Uninstall and install SSD modules in Mac Pro (Rack)
Follow these steps to uninstall and install SSD modules in your Mac Pro. To perform this process, you must have:
Apple Configurator 2.12 or later installed on any Mac that supports macOS 12.4 or later, is plugged into a power source, and has internet access.
You may need to configure your web proxy or firewall ports to allow all network traffic from Apple devices to Apple’s network 17.0.0.0/8. For more information on the ports used by Apple products, see the Apple Support article Use Apple products on enterprise networks.
A supported USB-C to USB-C charge cable
The USB-C cable must support both power and data. Thunderbolt 3 cables aren’t supported.
SSD modules that are compatible with the current Mac Pro.
Intel-based Mac Pro SSD modules are not compatible with the current Mac Pro.
WARNING: Make sure all data from the existing SSD has been backed up. The encrypted data on the original SSD modules is not readable by any other Mac. After a new SSD pairing operation has started, the data on the existing SSD is not recoverable or accessible to any system including the original Mac Pro they came from.
Note: These options are for the Mac Pro rack workstation with Apple silicon. If you have an Intel-based Mac Pro rack workstation, see Uninstall and install SSD modules in Mac Pro. If you have a Mac Pro tower workstation, see Uninstall and install SSD modules in Mac Pro.
Turn off your Mac Pro by choosing Apple menu
Let the computer cool down for 5 to 10 minutes before you touch the internal components, which may be hot.
Disconnect all cables except the power cord from your Mac Pro.
Touch the metal on the outside of your Mac Pro to discharge any static electricity.
Note: Always discharge static before you touch parts or install components inside your Mac Pro. To avoid generating static, don’t walk around the room until you finish installing the expansion cards.
Disconnect the power cord.
Remove Mac Pro from the rack.
Place the computer on its back, on a nonscratch surface.
Push in the top of the latches, then pull the latches to remove the access panel.
Remove the access panel.
Slide the SSD module cover switch.
Remove the SSD module covers.
Use a T8 screwdriver to remove the two screws.
Note: You cannot mix and match existing modules with newly purchased upgrade kit modules. Make sure to completely remove any existing modules, and only install the modules that came with your upgrade kit.
Pull an SSD module straight out. Repeat with the other module.
Slide the new modules into place, making sure to place each module in the correct socket.
Important: The modules are marked “1” and “2.” The module marked “1” must be installed in the socket marked “1” and the module marked “2” must be installed in the socket marked “2.”
Use a T8 screwdriver to install the two screws that came with the new modules.
Reinstall the SSD module cover.
Reinstall the access panel.
Mac Pro can’t start up until the access panel has been reinstalled.
Reinstall Mac Pro in the rack.
Reconnect all cables, except the power cord, to your Mac Pro.
Plug in a monitor so you can see when the process of restoring the firmware is complete.
Plug the USB-C cable into the Thunderbolt port closest to the power button. Plug the other end of the cable into the Mac that you will use to restore Mac Pro.
While holding down the power button, connect Mac Pro to power and continue to hold down the power button for about 3 seconds. The status indicator light turns solid amber.
Note: You won’t see any screen activity from Mac Pro.
To restore the firmware on Mac Pro, follow the steps outlined in Revive or restore a Mac with Apple silicon.