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https://composter.com.ua/documents/PCIe_Protocol_Updates_2011.pdf some explanation of PM and ASPM

Seems more related to the password but, again, those cards are not worth the effort. Given the recent developments on better Broadcom M.2 cards (hint: BCM4350), you should not waste time with these poorly supported Atheros cards and switch to a supported Broadcom model.

Those issues and limitations are already clearly posted on Chunnann's original thread at InsanelyMac (see from post #21); let's not unnecessarily duplicate info here, it's best to report issues to Chunnann directly in at IM. The above facility is a mere adaptation of Chunnann's work posted here. For the record, only AR946x cards appear to run at decent speeds to date. NB: Re: macOS versions, you obviously meant 10.13 and 10.12 (not 10.3 and 10.2)