Mac Pro Memory Question

[strausd]

So I am planning on getting a 2010 Mac Pro when it comes out. I will only get 8GB of RAM to start and hope to upgrade over time. If I eventually wanted to get to 32GB, would it be bad to add two 4GB stick to the MP if I already have four 2GB sticks? Or would it be better to just have all 2GB sticks for a total of 16GB of RAM? Thanks!

 

[SmilesLots]

If you eventually want to max out, go with the 4 gb sticks. You'll (almost) always be better off with more ram. MHO

 

[Hellhammer]

If you eventually want to max out, go with the 4 gb sticks. You'll (almost) always be better off with more ram. MHO

+1

4GB modules aren't THAT much more expensive than 2GB, so just get 4GB modules so you won't regret it later on

 

[strausd]

So it wouldn't be bad to mix the sizes of the sticks?

 

[Umbongo]

So it wouldn't be bad to mix the sizes of the sticks?

Nope.

 

[Hellhammer]

So it wouldn't be bad to mix the sizes of the sticks?

Nah, not really. You may lose double/triple-channeling but that's like 5% boost anyway. All current Macs can take mixed pairs and setups of RAM so you'll be fine

 

[CCK]

So it wouldn't be bad to mix the sizes of the sticks?

What's up with this?
Everything I've heard, says you can't mix 2Gb with the 4Gbs.
You can mix 1gb & 2gb.

 

[Hellhammer]

What's up with this?
Everything I've heard, says you can't mix 2Gb with the 4Gbs.
You can mix 1gb & 2gb.

As far as I know, that's not true. E.g. many iMac users have 2GB+2GB+4GB+4GB and it works fine. You can't mix DDR2 and DDR3

 

[Umbongo]

What's up with this?
Everything I've heard, says you can't mix 2Gb with the 4Gbs.
You can mix 1gb & 2gb.

I recall OWC's 4GB modules not working in a mixed configuration early on, but I don't think this is the case now.

 

[nanofrog]

I recall OWC's 4GB modules not working in a mixed configuration early on, but I don't think this is the case now.

I wasn't sure that had changed (mess over the thermal sensors mixed with non-thermal sensor equipped DDR3). Worth a look at OWC's site then.

 

[Hellhammer]

I wasn't sure that had changed (mess over the thermal sensors mixed with non-thermal sensor equipped DDR3). Worth a look at OWC's site then.

OWC p/n OWC8566D3MPE4GB 4GB modules require that all installed modules be of this same matching part. Other existing Apple or 3rd party 1GB, 2GB and 4GB modules are not supported for use with this kit and need to be removed when this kit is added

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other World Computing/8566D3MPE4GB/

So yeah, with OWC RAM, all modules need to be 4GB OWC