How can I find the right SSD to upgrade my MacPro?

Question

Level 1

32 points

How can I find the right SSD to upgrade my MacPro?

I just bought a new 512gb SSD to replace the 256gb one that came with my MacPro. I bought it online at this link:

As you can see, the product description and the customer reviews explicitly say that this thing works in the 2013 MacPro cylinder. I know because I studied every inch of the product page before ordering it! So I just tried to put it into my MacPro, and it didn't fit. As you can see from these pictures, it clearly has a different interface than the original SSD that I pulled from my Mac. It's shorter, so the hex screw won't hold it in place, and the notch on the connector is in a different place.

So now I'm going to have to return this thing and order a different one that will actually work, which will be a hassle. I'd really appreciate it if somebody could explain to me where I went wrong so this doesn't happen again! Thank you.

Mac Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2), Late 2013, 3.5 GHz 6-Core

Posted on Aug 22, 2015 11:24 PM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Aug 23, 2015 3:14 AM in response to Explodey

You have to be careful from whom you purchase it,

PCIe-SSD for New Mac Pro 2013

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Answer 2

The hatter

Level 9

60,980 points

Aug 23, 2015 8:46 AM in response to Explodey

You can find a lot in threadaimed at cMP but gets into all thigs M.2 related.

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Answer 3

Explodey Author

Level 1

32 points

Aug 23, 2015 1:22 PM in response to The hatter

Thank you for your replies. Can someone please tell me if this is the right one:

http://amzn.com/B00VR1HC7U

Thanks.

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Answer 4

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Aug 23, 2015 1:32 PM in response to Explodey

It does not say it is compatible.

At that price and capacity

Price:

$1,199.99 + $3.99 shipping

Only 1 left in stock.

Ships from and sold by 3CLeader.

Estimated Delivery Date: Sept. 17 - Oct. 5 when you choose Standard at checkout.

Brand New.
SSD Solid State Drive 512GB 655-1805D for MacBook Pro 15" Retina A1398 Late 2013.
Product Name :512GB SSD Solid State Hard Drive 655-1805D.
Compatible Model No :ME293LL/A ME294LL/A .
Compatible Model: MacBook Pro 15" A1398 Late 2013 Retina.

I would not purchase it.

I would rather get one of these

http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=484&type=InternalDri ves

Even if they are a little slower than the Apple SSDs

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Answer 5

Explodey Author

Level 1

32 points

Aug 23, 2015 1:48 PM in response to lllaass

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately they only seem to have 1TB and 2TB drives, which is more than I can afford. I'm looking for a 512 gig SSD.

Would this one work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131583908286?hash=item1ea30319be&autorefresh=true

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Answer 6

Explodey Author

Level 1

32 points

Aug 23, 2015 2:04 PM in response to lllaass

Whenever I do a search for a late 2013 Mac Pro 512GB SSD, almost all the results I get are wrong. Is there a better search term to use? I usually don't have so much trouble finding hardware online. It's frustrating.

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Answer 7

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Aug 23, 2015 2:14 PM in response to Explodey

That one look promising. They say it is for a 2013 Mac Pro as well as some MacBook Pros.

Also see:

https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/217685/Are+these+the+right+SSD+PCIe+blades+f or+iMac+Late+2013

My mac pro has the SM0512F, revision UXM8JA1Q

Note that your eBay ones do not have a heatsink that comes with the Apple supplies Mac Pro SSD. The heatsink is shown here

http://www.ebay.com/itm/256GB-Flash-Drive-PCIe-SSD-MZ-JPU256T-0A1-655-1803B-for- Apple-Mac-Pro-2013-2015/131543392629?_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982&_trkparms=ai d%3D777000%26algo%3DABA.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D33097%26meid%3Dd0c177df04b34fd3a21b 131b32378739%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D131583908286

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Answer 8

Explodey Author

Level 1

32 points

Aug 23, 2015 2:24 PM in response to lllaass

Great, thanks. I went ahead and bought that one on eBay. Anyway, yes, I noticed that heat sink when took out the SSD yesterday, and it doesn't seem to come off, so I can't use it for the new one I get. Is it possible to just buy a heat sink separately?

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Answer 9

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Aug 23, 2015 2:55 PM in response to Explodey

I have not seen the heatsink available separately.

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Answer 10

Explodey Author

Level 1

32 points

Aug 23, 2015 3:18 PM in response to Explodey

Does anyone know where I can get a heatsink that will fit this SSD, or if I even need one? Thanks.

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