USB 3.x PCIe Cards for Classic Mac Pro

[flowrider]

Well, I'll tell you a couple things the Inatek Card won't do. It won't create a StartUp USB Stick from a Mavericks Install USB Stick. I Created the StartUp stick using the Mac Pros USB 2.0 Ports. It started My Mac Pro from the internal Ports and it also started my MBA using it's USB 3.0 ports, but would't start the Mac Pro from the Inatek Card.

Lou

 

[kwarwick43]

Well, I'll tell you a couple things the Inatek Card won't do. It won't create a StartUp USB Stick from a Mavericks Install USB Stick. I Created the StartUp stick using the Mac Pros USB 2.0 Ports. It started My Mac Pro from the internal Ports and it also started my MBA using it's USB 3.0 ports, but would't start the Mac Pro from the Inatek Card.

Lou

I would imagine that's the case with any of the USB cards. No drivers for USB 3.0 in the Mac Pro boot ROM so this will likely never work unless some company puts Mac Pro specific EFI firmware on their card.

 

[marcng]

I would share my experience on a USB3.0 card I recently bought in Hongkong.

Brand is called Orico.
A quick search on newegg shows that they carry this very card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14G-0001-00013

Although it's not available, and can't seem to find it in their official website neither, which I found this card at first.

It has the same Fresco Logic FL1100 chipset that the Inateck KT4004 uses.

Installation is nothing unusual, open the case, install, close the case door.
My machine is a Mac Pro 4,1 on 10.9.2.
It booted up fine, system sees the card as 'USB eXtensible Host Controller'.
It doesn't have the sleep issue, speed is also great.
No problem since the installation.

Hope it helps!

 

[crjackson2134]

Well, I'll tell you a couple things the Inatek Card won't do. It won't create a StartUp USB Stick from a Mavericks Install USB Stick. I Created the StartUp stick using the Mac Pros USB 2.0 Ports. It started My Mac Pro from the internal Ports and it also started my MBA using it's USB 3.0 ports, but would't start the Mac Pro from the Inatek Card.

Lou

Lou,

I know that you can't boot from the card. That's to be expected. It's not recognized as a boot device since there is no descriptor in the MP's EFI for USB 3.0 cards.

However, are you also reporting that bootable USB sticks created on the Inateck card won't boot even on the USB 2.0 ports? My head is a little foggy this morning, my apologies. Could you please clarify?

I'm pretty sure (but can't swear to it) that I've made a bootable Linux stick using the Inateck card and NetBootin under Mavericks. It just can't be booted from the Inateck card but any internal/bootable USB port works fine with it.

----------

I would imagine that's the case with any of the USB cards. No drivers for USB 3.0 in the Mac Pro boot ROM so this will likely never work unless some company puts Mac Pro specific EFI firmware on their card.

This has been my understanding as well. I hope Lou hasn't discovered an additional short-coming.

----------

I would share my experience on a USB3.0 card I recently bought in Hongkong.

Brand is called Orico.
A quick search on newegg shows that they carry this very card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14G-0001-00013

Although it's not available, and can't seem to find it in their official website neither, which I found this card at first.

It has the same Fresco Logic FL1100 chipset that the Inateck KT4004 uses.

Installation is nothing unusual, open the case, install, close the case door.
My machine is a Mac Pro 4,1 on 10.9.2.
It booted up fine, system sees the card as 'USB eXtensible Host Controller'.
It doesn't have the sleep issue, speed is also great.
No problem since the installation.

Hope it helps!

Several of us started with this card. Have they updated the chipset from the FL1009 to FL1100?

I have the same model number, but mine has the FL1009 like the newegg description in your link shows.

 

[Earl Urly]

Fresco Logic minutiae

Only difference between the FL1009 and the FL1100 chipsets is that the FL1009 only has two USB transceiver components, the FL1100 has four.

So, it's only logical that you'd only find the FL1009 on two port cards.

The Orico that marcng mentioned also requires a 5V Molex input to run devices that need USB bus power, which the KT4004 doesn't require.

I ran with an Orico PFU3-4P for a while with a power cord threaded from the optical drive power cords, was a pain to set up, so glad I don't have that cable blocking airflow anymore.

