RAM Config for new MAC PRO 8-core...?

[fab5freddy]

i just bought a new 8 -core MAC PRO.
with 2 GB of RAM., 1 x 1GB sticks.

I'd like to hear how much RAM is needed for my work ?
and what config do i want......1 GB sticks or 2 GB sticks...?

I mainly run heavy Photoshop CS3 work and Digital Photo Capture.

What is the MAX RAM CS3 Photoshop can utlilize ?

I wouldn't want to put in unnessesary amounts of RAM,
if not needed....

Thanks!

 

[kalex]

Photoshop itself can utilize around 3-4GB of RAM, when the 64bit version comes out then it will use RAM above 4GB limit. you also need to have RAM for the OS and other apps that you will have open at the same time. Currently adobe lightroom 2.0 is enabled for 64-bit and if you use it then it can use more than 4GB. with RAM prices being low I don't see why you can't go with 8GB, which seems to be a good balance between performance and price.


Alex

 

[fab5freddy]

Ok, so you're saying i should get 8 GB of RAM......?

But what kind of RAM sticks are good ,

1GB sticks or 2GB sticks ?

 

[sash]

But what kind of RAM sticks are good , 1GB sticks or 2GB sticks ?

Hi,

I wouldn't go for 1 GB, but at least for 2 GB: they are not that expensive and you can spare two extra slots (if you'll go for 8 GB while keeping your existing Apple DIMMs).

sash

 

[fab5freddy]

cool, does anyone have any links to cheap 2 GB sticks for
this BadBoy Mac Pro 8-core ?

I heard it uses faster RAM than the previous model ?
is that true ?


thanks!

 

[spaceman8]

Crucial often get recommended. Or OWC.

Sorry to hijack this thread with my own question, but I'm looking at getting some RAM from Crucial - can anyone confirm that the early 2008 Mac Pro is listed as "8-core Xeon 5400 series"?

I'm 99% sure it is. But it's that 1% that's bugging me!

 

[nanofrog]

Spaceman8

Yes, to your question.

 

[spaceman8]

Thanks - been waiting since Jan to order, gonna get me something juicy!

 

[sash]

I heard it uses faster RAM than the previous model ? is that true ?

Hi,

Yes, you'll need PC6400 DDR2 ECC 800MHz 240 Pin FB-DIMMs (Data Rate 800MHz, Module Bandwidth 6.4GB/s), while the previous models have utilised PC5300 DDR2 ECC 667MHz 240 Pin FB-DIMM (Data Rate 667MHz, Module Bandwidth 5.3GB/s).

sash

 

[albeik]

@fab5freddy: I decided to go with the extra 8GB of RAM on my new Mac Pro as well. https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/480358/

 

[OWC Larry]

We have some pretty detailed information that may help you here:
http://eshop.macsales.com/how_to_install/Apple/Mac_Pro_Memory_800Mhz_2008

FWIW - 2GB modules (as well as 4GB) are double rank and provide better performance/bandwidth than 1GB which are single rank. That said - more memory bandwidth isn't a direct translation to more performance since there are bottlenecks which preclude full use of bandwidth at various points.

 

[mperkins37]

I have 4x2 gb in my Macpro and it is snappy as hell, I recommend it highly.
As far as ram goes, it's always good to have more than you may think you need.