Don't work, @combatphotog bought one this week and tested. Stupid design, needs additional MOLEX/SATA power even with one blade.
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MP All Models PCIe SSDs - NVMe & AHCI
- Thread starter MisterAndrew
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FYI, the 2TB 970 EVO Plus NVMe models are starting to show in-stock through regular resellers again. Several are on sale this week. It is one of the few 2TB models compatible with Sonnet M.2 4x4 (now listed as back in stock late March 2020).
Picked up the best deal i could find on a 7101a on amazon, works great, just installed it and it works like a champ. Im not using the drivers or the gui as Im not needing a raid setup. Thanks for the help Alex !!
about the
Toshiba SSDs:
XG6: TC58NCP090GSD controller: NVMe, M.2 blade
3D TLC
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB
PCIe 3.0 x4
Speeds: up to ~3,200 MB/s read, up to ~3,000 MB/s write (1TB)
Datasheet
Compatibility Status: Unknown
I have been using this for half month and using as a bootable backup in 7,1, it is quite stable and the speed is very good, I think the Compatibility status can update to should be compatible
Toshiba SSDs:
XG6: TC58NCP090GSD controller: NVMe, M.2 blade
3D TLC
Available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB
PCIe 3.0 x4
Speeds: up to ~3,200 MB/s read, up to ~3,000 MB/s write (1TB)
Datasheet
Compatibility Status: Unknown
I have been using this for half month and using as a bootable backup in 7,1, it is quite stable and the speed is very good, I think the Compatibility status can update to should be compatible
I just put this card (slot 2) in a fresh "new" '09 build running Mojave with an HP EX950 2TB. Drive was seen and formatted APFS fine, but trying to run Blackmagic's speed test causes an insta-freeze needing a hard reboot (in fact 2nd time the machine shut itself down and wouldn't power up until I pulled the power cord). I can write to it without crashing and don't notice any bad temp spikes on the drive while writing, but I don't think it's going as fast as it should (takes a long time to count items before emptying trash for example), so something is obviously wrong. I'm going through this thread and others to see if I can figure out what's happening
Also, to unfortunately demonstrate how thick I can be - I've never used NVME's before, and can't for the life of me figure how I"m supposed to put on one of those copper heat sinks without removing the stupid paper sticker on the drive and therefore voiding the warrantee. Why on earth would they put a paper sticker right on the chips of the damned things?
edit - while just sitting for a few minutes, Northbridge temps are °74 Tdiode and °58 heatsink, drive itself shows only °38-°40 range with no heatsink yet, doesn't seem to spike while writing. I don't know what those Northbridge temps mean or should be though...
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What AidenShaw said up there re: stickers and conducting heat, I simply put the thermal (silicone, IIRC?) pad on top of the “Samsung 970 Evo” sticker and the copper heat sink on top of that.I just put this card (slot 2) in a fresh "new" '09 build running Mojave with an HP EX950 2TB. Drive was seen and formatted APFS fine, but trying to run Blackmagic's speed test causes an insta-freeze needing a hard reboot (in fact 2nd time the machine shut itself down and wouldn't power up until I pulled the power cord). I can write to it without crashing and don't notice any bad temp spikes on the drive while writing, but I don't think it's going as fast as it should (takes a long time to count items before emptying trash for example), so something is obviously wrong. I'm going through this thread and others to see if I can figure out what's happening
Also, to unfortunately demonstrate how thick I can be - I've never used NVME's before, and can't for the life of me figure how I"m supposed to put on one of those copper heat sinks without removing the stupid paper sticker on the drive and therefore voiding the warrantee. Why on earth would they put a paper sticker right on the chips of the damned things?
edit - while just sitting for a few minutes, Northbridge temps are °74 Tdiode and °58 heatsink, drive itself shows only °38-°40 range with no heatsink yet, doesn't seem to spike while writing. I don't know what those Northbridge temps mean or should be though...
