What memory upgrades are allowable for a MacPro?

[mhschmieder]

I've only ever upgraded memory for an ancient iMac and it was quite limited in what could be done, but I found on-line instructions and descriptions.

For my 2010 MacPro I am quite confused, as neither Apple nor MacSales (OWC) really itemize the details in terms of memory limits, how many slots can/must be filled, and whether they all have to be the same memory size or not. So I'm afraid to order anything yet.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/M ... 333-memory

http://store.apple.com/us/memorymodel/ME_MACPRO_S10_RAM

I currently only have the default memory of three out of four DIMM slots filled with 1 GB each of DDR3 ECC 1066 MHz memory. I understand that those are the only specs allowed for this MacPro but Apple's site leads me to believe that 8 GB is the largest single memory module for this model whereas OWC lists 16 GB (with a caveat about mixing types).

Is it better to just buy a large memory module for the unused DIMM 4 slot, or do I have to replace them all at once with same-sized memory modules? I can't really afford a lot of memory right now but would like to get it up to 12 GB or thereabouts, as I plan on making greater use of Vienna Ensemble if only initially to rescue my 32-bit-only plugs when I finally install DP8 in a month or two. 3 GB seems like a luxury compared to my G4 iMac, but I know it's a good idea to do a memory upgrade sooner than later, and prices have come down a bit.

[zandurian]

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/m ... specs.html

Everymac is a great resource - look down the page and it has a link on proper upgrades your computer

To be sure I guess just call OWC and they will fix you up.

[mhschmieder]

Thanks -- although 16 GB is only slightly more than 12 GB and gives a significant performance boost (though not as much so as the initial jump from 3 GB or 6 GB to 12 GB), I'll probably stick with 12 GB of RAM as that site mentions it is more efficient to use three vs. all four memory slots due to the way memory is addressed in the mid-2010 MacPro's (and earlier models from 2009 forward).

I am considering buying Vienna MIR 24 before the price goes up on 1 March, and it requires 12 GB of RAM minimum. I guess now I'm down to the choice of three modules of 4 GB or two modules of 8 GB. I'll read a bit more and also see if I can find performance comparisons of the 4 GB vs. 8 GB memory modules. I can't afford to boost my computer to 24 GB of RAM at this time.

[mhschmieder]

Digilloyd at Mac Performance Guide recommends using two 8 GB modules vs. four 4 GB modules:

http://macperformanceguide.com/Reviews- ... emory.html

http://macperformanceguide.com/Reviews- ... #RealWorld

He also mentions that the benefits of extra memory (when needed) outweigh the slight performance loss of using all four (vs. just three) memory slots.

So, I am leaning towards two 8 GB memory modules, leaving space for one or two more if my Vienna MIR needs demand it later on.

[mhschmieder]

Meanwhile, here's a graph of MacPro memory price trends:

http://macperformanceguide.com/Mac-Memo ... acPro.html

Looks like things have been stable for some time now, after the initial hiccup caused by flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural and man-made disasters in Asia.

[zandurian]

Good info - thanks. I've got 2 open slots on my early 2009 4,1 8 core. I'll Prob just go with two 4's for a total of 20 gigs (it came with 12). I was also reading that your machine and mine are upgradable to 12 core 128 gig monsters! Not sure how much all that costs though....

[HCMarkus]

Good call on the two (expandable to four) x 8GB modules mhs.

[mhschmieder]

Bought Vienna MIR24 last night before the price increase (and with a surprise discount), and ordered two 8 GB memory boards from OWC.

The memory upgrade will help me with Lightroom anyway, so should have been done a while back (I don't use Photoshop as much, but it too needs memory).

I'll see how MIR24 performs, and if I need to go to the full 32 GB, can probably do that in early June if necessary.

I'm still nervous about upgrading to DP8 (which I bought months ago) in the middle of a film project, but I'm sure it will appreciate my extra memory too.

[zandurian]

Bought Vienna MIR24 last night before the price increase (and with a surprise discount), and ordered two 8 GB memory boards from OWC.

The memory upgrade will help me with Lightroom anyway, so should have been done a while back (I don't use Photoshop as much, but it too needs memory).

I'll see how MIR24 performs, and if I need to go to the full 32 GB, can probably do that in early June if necessary.

I'm still nervous about upgrading to DP8 (which I bought months ago) in the middle of a film project, but I'm sure it will appreciate my extra memory too.

Crazy but I didn't even realize that in 32 bit mode only 4 gigs of RAM were being accessed. When I went from DP7 to DP8 it worked great EXCEPT it took me to the edge of crashing as DP8 was using just a little more RAM with the same projects. That's when I found out that my late 2007 2,1 would not run Mountain Lion and wouldn't run in 64bit kernel mode (and that UAD required that to go 64 bit).

The switch to a slightly faster 2009 + SSDs + 64 bit has been a huge help in every way. Now I can actually access that sweet RAM from DP.

I, like you was afraid to upgrade in the middle of an intense project but it was a smooth transition except for the above mentioned need to go 64 bit on bigger, more demanding VI projects.