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Tony Danger

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 19, 2014
94
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I have one of these on hand that's got all components except the storage modules. No SSDs and none of the mounts to hold them. Is it possible to just stick a 2.5" SATA SSD into the connections on the motherboard and get it up and running.
 
I have one of these on hand that's got all components except the storage modules. No SSDs and none of the mounts to hold them. Is it possible to just stick a 2.5" SATA SSD into the connections on the motherboard and get it up and running.

No, since the 2019 Mac Pro firmware is stored inside the NAND module(s). Without a properly configured NAND module, the Mac Pro won't eve power on.
 
So in other words is a thousands of dollar paper weight?
Apple sells upgrade kits
https://www.apple.com/us/shop/mac/accessories/storage?f=apple&fh=3783+3214&page=1
Don't know if second hand modules will. I any case you will need another mac to restore them through Apple Configurator.

Edit: I see now, that they only list Mac Pro 2023 under compatibility. Don't know if that is because they only list current models or it will no work. The link from the support article is dead https://support.apple.com/en-us/101654
 

Not compatible - M2 Mac Pro NAND modules are incompatible with 2019 Mac Pro. iMac Pro modules are the same as 2019 Mac Pro.

Don't know if second hand modules will. I any case you will need another mac to restore them through Apple Configurator.

Second hand modules work, but you can't buy two NAND modules number 1 and make a pair, you need one number 1 and another number 2. Also, buying used modules you won't know the endurance.
 
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No, since the 2019 Mac Pro firmware is stored inside the NAND module(s). Without a properly configured NAND module, the Mac Pro won't eve power on.
Can you get 3rd party ones or do any sell in the UK? I don’t see any on eBay at all and apparently Apple don’t sell them anymore.
 
This user seems to have one working and in their photo, it doesn’t have an ssd module in it:


You are mistaken, NAND modules are located on the backside of the logic board:

Z5ODVpJQBOkOjuYE.jpg


Just one NAND module instaled, second slot empty.
 
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AH! This is not what I was talking about! I was talking about the Storage module that sits on the front!

Useless in your case, like I said multiple times here, you need at least one NAND 1 module present and correctly configured for the Mac Pro to power on.
 
I never said the NAND modules are missing though. I said the Storage Module on the front is missing.

Here:
1730908270002.png


I was under the impression that there should be some form of module here for SSDs etc.
 
Check what exactly? The firmware is stored inside the NAND module, without it you can't power on.

If you are talking about Mac Studio modules, that @gilles_polysoft developed, won't work with 2019 Mac Pro.
He posted a video on how to put firmware on brand new nand modules. Not easy but possible.
 
I never said the NAND modules are missing though. I said the Storage Module on the front is missing.

Oh, you meant at the back, inside? And were referring to an empty area that a couple of third-parties have made drive brackets for? OK.
 
He posted a video on how to put firmware on brand new nand modules. Not easy but possible.

First part of this video is not important for this discussion. The point is - restoring firmware to empty NANDs through DFU mode via USB-C and Apple Configurator.
 
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Removed

I misread the original comment
I think we all did with the terminology used. It seems OP is missing a drive mount. I am not sure Apple ever made one, but third party drive mounts exists and through Apple you can buy this one:
 
It has both NAND chips on the back of the motherboard. I haven't seen it powered up, but apparently it switches on to a black screen with text directing to apple support.

Is this just a case of booting into recovery and reinstalling the OS?
 
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