PDA

View Full Version : Advice needed on Apple's warning regarding purchase of RAM

Hector Pascal
10-10-2007, 01:11 AM
Dear All,

I'm thinking about ordering a new MacPro and getting 2Gb of RAM at the same time. Apple's website contains the following warning about installing RAM which is purchased from other manufacturers:

--------------------------------------------
Mac Pro uses 667MHz DDR2 fully buffered ECC memory, a new industry-standard memory technology that allows for more memory capacity, higher speeds, and better reliability. To take full advantage of the 256-bit wide memory architecture, four or more FB-DIMMs should be installed in Mac Pro.

Please note: Apple created a more robust thermal specification for the Mac Pro FB-DIMM heat sinks that provide more efficient cooling than many other FB-DIMMs. These FB-DIMMs require less airflow to stay cool and allow the internal fans to spin at slower speeds, improving system acoustics. FB-DIMMs made by other manufacturers that do not include a sufficient heat sink may cause the fans to run faster (and louder) or the memory chips to run slower so as not to overheat.
-------------------------------------------

Given the above warning, and the fact that I'm not hugely tech-savvy, I am thinking that I should buy the Apple RAM because it seems a safe route to me. Problem is: it's also quite expensive compared to other brands....

Any comments or suggestions or suggested alternative routes before I take the plunge?

Cheers and thank you,
H.
xylomn
10-10-2007, 01:18 AM
just the usual apple crap. Apple ram is not superior and is just overpriced crap.

Definitely buy third party stuff. Crucial would be a good bet for you as they guarantee it will work with macs :)
kwchang007
10-10-2007, 01:22 AM
Can we see the ram they use?
xylomn
10-10-2007, 01:26 AM
I wouldn't be surprised if its crap...

these are the same people who say in their maintenance manual to put a whole tube of thermal grease (each) on the cpu, gpu etc
bdamico
10-10-2007, 01:28 AM
Mac Pro uses 667MHz DDR2 fully buffered ECC memory, a new industry-standard memory....

Not really true and not new. The latest type of memory is DDR3.

You can purchase Apple "certified" memory from various sources rather than pay the exorbitant amount of money that Apple charges. Check out OtherWorldComputing.com (http://eshop.macsales.com) for fair prices for memory and other items. Also check Crucial and then cross check the prices on Newegg.com.

Also keep in mind that if you have a problem down the road with your Mac Pro you can simply yank the non-Apple sticks out of the machine and then bring it in for service.

BTW I wouldn't invest in more than 4GB of RAM unless you are editing a full length motion picture / video.
kwchang007
10-10-2007, 01:28 AM
I wouldn't be surprised if its crap...

these are the same people who say in their maintenance manual to put a whole tube of thermal grease (each) on the cpu, gpu etc

Same here, but I was just wondering if it actually had heat spreaders or didn't.
panchoman
10-10-2007, 01:30 AM
seems like apple memory is special, newegg has a whole section just for mac memory. and their are different brands like corsair etc, there, but they are labeled as mac memory on the stix, so...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2153340551+1327823907&name=240-Pin+DDR2+FB-DIMM

i supposs there's a difference somewhere between pc and apple memory
kwchang007
10-10-2007, 01:32 AM
seems like apple memory is special, newegg has a whole section just for mac memory. and their are different brands like corsair etc, there, but they are labeled as mac memory on the stix, so...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2153340551+1327823907&name=240-Pin+DDR2+FB-DIMM

i supposs there's a difference somewhere between pc and apple memory

I think it's in the SPD since Apple doesn't use a traditional bios.
DaMulta
10-10-2007, 01:37 AM
Just buy ECC memory it's the same stuff.

Most memory is non-ECC.
FatForester
10-10-2007, 01:50 AM
I agree with DaMulta, just buy ECC rated sticks. Apple is hoping you won't do your research and fork it up. Their RAM is not special as they like to put it. Anyway, isn't 800mhz now the max for RAM in laptops because of Santa Rosa? I know OCZ and others sell the ram, but I haven't heard of any cases where it's read right or made a huge difference.
ex_reven
10-10-2007, 02:02 AM
Just buy ECC memory it's the same stuff.

Most memory is non-ECC.

Thirded.
The only difference is the ECC.

Btw is our memory 256bit or 128?
I thought ours was like 64/64. I might be wrong tho.
Ravenas
10-10-2007, 02:15 AM
just the usual apple crap. Apple ram is not superior and is just overpriced crap.

Definitely buy third party stuff. Crucial would be a good bet for you as they guarantee it will work with macs :)

Overpriced crap? False information.

Apple ram performs the same (if not better) as any other ram for Macs. The difference in the price is subject to ease of install and liability. Apple will replace the ram if any problems arise down the road. It's really more of an insurance to the customer that their ram will always work for the life of your Mac, and this is why the price is justified. Plus it's certified their ram.

Are you sure the ram is FB-DIMM and not SO-DIMM? Make sure because I know the MacBook uses SO-DIMM.