The Northbridge is a chip on the cMP’s motherboard (the CPU tray, actually), s‘got nothing (directly) to do with the NVMe drive. Think of it as the intersection between and traffic controller of all communication between PCIe bus, CPU and RAM. iFixit’s repair page for the Northbridge heat sink will give you a good idea what location I’m talking about.
As for the hard freeze and shut-off during a speed test...that should definitely not be happening. Assuming you’ve got a good quality NVMe SSD drive (see pg. 1 of this thread) you would expect see some throttling, or at worst having the transfer/test get really, really slow if the card gets too hot, but it should not crash the computer hard.
But this side of you having another NVMe drive and/or adapter card to see what might be causing the issue this might be tricky to diagnose. I bought a cheap’ish USB 3.1 enclosure for the 970 Evo just so I can connect the drive to another machine if the need arises.
All that being said... and assuming your drive is good... my gut feeling would be to get the Ableconn replaced.
Edit: Uh Oh, brain fart! Perhaps you have a little desk-, or even a USB-/molex-powered computer fan you can point at the NVMe drive with the cMP’s side panel off while running the test to see if temperature is indeed a factor in the crash(es)?
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What PCIe M.2 card would you recommend for a Samsung 970 EVO SSD 1TB - M.2 NVMe V-NAND (MZ-V7E1T0BW) in a 2009 Mac Pro 4,1 (flashed to 5,1) with dual 3.33 GHz 6-core CPUs + 24GB 1,333 Mhz RAM + MSI Gaming Radeon RX 560 128-bit 4GB GDRR5 DirectX 12 VR Ready CFX Graphics Card (RX 560 AERO ITX 4G OC) running Mojave ?
If I buy a PCIe card with Dual M.2 NVMe ports with PCIe 3.0 x16 Bifurcation should I buy 2 M.2 512GB cards to maximize performance ? Or will just a single 1TB M.2 card give the same performance ?
This Mac Pro currently boots off a Samsung 950 Pro SSD on a Apricom Duo PCIe card.
Yes I know there are faster video cards but the RX 560 seems fine since this workstation doesn't do video processing... but it does run QuickBooks in a Windows 10 VM which really abuses the SSD.
Thanks for your recommendations!
If I buy a PCIe card with Dual M.2 NVMe ports with PCIe 3.0 x16 Bifurcation should I buy 2 M.2 512GB cards to maximize performance ? Or will just a single 1TB M.2 card give the same performance ?
This Mac Pro currently boots off a Samsung 950 Pro SSD on a Apricom Duo PCIe card.
Yes I know there are faster video cards but the RX 560 seems fine since this workstation doesn't do video processing... but it does run QuickBooks in a Windows 10 VM which really abuses the SSD.
Thanks for your recommendations!
Thanks much for the info. It turns out the card works in every slot BUT #2. If I put the Vega 64 in slot 2 and the card in slot 1 I can run speed test and get 2500/2700 (well I did lose the 1st display port on the Vega lol, but that card isn't staying there anyway so). Of course in slots 3 or 4 it tests 1450/1500, but at leas it works. Slot 2 though - instant freeze/crash. It's just a shame I might not be able to use the card and any attached drives to their fullest capacity if this behavior remains (can't afford to block any slots).
I do have another NVMe drivev on the way, but of course to save a few bucks I ordered such that it won't get here for another week or two. I mean, as long as it's not a symptom of something more serious, it's not like I'll ever really notice that it's going "only" 1500 and not 2700 heh.
I should add that I got a quick reply from Ableconn tech support, just asking questions, so I'll get back to them and see what they say.
I've just taken a chance and ordered this card from AliExpress for some stop-gap upgrades to my 4,1:
www.aliexpress.com
The Ableconn is tempting but I really want to support 4 blades without spending Highpoint money while I stretch out my 4,1's usage and the current offer makes this card a similar price to the Ableconn. The ADWITS (and white labels) is a non-starter IMHO;
This card:
www.aliexpress.com
is coming up on ebay (in the UK) under various brands at c.£200 upwards but appears to also need a SATA power cable:
Will report back once it's received and installed.
