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jclmavg

macrumors regular
Aug 2, 2014
173
105
I had the question mark issue with a no name adapter before I installed the sintech one. With the sintech adapter no such issues.
 

Hackentosh

macrumors newbie
Mar 4, 2018
10
7
My previous adapter was also a Sintech and it worked fine with a Samsung EVO 960. Same set up in this new computer and no go.
 

jclmavg

macrumors regular
Aug 2, 2014
173
105
My previous adapter was also a Sintech and it worked fine with a Samsung EVO 960. Same set up in this new computer and no go.
Perhaps try to reapply the kapton tape, just to be sure? I'm not sure what else could be different.
 

CodeJingle

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 23, 2009
592
217
Greater Seattle, WA
@CodeJingle do you have this reboot issue?

It is marked as internal for me
Screen Shot 2018-03-07 at 2.54.06 AM.png
[doublepost=1520420738][/doublepost]I finally have a proper socket pinout table aligned with an actual image of the pins. Note it seems to view fine in the Numbers editor but when you go to print preview the table and image are no longer aligned. Anyone else please tweak it so they line up in the print preview instead of in the editor view. I'll include both versions with and without image. The much better property of this version of the document is that if you print it to tape up as a collage the text is literally legible and wasn't previously (lol). The table and image are both flipped on the horizontal so even though the picture is of the CPU pads it actually represents the socket pins.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/g5qi2l9nuqmbgz1/XeonE5v2_no_image_2018030601.numbers?dl=0
Screen Shot 2018-03-07 at 3.01.06 AM.png

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ukar2y286gj16i/XeonE5v2_yes_image_2018030602.numbers?dl=0
Screen Shot 2018-03-07 at 3.01.43 AM.jpg
 
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itdk92

macrumors 6502a
Nov 14, 2016
504
180
Copenhagen, Denmark
It is marked as internal for me

It's more complicated than that.

If I cold boot, the internal drive shows up as internal.

If I cold boot and hold ALT, then nothing will show up, until after 30-40 seconds, then the internal drive will show as external.

If I reboot, 99% of times, the Mac starts up with a folder + a question mark.


There seem to be plenty of people with the same issue on the internet, but nobody has a solution.
Even booted in Windows and upgraded the Samsung Pro firmware, but that didn't help.

Super annoying! :(
 
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slypete

macrumors newbie
Mar 6, 2018
10
9
It's more complicated than that.

If I cold boot, the internal drive shows up as internal.

If I cold boot and hold ALT, then nothing will show up, until after 30-40 seconds, then the internal drive will show as external.

If I reboot, 99% of times, the Mac starts up with a folder + a question mark.


There seem to be plenty of people with the same issue on the internet, but nobody has a solution.
Even booted in Windows and upgraded the Samsung Pro firmware, but that didn't help.

Super annoying! :(

The Green ST-NGFF2013 sintech adapter does not have the reboot issue, but you can't run bootcamp with that adapter.

Peter
 

crhendo

macrumors member
Oct 28, 2009
48
20
A quick update........everything worked perfectly. The hours I had allocated to fixing all the problems I anticipated were never required.

View attachment 751821

I should point out that I very very rarely reboot my Mac Pro as I have had zero issues with waking from sleep since I took delivery in 2013. As a result (as far as I was concerned) my recent upgrade was flawless with no ? marks on reboot.

The trouble with participating in threads such as these is that you tend to look for problems that you didn't think you had :)

Over the past three days I have been performing random reboots and have discovered that about 25% of the time I end up with a ? mark. To recover I simply hold the power button in until reboot occurs and all returns to normal. Knowing that I COULD potentially have a problem in the future has been bugging me and recent posts referring to NEW versions of the Sintech adapters hasn't helped. As a result, I have just purchased the three similarly featured Sintech adapters from their shop and intend to run a series of tests when they arrive. Yes, I'm a little crazy however the inner-Geek inside me doesn't like loose ends so I intend to see this process through and eventually hope to publish my findings.
 
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david04

macrumors newbie
Dec 1, 2014
4
1
It's more complicated than that.

If I cold boot, the internal drive shows up as internal.

If I cold boot and hold ALT, then nothing will show up, until after 30-40 seconds, then the internal drive will show as external.

If I reboot, 99% of times, the Mac starts up with a folder + a question mark.


There seem to be plenty of people with the same issue on the internet, but nobody has a solution.
Even booted in Windows and upgraded the Samsung Pro firmware, but that didn't help.

Super annoying! :(


I have the same annoying issue. Really annoying when switching from Bootcamp to OSX and back. This is my adapter:
http://eshop.sintech.cn/ngff-m2-pcie-ssd-card-as-2013-2014-2015-macbook-ssd-p-1139.html
 
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ShawnF

macrumors regular
May 10, 2014
196
16
Hi I am looking for the adapter so my Mac Pro can use the Samsung 960 NVME SSD.

