OWC 1.0TB Aura Pro X2 (GEN 4) SSD Upgrade - High Performance NVMe

In this review of the OWC 1.0TB Aura Pro X2 (GEN 4) SSD Upgrade, the bottom line is simple: this is a targeted, high-performance capacity boost for owners of the Mac Pro (Late 2013) who want more storage and faster everyday performance without replacing the whole machine. The reviewer found the kit valuable because it pairs a roomy 1.0TB NVMe drive with a heatsink and tools, delivering a clear speed and capacity improvement over typical factory SSDs while keeping power and thermals in check.

Key Features

• High read speeds: Read performance up to 1481MB/s delivers faster file opens, app launches, and scene loads for demanding workflows.
• Strong write performance: Write speeds up to 1407MB/s help when moving large projects, exporting video, or saving multi-gigabyte files.
• NVMe PCIe 3.1 x4: The PCIe 3.1 x4 interface ensures compatibility with the Mac Pro (Late 2013) while providing modern throughput.
• Complete upgrade kit: Includes the Aura Pro X2 SSD, tools, heatsink and an installation guide to simplify the physical upgrade process.
• macOS-ready: Designed for macOS 10.13 and beyond so the drive works with current system versions on supported Macs.
• Warranty coverage: A five year OWC limited warranty offers long-term protection for the upgrade investment.

Who It's For

This upgrade is best for Mac Pro (Late 2013) owners who need a significant capacity increase and noticeably faster storage than a stock 256GB drive, such as photo and video editors, software developers, and power users who keep large libraries locally. The combination of 1.0TB and NVMe speeds makes it a practical option for anyone who wants to extend the usable life of a Late 2013 Mac Pro without trading the whole system.

It is less suitable for users who prefer a plug-and-play external solution, those who have hardware models other than MacPro6,1, or buyers unwilling to open their Mac. Also, a few customers reported intermittent functionality issues and missing kit parts in isolated cases, so those wanting the absolute lowest risk may prefer professional installation or vendor-checked inventory.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Significant capacity upgrade that replaces small factory SSDs and reduces need for external storage.
• Real speed gains in reads and writes that improve day-to-day responsiveness for heavy workloads.
• Includes heatsink and tools to help ensure proper cooling and a smoother installation process.
• Five year limited warranty provides extended peace of mind for a long-term upgrade.

Cons

• Some customers reported mixed functionality or missing assembly components, so verify the kit contents before installation.
• Requires opening the Mac Pro and basic technical skill; not ideal for users who avoid internal upgrades.

Specifications

Capacity	1.0TB
Interface	NVMe PCIe 3.1 x4
Read Speed	Up to 1481MB/s
Write Speed	Up to 1407MB/s
Compatible Model	Mac Pro (Late 2013) MacPro6,1
Includes	SSD, tools, heat sink, heat sink installation guide
Warranty	5 year OWC limited warranty

Our Verdict

The OWC 1.0TB Aura Pro X2 is a sensible, good-value internal upgrade for Mac Pro (Late 2013) owners who want more storage and faster performance without replacing hardware. Its strong read/write speeds, included heatsink and tools, and five year warranty make it a practical investment, though buyers should confirm kit completeness and be comfortable with a DIY installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this compatible with my Mac Pro?
Yes, the drive is designed specifically for the Mac Pro (Late 2013) model identified as MacPro6,1.

Does the kit include everything needed to install?
The kit includes the Aura Pro X2 SSD, tools, a heat sink and an installation guide, but some customers have reported missing parts in isolated cases, so check contents on arrival.

Will I see a big performance gain?
Yes, moving from a smaller factory SSD to this 1.0TB NVMe drive produces noticeably faster reads and writes for loading apps and handling large files.