Is OWC "qualified" Ram reliable?

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Is OWC "qualified" Ram reliable?

Hello

I'm getting a MacPro 8-cores (5400 series)
And I'm planning to put in at least 4GB more ram because I work in Audio recordings and mixings.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/64FB2MPK04GB/

I was wondering if it's worth paying the extra $ for Techworks ram...

So if you have experience with them, please tell me if they're good performance and reliable memory compare to Techworks, Kingston...

Thanks
Gary

MacPro 8cores (5400 series), Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Feb 1, 2008 9:41 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 2, 2008 12:39 AM in response to gar_lei

I've been using the exact same RAM in my new Mac Pro for two weeks now and haven't had any problems with it.
T.

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Answer 2

Feb 2, 2008 3:54 AM in response to gar_lei

I have been a customer of theirs for years. Never a problem.

I bought 16G (8 x2G) from them for my new Mac Pro dual 3.2 a couple of weeks ago (just after they listed they were selling them). No problems. Memory passed AHT and various memtest runs. Temp monitoring shows they run within limits without issue.

G

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Answer 3

Feb 2, 2008 5:42 AM in response to gar_lei

I have 4 2GB and 4 1GB sticks of the cheaper 'qualified' RAM from OWC, and it's all running perfectly.

I don't know about their Techworks line, but I have used the slightly more expensive NetList memory they sell for the older Mac Pro (these are the ones with the flatter style heat sinks) and I have had problems with ECC errors from those.

So actually, I've had better luck with the cheaper modules. And I recommend OWC for their excellent service and return policy.

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Answer 4

gar_lei Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 2, 2008 6:03 AM in response to Red Jacket Mike

Seems like there's not much problem using those memory instead of the ones with brand names...

Is performance an issue?
Cause I've had experience with memories from brands like Kingmax, and I tried swapping them with Kingston just to see the difference in performance, and there was a noticable difference there.

Is that the same issue for OWC?
Thanks!
Gary

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Answer 5

Feb 2, 2008 6:15 AM in response to gar_lei

I haven't seen any performance problems; and using Hardware Monitor, I can say that these lower priced sticks run within 2-3 degrees of the temps that the original stock Apple RAM does. They're identical in every way as far as I can see.

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Answer 6

Feb 2, 2008 6:31 AM in response to gar_lei

Sadly, my first batch of 2 2GB OWC sticks ($199 the pair) received here in the UK were faulty. Failed Apple Hardware Test with "ECC Correctable Errors: 4" and 4MEM/9/40000006: B:1 C:1 R:1 error.

Been sent back, awaiting a replacement...

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Answer 7

BillF

Level 3

649 points

Feb 2, 2008 7:19 AM in response to gar_lei

I have OWC qualified RAM in my Mac Pro as well as the Techworks that I picked up from OWC. Both work great. You cannot tell a difference.

I also have OWC RAM in my MacBook Pro. No problems. The key is that they will stand behind their product.

Good luck with your memory purchase.

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