New Mac Pro 2.8... Questions

[GotPro]

OK...

So I just placed an order for a custom Mac Pro 2.8 Single (Quad not Octo)...

I noticed that for my uses (internet, ilife, some web design (light), lots of games, more work-stuff like pages / keynote) the extra 4 cores didn't really benefit me much... and I wanted the 8800GT.

I ordered the stock ATI card for now, and will just sell it and pop in the nVidia card once it starts shipping... but this way I can get my machine now

My questions are as follows:

1) On RAM, I know that it comes with 2 1GB Sticks... If all I'm doing is the above (I WILL be running XP both in BootCamp and via VMWARE...Is 4 GB Sufficient?

2) I understand that via the architecture that the Mac Pro uses, memory throughput is maximized when using a minimum of 4 sticks at a time. That said... should I be OK just getting 2x 1GB stick from www.transintl.com (800Mhz) and adding to the apple ram... or do I need to get 4x 1GB sticks from www.transintl.com and sell my stock ram?

3) I hadn't looked at getting a Mac Pro since the Intel XEON was debuted... and I didn't because the memory was so fricken' outrageous... now I can get 2GB kit for $128... is that for REAL????? Or should I be scared? What is everyone else paying for this memory right now???

THANKS GUYS!

 

[johny5]

4gb will be fine for what you have described and yes you can just add 2 x 1gb sticks alongside the existing ram. Just make sure that the ram is the new 800mhz ram for the new mac pro.

Enjoy your toy!

 

[GotPro]

Thanks, Man! I can't wait

 

[0Parallax0]

Hi Guys,
I'm in the same boat as Richard. I want to get rid of my old and almost dead PC and swap to a MAC. I completed a design major a couple of years ago and am interested in mechanical 3D modelling which brings me to lend more towards the MacPro.

If you by a MacPro as Richard has can you add another quad chip at a later date?

Many thanks all.

 

[student_trap]

Hi Guys,
I'm in the same boat as Richard. I want to get rid of my old and almost dead PC and swap to a MAC. I completed a design major a couple of years ago and am interested in mechanical 3D modelling which brings me to lend more towards the MacPro.

If you by a MacPro as Richard has can you add another quad chip at a later date?

Many thanks all.

this is atm uncertain, although it is certain that if possible, it would be a pain in the rear and definitely void your warrenty. the octo really isn't that much more, if you think you will need it, just get it straight away

 

[GotPro]

this is atm uncertain, although it is certain that if possible, it would be a pain in the rear and definitely void your warrenty. the octo really isn't that much more, if you think you will need it, just get it straight away

Not true. I beg to differ. I bought the single CPU simply because I've seen the photographs.

It is THE SAME MOTHERBOARD... and the CPU SOCKET is simply covered with a metal heatsink cover and 2 screws. You'll need to get an Apple Heatsink...

But it's a slam dunk to upgrade later...

So... later on, when prices come down... I'll throw in a couple 3.2's ;-)

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/414668/

 

[student_trap]

Not true. I beg to differ. I bought the single CPU simply because I've seen the photographs.

It is THE SAME MOTHERBOARD... and the CPU SOCKET is simply covered with a metal heatsink cover and 2 screws. You'll need to get an Apple Heatsink...

But it's a slam dunk to upgrade later...

So... later on, when prices come down... I'll throw in a couple 3.2's ;-)

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/414668/

thanks for the heads up, i stand corrected!

 

[GotPro]

No problem I'm just glad we can!