MP 1,1-5,1 Advice Needed: Best SSD/NVMe Option for Mac Pro 5,1 with OpenCore

[Zobec]

Hi everyone,

Sorry for making multiple posts — I’m just in a bit of a rush. My previous SSD with Monterey has died, and I’ve been trying to fix it for over 3 weeks with no luck. My main project work is stuck until I get a working drive, so I really need to make a decision quickly.

Here’s my situation:

• I currently need a new SSD (or NVMe) for my Mac Pro 5,1.
• Plan is to install Ventura or Sonoma via OpenCore.
• I ordered an OWC 6G 2TB SSD, but it won’t arrive until next week at the earliest.
• tsialex kindly suggested the Samsung 860 EVO 2TB SSD instead of the OWC. I found one on Amazon that could ship immediately if I order today.
• I’ve been told I can cancel the OWC order if I want.

My questions:

• Should I cancel the OWC and go with the Samsung 860 EVO instead?
• Is the 860 EVO considered reliable for installing macOS via OpenCore on a Mac Pro 5,1?
• Would the WD Black SN770 NVMe 2TB (with a PCIe adapter) be an even better option, considering it’s cheaper?
• or should I get both if I can?

Any advice on which route I should take would be hugely appreciated. Thanks so much for your help!

These are the items I am considering to purchase from amazon

WD_BLACK SN770 NVMe SSD, 2TB M.2 2280 Game Drive, Read Speed up to 5150MB/s, PCIe Gen4 NVMe, High Performance Gaming SSD.

WD BLACK SN850 2TB NVME SSD

www.amazon.es

GLOTRENDS PA15 M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter for M.2 NVMe SSD, Extra Large Aluminum Heatsink, Regular and Low Profile Support (Black)

M.2 NVMe to PCIe 4.0 X4 Adapter: Install an M.2 NVMe SSD on the PC/Server using the PCIe X4/X8/X16 slot on the motherboard.

www.amazon.es

Samsung 860 EVO Solid State Drive SSD 2TB 550 Megabytes/s Black

Internal Solid Hard DrivesSSD 860 EVO 1TbSATALInterfaceSequential Read 550MB/sSequential Write 520MB/s5 years

www.amazon.es

 

[Zobec]

I ordered The Samsung 860 EVO and amazon sent the Samsung 870 EVO should I send it back, please help I AM IN HELLLL? This is for OpenCore and i don't know what to do 1 month I can't believe it.

 

[reader50]

It's hard to say. The 860 EVO is the sure bet. An 870 EVO works for some people, but is problematic for others. And you'd have to open the package to run it awhile to see if you got a 'good' version, or have issues.

I'd probably send it back, as it's not what I paid for. You paid the premium for a real 860 in order to avoid gambling. Keeping it is the worst of both choices - you'd be gambling anyway, after paying the higher price.

 

[Zobec]

Thanks reader50, okay that makes sense then and 100% if it is a gamble with that drive that is something I can't be dealing with right now. I have called Amazon they said they would pick it up in 2-3 working days but I need to reorder ssd drive again. They won't refund me till about next Friday or Saturday.

On the packaging (out box) it says 870 EVO but on the barcode on the back it said 860 EVO the Amazon lady on the phone said open the box, and i asked if I open the box can I still get a refund?

Because I brought a SanDisk SSD from MediaMarkt a shopping chain here in Spain few weeks back and when I tried to return it as I could not install any OSX with Opencore on it the lady at MediaMarkt shop said I can't get a refund because the way I open the package.

There is something extra bugging me also, I paid 219 euros for the drive but they will only refund me 215 euros, it might be only 4 euros but still they done the mistake and I have to pay for it I don't understand the lady on the phone said the refund would be the full 219 euros.