How much RAM can my Mac Pro REALLY access?

[David Polich]

I'm ready to add more RAM to my 2010 QuadCore Mac Pro. The official
specs for my machine say 16GB is the maximum it can accomodate. However,
I'm seeing reports that, with Mountain Lion or above installed, I can
access 128GB or more.

Anyone know if it's true I can have more than 16GB of RAM in my Mac?
I am running OSX 10.8.5.

Thanks -

[dosuna11]

That would be very cool.

[Phil O]

http://www.datamemorysystems.com/apple- ... -upgrades/

There's also this:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/m ... emory.html

Scroll down to "actual maximum RAM"


Don't know if this helps.

Phil

[mikehalloran]

Apple published specs and the actual maximum are often at odds. If OWC says that a particular machine can access more, it can. This is quite common.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple/memory/

What is surprising is that, with few late model Macs, the published RAM spec matches the actual maximum. This is a recent development and affects a few iMac and Mac Minis.

However,I'm seeing reports that, with Mountain Lion or above installed, I can
access 128GB or more.

Only if running Windows 8 or Linux. The maximum available under ML is 96GB. Mavericks has changed this on the 8/12 Core MP.

OWC has confirmed what follows: Mavericks properly supports 128GB in an 8 or 12-core 2010 to 2012 Mac Pro.

Bad news on the 4/6-core from OWC: 48GB is the maximum available. Apparently a hardware limitation with the 4/6 core model processor tray/chipset

[Mae615]

Thanks for info.