OWC ACCELSIOR 8M2 - User Manual

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Summary

Introduction

System Requirements

Outlines necessary operating systems and hardware for the OWC Accelsior 8M2.

Package Contents

Lists all items provided in the OWC Accelsior 8M2 box, including accessories.

About This Manual

Information on manual updates, feature changes, and warranty policy.

Device Side View

Details the physical layout and LED status indicators of the OWC Accelsior 8M2.

Installation

OWC Accelsior 8 M2 Assembly

Step-by-step guide for installing M.2 SSDs into the 0TB OWC Accelsior 8M2 card.

PCIe Card Installation Guide

Instructions for physically inserting the OWC Accelsior 8M2 into a computer's PCIe slot.

Drive Formatting for Mac and Windows

Procedures for formatting the OWC Accelsior 8M2 for Mac and Windows using SoftRAID.

Support Resources

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions for problems like drive seating, compatibility, and performance.

OWC Accelsior 8 M2 Online Resources

Links to guides, videos, and software for data migration and setup.

Data Backup Recommendations

Advice on protecting data and user responsibility for potential data loss.

Contact Technical Support

Contact information for phone, chat, and email support for the OWC Accelsior 8M2.

Summary

Introduction

System Requirements

Outlines necessary operating systems and hardware for the OWC Accelsior 8M2.

Package Contents

Lists all items provided in the OWC Accelsior 8M2 box, including accessories.

About This Manual

Information on manual updates, feature changes, and warranty policy.

Device Side View

Details the physical layout and LED status indicators of the OWC Accelsior 8M2.

Installation

OWC Accelsior 8 M2 Assembly

Step-by-step guide for installing M.2 SSDs into the 0TB OWC Accelsior 8M2 card.

PCIe Card Installation Guide

Instructions for physically inserting the OWC Accelsior 8M2 into a computer's PCIe slot.

Drive Formatting for Mac and Windows

Procedures for formatting the OWC Accelsior 8M2 for Mac and Windows using SoftRAID.

Support Resources

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Solutions for problems like drive seating, compatibility, and performance.

OWC Accelsior 8 M2 Online Resources

Links to guides, videos, and software for data migration and setup.

Data Backup Recommendations

Advice on protecting data and user responsibility for potential data loss.

Contact Technical Support

Contact information for phone, chat, and email support for the OWC Accelsior 8M2.

The OWC Accelsior 8M2 is a PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage solution designed for Mac Pro 2019 and Windows PC users, offering high-performance storage capabilities. This device allows for the installation of up to eight NVMe PCIe M.2 SSDs, providing jaw-dropping storage capacity and real-world speeds of up to 26,296MB/s. It is RAID-ready, enabling users to configure multiple drives for enhanced performance or data redundancy.

Function Description:

The Accelsior 8M2 serves as an internal expansion card that transforms multiple M.2 NVMe SSDs into a single, high-speed storage volume accessible via a PCIe slot. It is ideal for professionals requiring extreme data transfer rates for tasks such as video editing, large file transfers, and demanding applications. The card's design incorporates a heat sink and fan to ensure optimal thermal management for the installed SSDs, preventing performance throttling due to overheating. It supports both Mac and Windows operating systems, with specific formatting requirements and software recommendations for each.

Important Technical Specifications:

Compatibility: Mac Pro 2019 and Windows PC.
Operating System Requirements: macOS 10.13.6 or later, Windows 10 or later.
Hardware Requirements:
- Any Mac or PC compatible with Node Titan or third-party PCIe chassis that supports full-height, full-length cards.
- Form Factor: Full height, full length.
- Physical: x16.
- Lanes: x16 strongly recommended.
- PCIe 3.0 or later strongly recommended.
- A 6-pin auxiliary power connector is required when using the OWC Accelsior 8M2 with PCIe 4.0 drives in a PCIe 4.0 slot.
- Proper system cooling is essential; additional front or side PC case fans or leaving unused PCIe slots between installed devices is recommended.
Supported Drives: Any NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD with an M-key connector, 2280 form factor required. Drives with their own heat shield are not supported.
Storage Capacity: Up to 8 SSDs.
Performance: Up to 26,296MB/s.
LED Indicator: Solid green for power on, flashing green for disk activity.
Warranty: 5-Year OWC Limited Warranty if bundled with drives; 3-Year OWC Limited Warranty for enclosures without drives.

Usage Features:

Easy Assembly (for 0TB card only): The manual provides detailed instructions for installing M.2 SSDs into the Accelsior 8M2. This involves removing the heat sink, securing the SSDs with screws, and reattaching the heat sink. Special attention is given to proper alignment and avoiding excessive force during installation.
PCIe Card Installation: The device is designed to be installed into a compatible PCIe x16 slot in a host computer or enclosure. Users are advised to disconnect all power, open the host/enclosure, and carefully seat the card into the slot. The 6-pin auxiliary power connector must be used when operating with PCIe 4.0 drives in a PCIe 4.0 slot.
Mac & Windows Formatting: For pre-installed drives, the Accelsior 8M2 is formatted as a RAID 0 volume for Mac using SoftRAID. Users are recommended to download the latest SoftRAID version for optimal performance. For Windows PCs, the device needs to be reconfigured using SoftRAID for Windows, which includes a feature to convert Mac SoftRAID volumes to PC.
SoftRAID Integration: The device is optimized for use with SoftRAID software, which is included with select solutions. This software allows for advanced RAID configurations and performance management.
Real-World Speeds: The Accelsior 8M2 is engineered to deliver exceptional data transfer rates, making it suitable for demanding workflows.
LED Status Indicator: A built-in LED provides visual feedback on the device's operational status, indicating power on (solid green) and disk activity (flashing green).

Maintenance Features:

Thermal Management: The device features a robust heat sink and fan assembly to dissipate heat generated by the M.2 SSDs, ensuring sustained performance and longevity. Users are advised to consider proper system cooling within their PC chassis.
Troubleshooting Resources: The manual includes a troubleshooting section addressing common issues such as improperly seated drives or host compatibility problems. It directs users to online resources for data migration, formatting, installation videos, and SoftRAID support.
Online Support: OWC provides extensive online resources, including installation videos, user guides, and product overview pages, to assist users with setup and operation.
Technical Support: Direct contact options for technical support are available via phone, chat, and email, with specified operating hours.
Data Backup Recommendations: OWC strongly emphasizes the importance of data backup, recommending users maintain two copies of their data to prevent loss. The company disclaims liability for data loss or corruption.
Firmware Updates: Functions and features may change depending on the firmware version, implying that firmware updates may be available to improve performance or add features. Users are encouraged to check the product web page for the latest details.