 

[crjackson2134]

Only difference between the FL1009 and the FL1100 chipsets is that the FL1009 only has two USB transceiver components, the FL1100 has four.

So, it's only logical that you'd only find the FL1009 on two port cards.

The Orico that marcng mentioned also requires a 5V Molex input to run devices that need USB bus power, which the KT4004 doesn't require.

I ran with an Orico PFU3-4P for a while with a power cord threaded from the optical drive power cords, was a pain to set up, so glad I don't have that cable blocking airflow anymore.

I have both the 4P and the 2P. The 2P worked fine without power but the 4P did not. The KT4004 is a much tidier package.

 

[energy23]

Do the USB cards still eject connected external hard drives when the mac goes to sleep mode?

 

[flowrider]

Lou,

I know that you can't boot from the card. That's to be expected. It's not recognized as a boot device since there is no descriptor in the MP's EFI for USB 3.0 cards.

However, are you also reporting that bootable USB sticks created on the Inateck card won't boot even on the USB 2.0 ports? My head is a little foggy this morning, my apologies. Could you please clarify?

No, I could not create a bootable USB Stick with the Inateck card using a USB Mavericks Installation stick I created when OS10.9 was first released. That's because the Installation stick would not boot from the card.

Lou

 

[Macsonic]

Do the USB cards still eject connected external hard drives when the mac goes to sleep mode?

I tried putting my Mac Pro to sleep using various USB 3.0 cards and so far no problems. The external HD was still connected after waking up the computer. I am using the brands Inateck KT4004, Highpoint RocketU CM1144 USB 3, Caldigit USB3/eSATA combo ( old model ) and the Newertech USB3-eSATA combo legacy edition.

 

[energy23]

I tried putting my Mac Pro to sleep using various USB 3.0 cards and so far no problems. The external HD was still connected after waking up the computer. I am using the brands Inateck KT4004, Highpoint RocketU CM1144 USB 3, Caldigit USB3/eSATA combo ( old model ) and the Newertech USB3-eSATA combo legacy edition.

Which Mac Pro are you using? I've got a 3,1 model, hopefully mine wont have problems should I chose to upgrade. Thnx!

 

[Macsonic]

Which Mac Pro are you using? I've got a 3,1 model, hopefully mine wont have problems should I chose to upgrade. Thnx!

Hi Energy23 I am using a 4.1 and 5.1 Mac Pro. I think the USB 3.0 should also work fine in your 3.1 Mac Pro and will give you the speed boost to your USB. Thanks.

 

[crjackson2134]

No, I could not create a bootable USB Stick with the Inateck card using a USB Mavericks Installation stick I created when OS10.9 was first released. That's because the Installation stick would not boot from the card.

Lou

Ah, got it. Yes, it would be VERY nice if we had a bootable USB 3.0 solution. I'm sure it's possible that someone could build a card with the needed hardware/firmware to do that, but I doubt we'll ever get one. If Inateck ever produced such a card, I'd be very willing to pay a premium price for it, but I don't expect we'll ever get one.

----------

I tried putting my Mac Pro to sleep using various USB 3.0 cards and so far no problems. The external HD was still connected after waking up the computer. I am using the brands Inateck KT4004, Highpoint RocketU CM1144 USB 3, Caldigit USB3/eSATA combo ( old model ) and the Newertech USB3-eSATA combo legacy edition.

I think the problem is still there, but if you have an 1144CM installed, you won't see the problem. You would have to remove the associated kext file for the 1144cm and also remove the card. After cleaning up behind that card, you'd probably still see the - Device was ejected - message or whatever it says. I don't see that message but I too have the 1144cm installed, and it's going to stay that way for the time being. I really like the 1144cm for my TM backup drives. It stays active all the time and it's not visible on my desktop because OS X treats it like an internal drive.

I use the Inateck for transferring large media files to and from the MP. It's blazing fast and very solid. I just wish I could boot from it or the 1144CM. Heck, I'd even be happy if it were just visible from a recovery boot so that I could get USB 3.0 speeds when restoring from TM.

