SSD OWC Aura Pro 6G 500 GB Mini PCI Express Serial ATA III 3D TLC

The OWC Aura Pro 6G 500 GB Mini PCI Express SSD is an upgrade designed for MacBook Pro with Retina display that increases storage capacity and improves performance compared with factory drives. With a Mini PCIe form factor and 6 Gbit/s interface, this 500 GB SSD delivers up to 530 MB/s read and 494 MB/s write speeds, providing faster data access and larger usable storage for systems that shipped with smaller factory SSDs.

Advantages

The Aura Pro 6G uses 3D TLC NAND and an updated controller to run cooler and use less power, which can help preserve battery life. It offers significantly larger capacity options compared to base MacBook Pro models, higher sequential read and write speeds than many factory SSDs, and includes firmware features such as SLC caching for burst performance, global wear leveling to extend lifespan, data refresh to maintain integrity, and ECC protection with LDPC decoding for error correction. The drive supports AES 128/256-bit full-drive encryption and is tested for reliability.

Suitable for

• Upgrading MacBook Pro with Retina display to larger storage capacity
• Replacing a failing or low-capacity internal SSD in compatible MacBooks
• Users needing faster sequential read/write performance for everyday tasks
• DIY upgrades where Mini PCI Express SSD form factor is required

Key specifications

• Brand: OWC
• Model: Aura Pro 6G
• Capacity: 500 GB
• Form factor: Mini PCI Express (Mini PCIe)
• Interface transfer rate: 6 Gbit/s (SATA III)
• Maximum read speed: up to 530 MB/s
• Maximum write speed: up to 494 MB/s
• Flash type: 3D TLC NAND
• Weight: 0.01 kg
• Manufacturer MPN: OWCS3DAP12R500
• EAN: 0810586031417

How to use

Power down your MacBook Pro, disconnect power, and open the chassis following the manufacturer service instructions. Remove the original Mini PCIe SSD carefully and install the OWC Aura Pro 6G in the same slot, securing it with the original screw. Reassemble the machine and boot into macOS Recovery or an external installer to format and install macOS on the new 500 GB drive. OWC provides a how-to video to assist with the DIY installation process.

Recommendations

Ensure your MacBook Pro model supports a Mini PCI Express SATA SSD before purchase. Back up all data before replacing the internal drive. After installation, use Disk Utility to format the drive as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) according to your macOS version, and keep firmware and OS updates current to maintain compatibility and performance.