Mac Pro Late 2013 SSD Replacement

Written By: Andrew Optimus Goldheart
  • Comments: 8
Mac Pro Late 2013 SSD Replacement

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

4

Time Required

5 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the SSD in your Mac Pro.

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    • Slide the lock switch to the right, to the unlocked position.

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    • Lift the outer case straight up off the Mac Pro.

    • It may help to push down on the center of the fan while lifting the case up.

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    • Remove the single 6.5 mm T8 Torx screw.

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    • Pull the SSD slightly away from the graphics card.

    • Do not pull the top edge of the SSD more than 1/2" away from the graphics card, or you will risk damaging it.

    • Lift the SSD straight up out of its slot on the graphics card.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Andrew Optimus Goldheart

Member since: 17/10/09

502341 Reputation

8 comments

Will a 970 evo 512 gb pcie m2 fit on here?

Sam Yao -

As long as the drive is not the Plus version, you may be able to use an adapter in order to use that SSD in your MacPro6,1:

https://www.amazon.com/Sintech-Adapter-U...

I have not tried this, but am, currently, researching a fix for a machine in my care.

Robert Maxwell -

Yes—works very well with the Sintech adaptor (and even with an EK-M.2 NVMe Heatsink — use thermal paste for longevity!).

Just did this yesterday and it’s a great/fast/easy upgrade.

ericbalog -

Do you need a heat sink in the SSD?

Cesar Cuenca -

The stock (Samsung) drive(s) that shipped (from Apple) with these machines do not; unless the black, outer covering helps with heat. [???]

I have had both a Samsung MZ-JPU256T/0A1 (256GB) and Samsung MZ-KPU1T0T/0A1 (1TB) installed in my machine without issue.

Third-party drives may include or heatsink and/or require at least 10.13 (High Sierra).

Robert Maxwell -

You don’t *need* one, strictly speaking, but at best your SSD will get throttled in terms of speed and at worst it’s lifespan will be reduced.

That black outer covering on the original drive IS a heatsink.

ericbalog -

Is it possible to buy the screw separately?

Dominic Richter -

I need to clone my stock drive 256Gb Samsung SSD currently in my Mac Pro to the new 1TB OWC SSD Pro X2 drive meant to replace it. But, there are no enclosures listed specifically for the Mac Pro. I have only found this for the Macbook Pro, on the compatibility chart does not list Mac Pro.
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air (Mid 2013 to Early 2015) Blade SSD Upgrade Bundle

I am wondering will it do the job for the Mac Pro, can anyone confirm ?

Don S. -