 

[energy23]

Hi Energy23 I am using a 4.1 and 5.1 Mac Pro. I think the USB 3.0 should also work fine in your 3.1 Mac Pro and will give you the speed boost to your USB. Thanks.

Thank you!

 

[Macsonic]

[/COLOR]

I think the problem is still there, but if you have an 1144CM installed, you won't see the problem. You would have to remove the associated kext file for the 1144cm and also remove the card. After cleaning up behind that card, you'd probably still see the - Device was ejected - message or whatever it says. I don't see that message but I too have the 1144cm installed, and it's going to stay that way for the time being. I really like the 1144cm for my TM backup drives. It stays active all the time and it's not visible on my desktop because OS X treats it like an internal drive.

I use the Inateck for transferring large media files to and from the MP. It's blazing fast and very solid. I just wish I could boot from it or the 1144CM. Heck, I'd even be happy if it were just visible from a recovery boot so that I could get USB 3.0 speeds when restoring from TM.

Hi Crjackson. Hope you're doing fine. I had a tough week with the long hours in meeting tight deadlines. So far after sleep back when I was testing the USB 3 cards, I tried clicking on the HD icon to check that it's stlll active and connected and tried transferring some files. Works fine and I did not see any message that the HD was ejected. Though by habit, I don't put my Mac to sleep the past years. I just do a full shutdown. Enjoy the weekend.

 

[handheldgames]

Whilst not the fastest USB 3.0 solution, it frees up a PCIE slot for a second NGFF/M.2 SSD. I snaked the cable up into the DVD bay. This combination matches/bests the performance of a FL1000 Orico USB 3.0 card when hitting my external Hard disks. Max throughput from the mPCIE connection appears to max at 162(write) and 185MB/s(read).

Bplus MR13-D-PM3N : ExpressCard 34mm or 55mm reader on mini PCI express slot - $50.00

4 Port USB 3.0 HUB to ExpressCard Express Card 34 34mm Adapter Converter 5.0Gbps FL1100 Chipset - $14.00

COOLERGUYS 4 PIN MOLEX TO DUAL USB 5V POWER CONNECTER - $3.00

 

[TonyK]

Just received mine. Plug and play with no issues.

Now if my Crucial m500 would play as nice in my 3,1 MP I would be a very happy camper.

The Inateck model everyone is using without power doesn't even have a power port for hooking up power. If yours has a SATA power port, you have the wrong model.

Image

The 4-port Inateck with a power port on it absolutely will not work without power hooked up.

I'm sorry you've had so much trouble, and nobody here can promise you won't have more trouble, but it doesn't sound like you tried the right Inateck card and may have come to the wrong conclusion because of it.

 

[crjackson2134]

Hi Crjackson. Hope you're doing fine. I had a tough week with the long hours in meeting tight deadlines. So far after sleep back when I was testing the USB 3 cards, I tried clicking on the HD icon to check that it's stlll active and connected and tried transferring some files. Works fine and I did not see any message that the HD was ejected. Though by habit, I don't put my Mac to sleep the past years. I just do a full shutdown. Enjoy the weekend.

Good that you don't have this issue. I haven't seen the problem myself either, but I haven't tried on a fresh system w/o the RocketU. Perhaps it's not quite the issue anymore. Access to my MP is limited to a remote connection right now, so it's a little impossible for me to check this on my system.

 

[malcbo]

Hi there,

Just another feedback after having ordered and installed the Inateck KT4004 in my Mac Pro 4,1 (10.9.2).

Card was recognized upon first boot and delivered good performance.
I just had an issue with a HDD/SSD docking station (from LogiLink) which did not seemed to mount neither an HDD, nor an SSD. After having used a legacy USB 2.0 it worked. I however also have the strange Magic Trackpad behavior when this docking station is in use.

But everything seems normal when my Lacie USB 3.0 HDD and my Sony XQD card reader are both connected.

 

[h9826790]

Hi there,

Just another feedback after having ordered and installed the Inateck KT4004 in my Mac Pro 4,1 (10.9.2).