I have an odd mix of SSDs currently... an old OWC 3.5" 480GB SATA2 SSD filling one of the drive bays; a Kingston Predator 240GB AHCI and a 970 Pro. Planning on a larger 970 Pro for my primary drive, repurposing the existing 970 Pro for Windows and installing a pair of something in RAID0 for use as a scratch disk. Hopefully some 1,1-3,1 users will be temped by the OWC and Predator when I put them on eBay...
237.67US $ |4 in 1 Cards Adapter M.2 Raid Controller/SSD/Card Pci E/Pcie M.2 SSD Pcie X16 for M.2 Nvme Support PC Server Raid Array|Add On Cards| - AliExpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
The Ableconn is tempting but I really want to support 4 blades without spending Highpoint money while I stretch out my 4,1's usage and the current offer makes this card a similar price to the Ableconn. The ADWITS (and white labels) is a non-starter IMHO;
This card:
249.0US $ 15% OFF|M.2 Pcie Nvme Adapter Card Pci Express | Pci Express M.2 Pcie Ssd Adapter - 4 M.2 - Aliexpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
is coming up on ebay (in the UK) under various brands at c.£200 upwards but appears to also need a SATA power cable:
3.1 pcie controller card for 16x 4 m2 ssd nvme - 4x m.2 ngff-asm2824 | eBay
Pour port PCIe 3.0 ou plus en 16x. Compatibles avec les tailles de SSD M2 2280. Visserie fournie.
www.ebay.co.uk
NEW! MicroConnect MC-PCIE-ASM2824-X4 PCIe x16 to X4X4 M.2 NVMe SSD | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEW! MicroConnect MC-PCIE-ASM2824-X4 PCIe x16 to X4X4 M.2 NVMe SSD at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!
www.ebay.co.uk
Will report back once it's received and installed.
I have an odd mix of SSDs currently... an old OWC 3.5" 480GB SATA2 SSD filling one of the drive bays; a Kingston Predator 240GB AHCI and a 970 Pro. Planning on a larger 970 Pro for my primary drive, repurposing the existing 970 Pro for Windows and installing a pair of something in RAID0 for use as a scratch disk. Hopefully some 1,1-3,1 users will be temped by the OWC and Predator when I put them on eBay...
Ack, that really does suck. Fingers crossed they'll be able to help! And if it isn't too much of a hassle, please keep us posted!
You know, based on the fact that so far between myself and on the range... we've only got two user reports about the Ableconn, one working (knockonwood!!) and one only partially so, I'm not so sure I'd go for that card. When buying mine I based my decision on the ASM chipset used on the card, Amazon reviews mentioning cMP use, and the fact that I've got a 1-month free return window if the card didn't work out. So far I haven't got any complaints about it, but if I wasn't able to easily return it I'd probably not have pulled the trigger on it so readily.
I am using this EX920 as a boot drive for Mojave, it works like a charm since day one. Look forward to upgrading to a EX950 2TB blade when the price is right.
