Moving OpenCore to PCIe SSD Card in a Mac Pro 5,1

Solution:

Transferring your OpenCore-based Hackintosh system from a standard SSD in a drive bay to a PCIe SSD card (like the OWC Accelsior S) in a Mac Pro 5,1 is a feasible approach that could potentially offer faster boot and file write times. Here are key considerations:

  1. Hardware Compatibility: Ensure the PCIe SSD card is compatible with your Mac Pro 5,1. While most PCIe cards should work, confirming compatibility is crucial.

  2. Bootloader Configuration: Ensure your OpenCore bootloader is correctly configured for booting from the PCIe SSD. This may involve adjustments to the EFI partition or the config.plist file.

  3. Data Transfer: Safely clone or transfer your Monterey installation to the new PCIe SSD. Use cloning tools that are compatible with macOS file systems to ensure a smooth transition.

  4. BIOS/UEFI Settings: Depending on your Mac Pro’s firmware, check if any BIOS/UEFI settings need to be adjusted for booting from the PCIe slot.

  5. Testing Before Removal: Before removing the SSD from the drive bay, test booting from the PCIe card to confirm everything works as expected.

  6. Performance Monitoring: After the transition, monitor the system's performance to ensure the expected improvements in boot and write times are realized.

  7. Backup: Always maintain a backup of your system before making such hardware changes to prevent data loss in case of complications.

  8. Community Support: Consider seeking advice from Hackintosh communities or forums where others might have attempted similar modifications on a Mac Pro 5,1.

  9. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Be aware of the legal and ethical implications involved in modifying Mac hardware and using Hackintosh setups.

Visual Aids: Step-by-step guides or video tutorials on cloning SSDs to PCIe cards, adjusting BIOS/UEFI settings, and configuring OpenCore for new hardware setups can be beneficial.

Additional Note: While moving to a PCIe SSD can offer performance benefits, it's important to proceed with caution and ensure all steps are correctly followed to maintain system stability and data integrity.

If I currently have OpenCore Monterey installed on an SSD which is in a sled in #1 drive bay of aMac Pro 5,1, will OpenCore continue to boot / run properly if I move the SSD to a PCIE ssd card ? (OWC Accelsior S) , or does it have to remain in the drive bay? I am hoping for faster boot and write times for files with the PCI-ssd adapter

submitted by /u/MrAinLA
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