan issue in the Sonnet units can't be repaired, one option I have is to purchase two new Sonnet M.2 4x4 cards that are "silent" -- they don't have a built in fan.

If I was to transfer the SSDs into 2 new “silent” Sonnet M.2 4x4, would I need to reformat each as brand new RAID 0 arrays, or is there a way to preserve the existing RAID setup?

Posted on Jun 2, 2026 11:58 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

kaz-k

Level 9

51,834 points

Jun 3, 2026 3:43 AM in response to Theatwar

Hi,

Yes, you can preserve your RAID 0 array. Because the Sonnet M.2 4x4 card is essentially a passive PCIe-to-NVMe adapter (acting as a lane multiplier without an onboard hardware RAID controller), macOS tracks the RAID using the drives themselves, not the card.

Before you swap the cards, create a full backup of your RAID array on a separate external drive just in case.

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Answer 2

Jun 3, 2026 9:30 AM in response to Theatwar

I agree in essence what kaz-k said, but my emphasis would be very different:

1) If anything goes wrong, you could still lose your data despite doing everything right. You MUST have a Trusted Backup of your data before proceeding,

2) Since you WILL have a Trusted Backup on hand, your options for proceeding, including erasing and re-imaging your RAID, or substituting/upgrading selected SSD devices, are wide open.

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Answer 3

Jun 3, 2026 9:36 AM in response to Theatwar

If sonnet does not offer the fans as a replacement part, consider peeling off the sonnet sticker off the fan itself to reveal the fan-maker's sticker. you can then "run the [part] number" to find out what form factor and what CFM rating that fan provided.

Purchasing a direct replacement for most standard-sized fans online is usually straightforward.

In some cases, the fans used are only available in the 'handy' million-pack, so you might have to select a different same-sized fan with as good or better CFM ratings, and as good or better bearings.

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Answer 4

Theatwar Author

Level 1

58 points

Jun 3, 2026 10:00 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks so much for the quick replies and advice.

I have made three backups of the data (2 on external hard drives, and 1 in the cloud) so I am covered in case data gets lost.

The Samsung 970 SSD dates back to 2019. One of the RAID arrays is used as a Photoshop/After Effects scratch disk and footage archive (for use in AE projects) and one of the RAID arrays holds Photoshop files and AfterEffects projects.

Is there an advantage to erasing/reformatting the SSD? If so is there an online resource I can use for the best way to reformat?

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