Card was recognized upon first boot and delivered good performance.
I just had an issue with a HDD/SSD docking station (from LogiLink) which did not seemed to mount neither an HDD, nor an SSD. After having used a legacy USB 2.0 it worked. I however also have the strange Magic Trackpad behavior when this docking station is in use.

But everything seems normal when my Lacie USB 3.0 HDD and my Sony XQD card reader are both connected.

Thanks, this card sounds like the best option.

 

[handheldgames]

cMP Low Cost mPCIE USB 3.0

Thought this is worth sharing:

I found an alternative USB 3.0 solution for the cMP, leveraging the Airport Express slot for a Syba MPE20142 mPCIE USB 3.0 Controller . Based on the NEC Renasas driver, the card delivers HDD backup speeds equivalent to any current USB 3.0 PCIe Fresco Logic, CalDigit, OWC, Sonnett PCIe for only $23.42!:

Using an open source driver, the card is easily recognized without the need for flashing it: Link to insanely mac. USB 3.0 HighSpeed and SuperSpeed controllers are identified in system information.

Installing the card is relatively easy, although it will require additional power to function. Luckily, last December I tapped the 4-pin power connector that feeds the DVD power bay and I can easily power the card.

The cables provide an adequate length for routing within the internals of the Mac Pro to find a location in the rear where I can Dremel cut two small holes to allow a proper mounting of the ports. It should be relatively easy to mount and secure them above PCIE slot #1. (I am considering a different cable for $10.00 more that would keep the ports flush with the surface of the MP)

While a Fresco-logic solution works great, I need to free up a PCIe slot for a second PCIe SSD. Benchmarking the drive in BlackMagick, I am seeing a maximum transfer rate on the hard disks I'm currently working with @ 150MB/s write and 139MB/S read. (this is on a 3tb Seagate NAS HDD)

 

[AppleMac1987]

Take a look at this USB3.0 card for Mac Pro 2006/2008/2010/2012:

USB 3 PCIe card for Mac Pro - the only right working card
No driver or sleep problems or cable trouble - 2006/2007 need driver

http://www.ebay.nl/itm/USB-3-PCIe-c...ion_Cards&hash=item35c9c298aduhb=1&_#shpCntId

The only right USB 3 PCIe card for Mac Pro, NO driver troubles or spitted cables across your Mac. Just Plug & Play!
- 2x Superspeed USB 3 connection. Off course downwards compatible.
- Each port with real 5Gb/s. (UASP).
- NO driver needed as Apple own driver will be used, so always update proof.
- The card is powered through a special PEG cable that also provides a graphics card with power. You can still supply two cables to graphic cards from the logic board.
- There is NO sleeping issue with this card like other cards.
- All harddrives, hubs and other USB 3 devices are supported.
- Work perfectly without installation of drivers with MacOS X 10.8.2 or higher.
- With MacOS X 10.7.5 you need to install drivers.

I bought this card recently for my Mac Pro5,1 2012 12-Core and it works perfect with my OS X 10.9.2 Mavericks.

 

[Macsonic]

Take a look at this USB3.0 card for Mac Pro 2006/2008/2010/2012:

USB 3 PCIe card for Mac Pro - the only right working card
No driver or sleep problems or cable trouble - 2006/2007 need driver

http://www.ebay.nl/itm/USB-3-PCIe-c...ion_Cards&hash=item35c9c298aduhb=1&_#shpCntId

The only right USB 3 PCIe card for Mac Pro, NO driver troubles or spitted cables across your Mac. Just Plug & Play!
- 2x Superspeed USB 3 connection. Off course downwards compatible.
- Each port with real 5Gb/s. (UASP).
- NO driver needed as Apple own driver will be used, so always update proof.
- The card is powered through a special PEG cable that also provides a graphics card with power. You can still supply two cables to graphic cards from the logic board.
- There is NO sleeping issue with this card like other cards.
- All harddrives, hubs and other USB 3 devices are supported.
- Work perfectly without installation of drivers with MacOS X 10.8.2 or higher.
- With MacOS X 10.7.5 you need to install drivers.

I bought this card shortly for my Mac Pro5,1 2012 12-Core and it works perfect with my OS X 10.9.2 Mavericks.

