Optimal RAM Configurations for 2013 Mac Pro

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Optimal RAM Configurations for 2013 Mac Pro

So I just spent more money than I ever thought I would on a computer. I've CTO'd a 2013 Mac Pro with the 6 core processor. I opted for 12GB RAM so I could afford to put the 1TB SSD in it, knowing I will upgrade the RAM in a couple months. Something about 1GB/s data transfers on that internal SSD, I coudln't resist 😀

I am using this computer for heavy video editing, effects processing, After Effects, Photoshop, etc. I know I will want more than 12GB RAM very shortly. My question is, can I run 40 GB of RAM, and is that an "optimal" configuration for performance? It's certainly not a kit option from anyone that I have seen. This computer comes with 3 4GB RAM modules. I see Crucial offers 32GB in 2 16GB modules for $375. Had I ordered the 32GB from Apple for $500 I believe I would have filled all available RAM slots with 4 8GB modules. So if I were to install the 2 16GB modules, removing one stock 4GB module and leaving the other two, I would have 40GB total. Is there any reason I would not want to do this? Thanks in advance for your advice!

Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.3), 6 Core | 12GB | 1TB | D700

Posted on Jun 8, 2014 7:22 AM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,589 points

Jun 8, 2014 8:37 AM in response to DeepFocus

Apple says this:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6064

OWC says the following and includeds some graphs:

http://blog.macsales.com/22745-mix-and-match-more-memory-faster-mac-pro-2

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Answer 2

The hatter

Level 9

61,041 points

Jun 8, 2014 8:54 AM in response to DeepFocus

Check out a guy that has a lot to offer in ideas when it comes to configuring and optimum setup esp. for photography graphics.

http://www.macperformanceguide.com/

Depending but 4 x 16GB is probably what you need, there can be times with large image processing where 128GB RAM are called for.

There are still outstanding problems between Apple drivers, Adobe, and GPUs (but not on a 2012 using AMD cards).

4-core and an OWC upgrade to 8-core would have hurt your CTO budget even further but probably the best processor choice for video + graphic customer.

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Answer 3

DeepFocus Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 8, 2014 10:23 AM in response to lllaass

Thank you, I believe the OWC blog really gave the answer I was looking for. More memory is better, and according to the Apple k-base, as long as I don't mix UDIMMs and RDIMMs it should be fine.

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Answer 4

DeepFocus Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 8, 2014 10:54 AM in response to DeepFocus

I see now that 8GB and smaller modules and 16GB modules can't mix, the OWC site says this: "Apple Mac Pro 2013 models utilize ECC non-Registered for 4GB and 8GB per slot options and ECC Registered for 16GB (and larger) per slot options. Any existing 4GB and 8GB ECC non-Registered modules cannot be mixed with 16GB and larger ECC-Registered modules and will need to be removed in order to utilize these higher density memory upgrade options."

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