I am writing a quick guide on how to upgrade your SSD in the Mac Pro 6,1 "Trashcan" (Late 2013), as there seems to be uncertainty on which SSDs to use and the software steps to get Mojave running. It took me a couple trials and errors to find the right SSD. The guide should help prevent confusion and problems.

Hopefully this guide is pretty definitive for the Mac Pro 6,1, and can be used for a many years past 2023.

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Choosing the SSD:

When choosing the SSD you have a couple of options. The two main ones are: Apple Factory SSD (pulled part) and NVMe.

Apple Factory SSD:

Benefit:

• Apple Factory SSD
• 12 + 16 Pin configuration, simple plug and play
• Install macOS via WiFi
• Clean OE look

Downside:

• No factory warranty
• Pulled part
• Limited capacity/space
• Higher prices

NVMe:

Benefits:

• Lower cost and availability
• Factory warranty (new drives only)
• Even cheaper for used NVMe
• Higher capacity potential (>1TB)

Downsides:

• Requires adaptor for 12+16 pin configuration
• Requires bootable USB when installing macOS
• Not every NVMe works seamlessly with Mac Pro 6,1

Choosing which SSD option depends on the individual, but I personally went with the NVMe, as the benefits outweigh the downsides for me.

The first thing prior to purchasing a NVMe SSD is figuring out which one works for the Mac Pro 6,1. Certain SSDs, such as the Samsung 980 Pro, from my experience does not work well with the 6,1. Also, looking at Reddit, a lot of people experience issues with incompatible SSDs too. Looking at the table in this MacForums link, you can decide which NVMe to get - https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/pcie-ssds-nvme-ahci.2146725/ .

I decided to go with the SK Hynix Gold P31 (2TB), as it seems the most compatible, while offering the most capacity. Some SSDs (old batch 970 Evo+, old batch Hynix Gold P31 etc.) need a firmware update for it to work. However, with new gen 3 NVMe SSDs from the store, it should not be an issue, as it should be already running the newest firmware from the factory. Firmware is only an issue if you buy a used NVMe (from an old batch) with old firmware.

After choosing the SSD, you have to buy an adaptor. It is recommended to buy a Sintech NGFF adaptor. There are two versions of this adaptor: one with a backplate, one without a backplate. I tried both, and recommend the one without the backplate. When installing the backplate version, the SSD gets bent in an arched position. Therefore, I ended up buying the backplateless version. However, both should work.

Backplateless Version (RECOMMENDED) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYY3H5F?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Backplate Version - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CWWAENG?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

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Installation:

1. Pior to swapping the SSD (FOR NVMe option only):

Prior to installing your new NVMe SSD, on your original Apple SSD, make sure to upgrade to the firmware you will be using on the NVMe SSD. This means that if you plan on using Mojave on the new SSD, upgrade to Mojave on the original Apple SSD first. This is because the firmware can only be updated on the original Apple SSD. This is why you should not damage/throw away/sell your Apple SSD.

Next, you need a USB to create a bootable USB for the installation of the new macOS to the NVMe. This is done on a Mac. Simply follow the instructions in the Apple link below and paste some code in Terminal. Make sure you backed up your items in your USB. The Terminal commands will erase the contents your USB.

Bootable USB - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

2. Swapping the SSD (Both NVMe and Apple SSD):

For the physical removal of the SSD, it is dead easy. Just refer to the iFixit Guide below. Make sure, after unplugging your Mac to hold the power button for 10 seconds. This is an extra precaution to discharge the capacitors.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+Pro+Late+2013+SSD+Replacement/21205

For the NVMe option, you first plug the adapter into the Mac Pro's port. Make sure it's snug. Then you insert the NVMe into the adapter.

3. Installing macOS

Apple Factory SSD:

After pressing the power button, press and hold CMD+R (Windows Button + R) to go into recovery mode. Here, I would recommend you go to Disk Utility to Erase the disk one more time (see instructions below). After this, you press the "red x" on the top left of the Disk Utility window, and click on the Install Mojave option. Follow the install instructions on screen, and you are done.

Erase SSD on Disk Utility - https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208496

NVMe SSD:

Before booting up your Mac, first insert the bootable USB into the Mac Pro. Right after pressing the power button, press and hold "option/alt" on your keyboard. This will allow you to select your boot up disk. Select the USB (Mojave Installer etc). The computer will load a bit, then you will see Disk Recovery. From there, you first go to Disk Utility to reformat the disk (use link above). You can use the standard settings.

Next, press the "red x" on the top left of the Disk Utility window, and click on the Install Mojave option. Because you have the bootable USB, Mojave or whatever macOS you plan on running, will be installed via the USB. Follow the install instructions on screen, and you are done.

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Conclusion:

Hopefully the guide was useful and made your installation a success. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions on things I should modify/update on this guide.