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RAM for Mac Pro 5.1
- Thread starter KLWN
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How much RAM do you want/need? You can get 3x16GB modules, "unofficially". If going with 8GB modules, I would say you want to keep in pairs - either 2x8GB or 4x8GB.
I know these work:
http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-ValueRAM-PC3-10666-KVR13R9D4-16/dp/B008542F60
1333MHz DDR3 PC3-10666 ECC at 1.5V
I know these work:
http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-ValueRAM-PC3-10666-KVR13R9D4-16/dp/B008542F60
1333MHz DDR3 PC3-10666 ECC at 1.5V
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Why pairs? Wouldn't you want a set of 3 for best performance (or 4 for slightly less performance but more memory capacity)?
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
flowrider
macrumors 604
The last Mac Pro to require that RAM be installed in pairs was the 3,1 2008 model. The 4,1 and 5,1 cMP work best with RAM installed in threes because the CPUs have three memory channels.
BTW, my memory supplier since 1986 has been:
http://www.datamemorysystems.com/apple-mac-pro-memory-upgrades/
Quality at a reasonable price.
Lou
BTW, my memory supplier since 1986 has been:
http://www.datamemorysystems.com/apple-mac-pro-memory-upgrades/
Quality at a reasonable price.
Lou
Had memory related issues with 5,1's and 3x8GB sticks in the past on client's workstations. The machines performed more reliably with 2x8GB sticks or 4x8GB sticks. Ended up taking one stick out one machine, added it to the other and there were less memory-related crash issues when rendering video. None were showing as bad sticks, but sometimes they do not...
This absolutely could have been an isolated incident, but when upgrading or configuring, it's just a recommendation. 3x16GB on a 3.33 works great.
This absolutely could have been an isolated incident, but when upgrading or configuring, it's just a recommendation. 3x16GB on a 3.33 works great.
flowrider
macrumors 604
^^^^Hard to believe that a 5,1 would work better with four sticks than three? The fourth slot is electrically tied to the third slot. If the third memory slot is left MT, a stick in the 4th slot will not be recognized.
From personal experience, I have a dual CPU 5,1 with 6 of the eight slots populated and no RAM issues with quality DMS RAM.
Lou
From personal experience, I have a dual CPU 5,1 with 6 of the eight slots populated and no RAM issues with quality DMS RAM.
Lou
I'm with Lou on that one. Prior to the CPU upgrade I had all 8 slots loaded. Post CPU upgrade I picked up 3 8GB's from DMS to do the triple channel thing. In benchmarking my renders between the two flavors of ram, I see a 13% decrease in render times, and nearly a 18% decrease in bake times by going to triple channel RAM. The cost delta is marginal.