Hi. Thanks for sharing this info. Nice to have several options for USB 3 cards. Would you know the speeds in mbs you are getting with this card?

 

[crjackson2134]

Thought this is worth sharing:

I found an alternative USB 3.0 solution for the cMP, leveraging the Airport Express slot for a Syba MPE20142 mPCIE USB 3.0 Controller . Based on the NEC Renasas driver, the card delivers HDD backup speeds equivalent to any current USB 3.0 PCIe Fresco Logic, CalDigit, OWC, Sonnett PCIe for only $23.42!:

Image

Using an open source driver, the card is easily recognized without the need for flashing it: Link to insanely mac. USB 3.0 HighSpeed and SuperSpeed controllers are identified in system information.

Installing the card is relatively easy, although it will require additional power to function. Luckily, last December I tapped the 4-pin power connector that feeds the DVD power bay and I can easily power the card.

The cables provide an adequate length for routing within the internals of the Mac Pro to find a location in the rear where I can Dremel cut two small holes to allow a proper mounting of the ports. It should be relatively easy to mount and secure them above PCIE slot #1. (I am considering a different cable for $10.00 more that would keep the ports flush with the surface of the MP)

While a Fresco-logic solution works great, I need to free up a PCIe slot for a second PCIe SSD. Benchmarking the drive in BlackMagick, I am seeing a maximum transfer rate on the hard disks I'm currently working with @ 150MB/s write and 139MB/S read. (this is on a 3tb Seagate NAS HDD)

Thanks, this looks like a very cool method. I prefer using my PCIe slots, but when you simply don't have a spare, the mPCIE is looking good. Thanks.

 

[handheldgames]

Thanks, this looks like a very cool method. I prefer using my PCIe slots, but when you simply don't have a spare, the mPCIE is looking good. Thanks.

No problem! This solution is much easier to implement than a mpcie -> express card -> fresco logic solution I posted on earlier, with nearly identical performance. Definitely a win for those needing USB 3.0 for peripherals, backups, etc.

 

[ActionableMango]

Take a look at this USB3.0 card for Mac Pro 2006/2008/2010/2012:

USB 3 PCIe card for Mac Pro - the only right working card
No driver or sleep problems or cable trouble - 2006/2007 need driver

http://www.ebay.nl/itm/USB-3-PCIe-c...ion_Cards&hash=item35c9c298aduhb=1&_#shpCntId

The only right USB 3 PCIe card for Mac Pro, NO driver troubles or spitted cables across your Mac. Just Plug & Play!
- 2x Superspeed USB 3 connection. Off course downwards compatible.
- Each port with real 5Gb/s. (UASP).
- NO driver needed as Apple own driver will be used, so always update proof.
- The card is powered through a special PEG cable that also provides a graphics card with power. You can still supply two cables to graphic cards from the logic board.
- There is NO sleeping issue with this card like other cards.
- All harddrives, hubs and other USB 3 devices are supported.
- Work perfectly without installation of drivers with MacOS X 10.8.2 or higher.
- With MacOS X 10.7.5 you need to install drivers.

I bought this card recently for my Mac Pro5,1 2012 12-Core and it works perfect with my OS X 10.9.2 Mavericks.

You can see the model number in the picture. This appears to be an Orico PFU3-2P with a 12V power adapter bolted onto it for Mac Pro graphics power sockets. I removed the Orico PFU3-2P from the recommended list because so many people in this thread had quality control problems with it (DOA, dying after use, really slow after a few minutes into a large transfer, etc.)

If you haven't seen the first post in this thread, you might want to look at it. The Inateck KT4004 is a significantly less expensive alternative, it uses the same chipset family so drivers are not an issue, it has 2 more ports, it's $27 (in the USA), and it doesn't require any cables at all as it is powered entirely by the PCIe bus. I don't know about availability in the Netherlands, but Amazon UK has it for £24.

Sorry, I don't mean to rain on your parade, I just want to let you know better options are out there. I personally still use the Orico PFU3-2P card myself because mine works fine and I've been too lazy to install the Inateck I bought.