I have been looking for vendors on eBay that might carry it. Is this one compatible:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/M-2-PCIe-X...505045?hash=item5206ce5a15:g:oq4AAOSwC2Jao2mz

ShawnF

(previously titled "2 TB NVMe M.2 SSD in Trash Can Mac Pro")

Update: Unedited feedback from Kris Kelvin
  • Not all NVMe drives are compatible. Unfortunately, there's no definitive list. Samsung's 960 series seems to work for everyone. Here is a report of someone using a Toshiba XG3.
  • The speed will be limited to how many PCIe lanes your Mac supports. Here's an overview over different Models.
  • High Sierra must previously have been installed on this Mac (on an AHCI drive). Installing High Sierra upgrades the Mac's EFI Firmware / Boot ROM, allowing for NVMe drives to work. The latest Boot ROM for MacPro6,1 is MP61.0120.B00.
  • Your adapter looks to be the Chenyang/CableCC one. Several people reported problems with it. The ones from Sintech and PC PARTS 239 seem to be working properly (including sleep, reboot etc.).
  • Make sure the adapter is properly seated and aligned. If it isn't, it might work with fever PCIe lanes (= slower) or not at all.
  • Taping the adapter with EM shielding (e.g. Kapton tape) is recommended to prevent EM leaks / shorts.
  • High Sierra (or later) is required when using a NVMe SSD. If you're using Internet Recovery, make sure you boot with Option-Command-R (and not just Command-R), so the latest compatible version of macOS is loaded. Bootable installers on USB also work.
  • A heat sink for the SSD is not required, but might help sustain performance when stressing it over a long time. This one fits: EK-M.2
  • High Sierra's Disk Utility may not show uninitialized devices. If your SSD isn't shown, try this:
    1. Open Disk Utility
    2. Click the top left button in the toolbar ("View") and select "Show All Devices"
    3. Relaunch Disk Utility

Update: Unedited uncut video proof
https://www.dropbox.com/s/emb558u38whfdmm/20171202_000342.mp4?dl=0


I have two questions. I see no thread about NVMe on the trash can Mac Pro, so I made a new thread.

1 - Does Mac Pro 6, 1 (2013) support NVMe drive type and if not is there a firmware hack? I know iMac Pro coming in December is supporting NVMe, but that support may not trickle down to the trash can Mac Pro. Update; it does work. Internal drive in the Mac Pro 2013. Booting even!

2 - Apple's proprietary connector for M.2 is double height with an extra row that is two solid pads on one side. Does anyone know where to get an M.2 adapter dongle that supports this double-height connector format? Update; the two solid pads are connected to ground.

I have Mac Pro 2013 and want to upgrade my M.2 from 1 TB to 2 TB. The only 2 TB M.2 stick on the market besides the OWC custom solution is Samsung MZ-V6P2T0BW. So I got this stick and a dongle to convert from standard M.2 NVMe connector type to Apple's proprietary M.2 connector type. But the dongle connector does not have the second row of pins like my Mac Pro's built-in SSD connector. I've tested it, and it currently does not work in the slot, I'm not sure if the problem is a missing driver or because of the connector difference. Update; it does work. But don't forget to sand down jagged edges using a metal file or sandpaper. And don't forget the tape!

SSD:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147598

http://www.samsung.com/semiconductor/minisite/ssd/product/consumer/960pro.html

Adapter (USA-only):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXUH921

http://www.pcparts239.com

Adapter (outside the USA):
http://eshop.sintech.cn/ngff-m2-pcie-ssd-card-as-2013-2014-2015-macbook-ssd-p-1139.html

Heat Sink (optional):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073RHHYCM

https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-m-2-nvme-heatsink-black

http://www.samsung.com/semiconducto...document/SAMSUNG_Memory_NVMe_Brochure_web.pdf

Original 1 TB Drive:
View attachment 739747

View attachment 739748

New Drive:
View attachment 739749

View attachment 739751

View attachment 739752

Adapter:
View attachment 739745

Adapter with Tape:
View attachment 739746

Adapter Sanded Down:
View attachment 739755

View attachment 739756

View attachment 739757
 

CodeJingle

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 23, 2009
592
217
Greater Seattle, WA
I can confirm 'PC Parts 239' has completely pulled out of Amazon.
[doublepost=1520870903][/doublepost]
If I reboot, 99% of times, the Mac starts up with a folder + a question mark.

