Question in a Memory Upgrade for a MacPro1,1

About RAM installation in the Mac Pro

• Mac Pro memory arrangement photos
• Mac Pro Memory Configuration
• Memory Tests- "2008" Mac Pro

Ram should be installed minimally in matched pairs and optimally in matched quads. This means the memory modules are the same size and specifications. They should also be equipped with the Apple-certified style of heat sink.

I know that it is possible because I have three pairs of RAM from three different manufacturers, and it's been running great that way for about 5 years now. And it's a crazy mix...2x512MB (stock), 2x2, and 2x4.

What I don't know, which you'll get from other, better posts, is how to arrange them to get the absolute best performance.

Then take a look at the links in my earlier post.

MacPro1,1

Generally, 4 is ideal (one set on each Riser A1:2, B1:2

2 x 512MB: not worth using up two slots

Mixing 512s and 2s and 4s.... not that ideal "symmetrical memory performance" and nor is having 6 DIMMs, 4 or 8 DIMMs.

Using slots 3&4 those are shared bandwidth and add to higher latency with the slots 1&2

FBDIMMs have iimproved and dropped in price since Jan 2007 (forget anything before that except maybe OEM Apple) and it was March '07 that every vendor seemed to get it right.

They are rated for 10-15W each DIMM which adds up and puts out a lot of heat when you think of them running up to 80*C (under 70C though is what you want and to aim for, even by boosting fans from their low default by 300 rpm).

2008 was more forgiving and didn't have the trouble with latency or having to use 4 or 8, there you wanted to use all 8 slots. And they took 800MHz. A few people had trouble mixing 4GB with 1GB (the smallest size supported in Early 2008).

Maybe your friend should consider buying memory based on how much he needs and what provides the best memory performance which in the MP 2006 means installing memory in equal-sized quads for quad-channel performance. Here's a pricing chart from DataMem where I purchase my RAM:

#1 remove the 2 x 512MB that only gives you 1GB

A Add 2 x 4GB to give you 4 x 4GB then

B add another set of 2 x 2GB for 24GB

C add 4 x 2GB to your setup and you save and still have 20GB

often there is minimum and recommended configuration.

OS X will cache a number of things also for you with the add'l RAM

I picked up 4 x 2GB for $110 recently

http://www.amazon.com/BUFFERED-PC2-5300-FB-DIMM-APPLE-Memory/dp/B002ORUUAC/

Nooooo - it was shown early on 8 x 4GB is supported. And that was as soon as 4GB DIMMs existed. Apple never updates their specs so don't abide or you'd be asking if 1TB hard drives are supported, or what about putting the ATI 5770. Take some things with a grain of salt.

http://www.macsales.com/memory/macpro

- as well as Crucial and others

And there is also your online encyclopedia

http://www.bing.com/search?q=Mac+Pro+1%2C1+32GB