[SOLVED] External drive options for Mac Pro (Early 2009)

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carlcaulkett

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Jun 7, 2017
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Hello, I have an Apple Mac Pro (Early 2009) which has been upgraded from 4.1 firmware to 5.1 firmware, and is running macOS 10.12.5 Sierra. I'm looking for recommendations for the best external drives.

I believe that I am limited to USB 2.0 with my model and I don't believe Thunderbolt is available (my System Report tells me that no Thunderbolt drivers are loaded).

As with most things, a winning combination of speed, capacity and low cost will grab my attention. Over to you!
 
Solution
FYI: There are limited options for Firewire 800 drives and they tend to be overpriced. You can install a USB 3 PCIe card. Which will give you the ability to use USB 3 devices at full speed. It is faster than Firewire 800 and has widespread support.

USB 3 card. Although it says up to 10.9.5. If you look at the questions and answers. Owners report it works fine in Yosemite (10.10), El Capitan (10.11) and Sierra (10.12). My guess is the manufacturer only tested to 10.9.5 and never updated the description.
https://www.amazon.com/Inateck-Ports-PCI-E-Express-Version/dp/B00I027GPC/

If you want to screw around with internal power cables. You can get USB 3.1 Gen 2 support (faster)...

carlcaulkett

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Jun 7, 2017
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Thanks for the reply. That's interesting because I believe that my computer does indeed have a Firewire device. WHat physical socket would I use to connect with Firewire 800?
 

carlcaulkett

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Jun 7, 2017
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510


Brilliant. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, or words to that effect. That's absolute proof. Thanks so much!
 
FYI: There are limited options for Firewire 800 drives and they tend to be overpriced. You can install a USB 3 PCIe card. Which will give you the ability to use USB 3 devices at full speed. It is faster than Firewire 800 and has widespread support.

USB 3 card. Although it says up to 10.9.5. If you look at the questions and answers. Owners report it works fine in Yosemite (10.10), El Capitan (10.11) and Sierra (10.12). My guess is the manufacturer only tested to 10.9.5 and never updated the description.
https://www.amazon.com/Inateck-Ports-PCI-E-Express-Version/dp/B00I027GPC/

If you want to screw around with internal power cables. You can get USB 3.1 Gen 2 support (faster).
https://www.amazon.com/Ableconn-PU31-1A1C-Type-C-Express-Adapter/dp/B0157BS5D0/

This Sedna card offers USB 3.1 Gen 1 (which is USB 3.0). It guarantees 10.12 support but has no reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/SEDNA-Express-Adapter-Supports-connector/dp/B06XKDTYMM/
 
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