Mac Pro- High density or Low density memory when upgrading?

Tinpusher

Tinpusher

Registered
Hi folks,

The new Mac Pro only has 2GB of memory, and I'm going to need to up this for running FCS2 to a min. of 8GB.

I was thinking about buying 2 x 4GB modules, but it appears that one 3rd party seller are advertising low density memory as being a selling point.

Is this really a selling point, or will it make no difference? Should I just be choosing my 4GB modules on price and nothing else?
 
I recommend that you choose memory that meets the specs that you need. Use a quality memory supplier that will back up what they sell, and gives you a warranty if you get a bad set.
Look for 240-pin PC2-6400 (800MHz) DDR2 ECC FB-DIMM, and purchase in matched pairs, or get a little extra performance with matched sets of 4 chips.

If you want to add 8GB, then 4 x 2GB chips will be much less expensive than 2 x 4GB chips.
Here's a page at OWC.com that will show you the difference in prices:
http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upg...4&type=Memory&TI=1614&shoupgrds=Show+Upgrades
You could also try Crucial.com: http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Mac Pro (8-core Xeon 5400 Series)#

If this is a computer that you may want to make money with, then Don't Go for the Cheapest with the most important upgrade of your Mac. You may regret it... You also may find that you get a good value with a good supplier.
 
Hmmm, yes. $185 for [4 x 2GB] vs $320 for [2 x 4GB]. Prices in the UK are slightly more expensive- £280 is the cheapest I've seen 2 x GB modules for.

My thinking was that if I get 2 x 4GB modules, then I can add another 2 x 4GB modules later. And another 2 later still. And then finally swap the 2 x 1GB modules for the last 2 x 4GB modules later still (by which time the prices will have come down... hopefully).

Thinking now that it would be better to go for 6 x 2GB modules (once added to the existing 2 x 1GB it gives me a total of 14GB). If I find this isn't enough, then 6-8 months down the line I can I sell all that lot, and in its place put 8 x 4GB modules, which will hopefully(!) be cheaper by then.

So... to cut a long story short, the memory density doesn't really matter, so long as the specs match Apple's recommended at http://developer.apple.com/document...//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40003899-SW3_1200331177 ...?
 
Hi- or lo-density is an issue with some PC motherboards. As long as your chosen memory meets the specs needed (notice that hi or lo density is not mentioned), then your memory should be compatible.
 
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