All four cards appear to use the ASM2824 (limited to x8 but at least it should give a cMP full bandwidth of a PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe device). The first card has an interesting design. It has all four NVMe devices on the same side, in a 2 x 2 layout which makes it slightly lower profile than a HighPoint but slightly longer. The other three cards have two M.2 on each side like an Amfeltec, but the Amfeltec is offset to eliminate interference with a neighbouring slot - I don't know if these cards have enough clearance? I guess it depends on the neighbouring card.I've just taken a chance and ordered this card from AliExpress for some stop-gap upgrades to my 4,1:
237.67US $ |4 in 1 Cards Adapter M.2 Raid Controller/SSD/Card Pci E/Pcie M.2 SSD Pcie X16 for M.2 Nvme Support PC Server Raid Array|Add On Cards| - AliExpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
The Ableconn is tempting but I really want to support 4 blades without spending Highpoint money while I stretch out my 4,1's usage and the current offer makes this card a similar price to the Ableconn. The ADWITS (and white labels) is a non-starter IMHO;
This card:
249.0US $ 15% OFF|M.2 Pcie Nvme Adapter Card Pci Express | Pci Express M.2 Pcie Ssd Adapter - 4 M.2 - Aliexpress
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
is coming up on ebay (in the UK) under various brands at c.£200 upwards but appears to also need a SATA power cable:
3.1 pcie controller card for 16x 4 m2 ssd nvme - 4x m.2 ngff-asm2824 | eBay
Pour port PCIe 3.0 ou plus en 16x. Compatibles avec les tailles de SSD M2 2280. Visserie fournie.www.ebay.co.uk
NEW! MicroConnect MC-PCIE-ASM2824-X4 PCIe x16 to X4X4 M.2 NVMe SSD | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEW! MicroConnect MC-PCIE-ASM2824-X4 PCIe x16 to X4X4 M.2 NVMe SSD at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!www.ebay.co.uk
Will report back once it's received and installed.
I have an odd mix of SSDs currently... an old OWC 3.5" 480GB SATA2 SSD filling one of the drive bays; a Kingston Predator 240GB AHCI and a 970 Pro. Planning on a larger 970 Pro for my primary drive, repurposing the existing 970 Pro for Windows and installing a pair of something in RAID0 for use as a scratch disk. Hopefully some 1,1-3,1 users will be temped by the OWC and Predator when I put them on eBay...
Hi guys,
I have just got some bits together for my 5,1 upgrade and I want to double check everything should work ok before attempting the change this weekend.
i have bought
SM951: UBX controller (S4LN058A01): AHCI
2D MLC
256GB
PCIe 3.0 x4
Speeds: ~2,150 MB/s read, ~1,500 MB/s write (512 GB model)
Sector size: 512 bytes per sector
Datasheet (AHCI)
Compatibility status (AHCI): Good
and
thanks
Phil
I have just got some bits together for my 5,1 upgrade and I want to double check everything should work ok before attempting the change this weekend.
i have bought
SM951: UBX controller (S4LN058A01): AHCI
2D MLC
256GB
PCIe 3.0 x4
Speeds: ~2,150 MB/s read, ~1,500 MB/s write (512 GB model)
Sector size: 512 bytes per sector
Datasheet (AHCI)
Compatibility status (AHCI): Good
and
- Wolftech pulsecard - made by Angelbird for Wolftech, it's exactly the same as Wings PX1, but without the LED illumination.
thanks
Phil
Hello all, Is anyone using the Sonnet M.2 4x4 PCIe Card on a Mac Pro 5,1? (https://www.sonnetstore.com/collect...onnet-m2-4x4-pcie-card?variant=16605370449954) I want to get this for my Mac Pro 5,1. At first I just want a 1TB High Sierra boot drive. My system has been updated to the Mojave firmware. Eventually I may populate the other 3 slots to create some storage. But right now I want to get my system as peppy and responsive as I can. I guess my 2 questions are... Are you using this card and have you had any problems with it. And... does a NVME boot volume actually improve the responsiveness of your system alone. I run Pro Tools in High Sierra and my current system is running on a Crucial SSD and my work material is on a USB3 Glyph drive. The system works fine and is stable... but it is a bit sluggish at times. I was also considering the OWC Accelsior, but that card only has 8 lanes and I think it would be half as fast? Thanks for your thoughts.
(macPro 7,1)
Folks,
I've read a ton of this thread trying to decide what SSD adapter card to get and what SSD to get.
Thanks for all the data while my head spins trying to sort it all out!
Curious: If one SSD is the boot drive, does it make much difference to direct software operations and file activity to a different SSD like we do with HDDs? since SSD's write/read all over the place all the time?