Warm reboot kaput but cold boot ok? Fascinating! I haven't had any reboot issues. Haven't tried bootcamp yet maybe I will run into boot or reboot issues then.
 

itdk92

macrumors 6502a
Nov 14, 2016
504
180
Copenhagen, Denmark
I can confirm 'PC Parts 239' has completely pulled out of Amazon.
[doublepost=1520870903][/doublepost]

Warm reboot kaput but cold boot ok? Fascinating! I haven't had any reboot issues. Haven't tried bootcamp yet maybe I will run into boot or reboot issues then.

Yes, exactly.

Interesting that you haven’t had any troubles. Gives me hope! :)

Might be that the adaptors are still not isolated 100% correctly.

I have purchased “the green” version as suggested, and will report asa I receive them.
 
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MarkJames68

macrumors 6502
Sep 24, 2017
394
246
I can confirm 'PC Parts 239' has completely pulled out of Amazon.
[doublepost=1520870903][/doublepost]

Warm reboot kaput but cold boot ok? Fascinating! I haven't had any reboot issues. Haven't tried bootcamp yet maybe I will run into boot or reboot issues then.
I haven’t had any either with the PC Parts 239. I’ve used it in 2 nMP systems now. No tape, no issues.
 
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CodeJingle

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 23, 2009
592
217
Greater Seattle, WA
My day job employer was quite adamant if I attend WWDC this year they will not reimburse me any portion of the cost. Not even the 1599 USD conference ticket cost. Depending on how far I get by June the best way to promote my work would be to attend WWDC. It will be old news by June 2019. At the very least it is disappointing. I am not in a position to cover all costs myself, especially with the cost of the work I am currently doing, and I still need to eventually buy two Vega cards. I might have been able to wing the other costs if my employer at least covered the conference ticket. Rather than pulling out of the lottery, I will wait to see the outcome. I would feel better if I lose the lottery.
 
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MarkJames68

macrumors 6502
Sep 24, 2017
394
246
My day job employer was quite adamant if I attend WWDC this year they will not reimburse me any portion of the cost. Not even the 1599 USD conference ticket cost. Depending on how far I get by June the best way to promote my work would be to attend WWDC. It will be old news by June 2019. At the very least it is disappointing. I am not in a position to cover all costs myself, especially with the cost of the work I am currently doing, and I still need to eventually buy two Vega cards. I might have been able to wing the other costs if my employer at least covered the conference ticket. Rather than pulling out of the lottery, I will wait to see the outcome. I would feel better if I lose the lottery.
You should see if you can get a VAR or manufacturer to sponsor some of your work, or get you a freebie pass. The true cost of a WWDC pass is zero, or whatever a physical paper pass costs.
 

AidenShaw

macrumors P6
Feb 8, 2003
18,667
4,677
The Peninsula
Depending on how far I get by June the best way to promote my work would be to attend WWDC. It will be old news by June 2019.
Just what is "your work"?

What are the goals, what are the deliverables, what constitutes "success"?

Apple has declared that the MP6,1 is a failed turkey. Why bother with it? The "old news by June 2019" is simply that the MP6,1 will be irrelevant in an Apple world with the Imac Pro and the rumoured MP7.1.

Focus on your day job.
 
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MarkJames68

macrumors 6502
Sep 24, 2017
394
246
Apple never said it is a failed turkey. If they felt that way, why even make the iMac Pro, which is even more closed than the 6,1 ever was.
Or continue to sell the nMP...

I like mine, as it does what I need. If Apple blesses the eGPU, or tacitly ignores it but leaves it unofficially working, I will get years out of my nMP. I just got a great deal on an xMac Server so will be rack mounting mine shortly.

What’s gone is the expandability part of it, but as you correctly point out, the iMac Pro is even worse. You can no longer even add memory without a service call.
 
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CodeJingle

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 23, 2009
592
217
Greater Seattle, WA
Just what is "your work"?

What are the goals, what are the deliverables, what constitutes "success"?

Senior embedded developer. I can ship a product on pretty much any processor. Regarding shipped products, my most recent success is a Bluetooth nock which I wrote the firmware for. In terms of limitations of the hardware, I am most proud of a project I completed on a 16 Mhz 8-bit processor with 4 kilobytes of storage and 1.5 kilobytes of ram (I couldn't fit a kernel or even the standard C library on there, so I went bare metal and basically shipped bootstrap).

I am expanding my duties in my day job beyond software and entering the realm of hardware development. Working out the pinout for the Mac Pro 2013 is good practice. If I can complete that task and maybe brag a little about it then why not. A significant independent project that you do just for fun adds a lot of spice to a portfolio, and it has been a while. Having a backup plan is a good idea especially for working at a startup.

[doublepost=1521154563][/doublepost]I fixed the alignment issue with the background image on the processor pinout. It still is wrong when you try and print it, but outside of printing and print preview, the image aligns with the table almost perfectly. Same link https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ukar2y286gj16i/XeonE5v2_yes_image_2018030602.numbers?dl=0
 
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