MacOS High Sierra's Issues With OWC SSD

mark-leon wrote:

Apparently the issue is with the new directory system built into High Sierra. It doesn't work with flash drives.

That's not true. In fact APFS was developed and is optimized specifically for flash storage, and is now the default system for Macs incorporating all-flash storage.

Surely there is a firmware to help overcome this issue.

If there is to be one, it would be up to the SSD / flash storage device vendor to create and distribute it. Apple does not develop firmware for hardware they do not incorporate in the products they build.

As was the case with some macOS upgrades in the past, High Sierra includes firmware upgrades for Apple hardware. They are not interested in developing firmware for other devices; in fact it would not even be possible for them to do that without knowledge of devices those device manufacturers are likely to consider proprietary.

OWC acknowledged that High Sierra won't work well (if it does at all) on certain Mac models using certain Aura series SSDs. Their only public statement is that they are "working directly with" affected customers to address it: A Note on High Sierra Compatibility with Third Party SSDs .... As far as I know OWC's proposed remedy is to offer a $300 rebate for customers willing to purchase a "new and improved" (and expensive) Aura flash module that does work with High Sierra.

Draw from that what you will, but the bottom line is it's OWC who needs to fix whatever's wrong with their products. Contact Apple if you wish but they do not and will not care because they do not consider hard disk / SSD replacement an acceptable user modification. Save yourself the time and frustration of pursuing that course of action: don't bother.

For what it's worth I have use OWC's SSDs in many Macs, specifically their Mercury Extreme Pro 6G series SSDs. High Sierra runs perfectly fine on them.

I realize you won't like that answer but it is the only solution to the "issue" you describe.

What version of macOS are you using? The last upgrade was macOS High Sierra 10.13.2 Combo Update. I have two OWC SSDs that have the latest version of macOS and seem not to have any problems. I have a number of other third-party SSDs with which I've had no problems.

What hardware are you using? Are these problem SSDs using the 2.5" form factor or are they M.2?

If OWC has recognized there is a problem for which a solution has not yet been found, then why ask if anyone here has a solution?

Kappy wrote:

What version of macOS are you using?

and

What hardware are you using?

You still haven't answered those questions. Are you even using an OWC product? If so, which one?

Your profile information indicates you are using a "Mac Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.3)." If that information is correct the OWC Aura product and its troubles isn't even a factor. Many people post questions to this site lacking detail, so all anyone else can do is to make reasonable assumptions.

Perhaps you should start from the beginning and describe what it is you want to accomplish. The answers I posted are general in nature. For specific help, please be specific.

FWIW, I would think OWC's advice is the best practical advice currently available.

First, these are user-only forums. Apple is not here and you are not speaking to Apple here.

Second, you weren't asked to justify anything. The question was rhetorical.

Third, yes there are rules. You didn't read them when you first signed up on the ASC even though you were asked to do so. Here they are Apple Support Communities - Terms of Use.

Fourth, is related to additional things to consider about here:

You need to file any suggestions or complaints at Feedback - Apple Support. If you wish you can contact Apple directly:

1. Apple Store Customer Service at 1-800-676-2775 or visit online Help for more information.
2. To contact product and tech support: Contacting Apple for support and service including international calling numbers.

mark-leon wrote:

Good for you. I hope I have the same luck.

Luck has nothing to do with it. If you choose to modify a Mac in an unapproved manner, the consequences are yours. Revert that modification, and your problem is solved.

Apple has nothing to do with it either. OWC offered you a remedy; take it up with them.

You appear to have been misled, or in denial, or both. I am not having any "issues". You are. You asked for solutions. I presented a number of options. They are yours to accept, or not. They are not hostile. They are helpful and are intended to educate to and save you wasted time, frustration, money, or all three. That's how this support site works.

I'm hoping to find someone here who can offer some practical solution or work around.

I just did.