Also, is there any reason not to use an apfs file system on non-boot SSD for files, scratch, etc?
Those samsung evo SSD's, are they plug and play now for MP 7,1? Wanted a 512 GB but that's the one most I read plenty about firmware updating with this item. Best alternative? Should I lust for 3-bit TLC NAND flash?
If one SSD is faster than another, should the faster one hold the OS, or use the faster one for all the other stuff?
And of course, which adapter card; 2 bays? (fraught filled question i know) I dont mind spending fair money.
I did read the opening page but so many more cards have been mentioned. Would like to get. >3200MB/s range.
Mostly for Photoshop, modest premiere pro projects, etc. for which this machine is adequate now.
Thanks anyone !
Steve z
Folks,
I've read a ton of this thread trying to decide what SSD adapter card to get and what SSD to get.
Thanks for all the data while my head spins trying to sort it all out!
Curious: If one SSD is the boot drive, does it make much difference to direct software operations and file activity to a different SSD like we do with HDDs? since SSD's write/read all over the place all the time?
Also, is there any reason not to use an apfs file system on non-boot SSD for files, scratch, etc?
Those samsung evo SSD's, are they plug and play now for MP 7,1? Wanted a 512 GB but that's the one most I read plenty about firmware updating with this item. Best alternative? Should I lust for 3-bit TLC NAND flash?
If one SSD is faster than another, should the faster one hold the OS, or use the faster one for all the other stuff?
And of course, which adapter card; 2 bays? (fraught filled question i know) I dont mind spending fair money.
I did read the opening page but so many more cards have been mentioned. Would like to get. >3200MB/s range.
Mostly for Photoshop, modest premiere pro projects, etc. for which this machine is adequate now.
Thanks anyone !
Steve z
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Haven't seen any benchmarks on spreading a workload over multiple SSDs. But my thinking is that a single SSD is probably fine. Spreading work, such as OS, apps, workspace, and cache across multiple spindles helped improved performance in a spinning-ceramic, head-seeking world. The thing is, spreading data across spinning sectors is slow, relatively speaking, to read and write. Before SSDs, single disk performance was increased by speeding up spindles beyond 7.2k, to 10k and even 15 k, decreasing latency. Certain db application only used a limited portion of the disk to further enhance performance by reducing access latency ("short-stroking"). And RAID. But as good as this is, it just can't compare to zero latency that comes with SSDs. Especially an NVMe device. NVMe SSDs offer several times faster performance, and 1000x (-ish) faster IOPs.
Well I'm afraid the gist of their second response was a rather underwhelming "try a fan on it". I fail to see how that might help a card/NVMe drive combination that works in slot 1 at full speed (without the copper heat sink on the NMVe yet in fact) but freezes instantly in slot 2 (with heat sink on the drive made no difference). Sadly I suppose the easiest/safest thing to do is just return and try something else, and hope that my computer isn't just finicky with every similar card in slot 2.
And damned if that first card binaryduke mentions above isn't already unavailable!! grrr.....lol.
Several people has been reporting problems with one of the two x16 slots. A lot of people have problems with cards that need slot power exclusively. After several speculation and some tracking, one possible cause for this is the use of reference RX 480 in the past, the early models that use more than 75W from the PCIe slot and cause PSU shutdowns when in heavy load. Some VEGA GPUs cause this too, but not as severe as the Dell RX 480/580, the worst offender, and others that use the initial AMD reference design.
tsialex - Since I am in fact guilty of trying to get by with underpowering my Vega (that works fine unless you stress test heh) that is my final test tonight - giving full power to the Vega with help from one of those Dell external PS's and see how it behaves.
Backplanes can be bought on the cheap on eBay US, sometimes as low as $49. Maybe it's best to open a search and buy one to replace your problematic one when the price is right. A common user can fully clean the internals and replace a backplane in an afternoon, a professional technician can do in around one hour.