To 32GB of RAM...and beyond?

[Michael73]

Here you go: Samsung is in the process of making 16 GB DDR3 modules

This is certainly a next gen technology for the MP. The current '08 only takes DDR2. The referenced article is talking about a DDR3 modules.

We all know that faster DDR2 memory is compatible with slower DDR2 and vice versa e.g. you can put the 667MHz stuff in the new '08 but it will run at the slower speed. However, DDR and DDR2 are not compatible - different notches in different places / different pin densities, etc.

Now for the next MP, especially running Snow Leopard that bad boy could theoretically accomodate 128GB of RAM.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't we edging closer to where someone could load their entire OS and all their programs into RAM and basically ditching their need for their hard drive? Like in 5-10 years we could be talking about 256GB - 512GB of RAM!

 

[Umbongo]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't we edging closer to where someone could load their entire OS and all their programs into RAM and basically ditching their need for their hard drive? Like in 5-10 years we could be talking about 256GB - 512GB of RAM!

There are many ongoing developments in memory technologies that could see that happen yes. From memory that keeps it's state when it loses power to getting memory chips much smaller to allow huge amounts with little heat output, power usage and low cost.

I think we are far from losing the hard drive from a computer though.

 

[OrangeSVTguy]

The transition from hard drives to SSD drives. With the bigger RAM chips coming out we'll no longer need hard drives with moving failing parts and everything will be stored in the super fast RAM, just don't ever power off your computer .

 

[Sehnsucht]

What could you use 32GB of RAM for? O-o

I would use it for running Maya, AutoCAD, Final Cut Studio, and Shake. At the same time.

 

[iamcheerful]

http://www.elpida.com/en/news/2008/08-05.html
"Mass production is expected to get underway in the 4Q of CY 2008."

similar to the Samsung news via TGD shared above, but if Elpida lives up to their promises, we probably can get some now assuming these can be used in the Mac Pros (both first and 2nd gen)

however, i rather spend my money on a hyperdrive than 16GB of ram though.

 

[pwn247]

The problem I'm seeing is how expensive this RAM is. Can someone please answer to me why FB-DIMM RAM is so much more expensive than the little sticks that fit onto PC mobos? Is it those fancy heatsinks?

I'd like to install a ton of RAM, but it's just so #%$%!@ expensive!

 

[RedTomato]

You can buy 16GB MicroSD cards for mobile phones for about £40 each, (and £20 for 8GB).

These cards are about 1mm x 10mm x 10mm including all packaging i.e. smaller than your fingernail. I calculate 665 of them would fit into the volume of a 2.5'' laptop drive (70mm x 100mm x 9.5mm)

665 x 16GB = over 10TB of memory.

One MicroSD card is probably pretty slow, but if you could read 600 in parallel, it would probably be faster than DDR3.

 

[Umbongo]

The problem I'm seeing is how expensive this RAM is. Can someone please answer to me why FB-DIMM RAM is so much more expensive than the little sticks that fit onto PC mobos? Is it those fancy heatsinks?

I'd like to install a ton of RAM, but it's just so #%$%!@ expensive!

Market forces. The heatsinks tend to push Apple certified FB-DIMMS above others where a vendor offers both. Maybe it's just me, but $35 per GB when you are looking at a system with $700-$850 processors doesn't seem expensive.