2010 Mac Pro - How much RAM?

[MacSince1985]

I purchased a 2010 8-core Mac Pro last year. It still has the original 6Gb of RAM, which I want to upgrade now.

OWC's performance tests show a drastic improvement with 12Gb, and rather minimal boost after that. But this is one test and does not necessarily reflect real life.

I do mostly Photoshop work. Some 3D modeling and rendering, and some video editing (Final Cut Express, After Effect).

I'm leaning towards getting 24Gb (4Gb x 6) or 32Gb (4Gb x 8). How much does installing RAM in 3's affect the Macs in real life?

 

[jetjaguar]

from what I read not much .. im putting 3x8gb in my 2010 quad today and plan on getting another stick to max it out

 

[alust2013]

I'd just get the 24GB. Even that should be way more than you need, unless you are running several VMs as well as photoshop, etc. But you certainly wouldn't notice any adverse effects from 32GB if that's what you wanted to know.

 

[JavaTheHut]

Using PS in x64 mode can use a lot a RAM, a medium to large file 500MB~1GB can make use of excess of 20GB RAM. then throw in other active apps... I have seen these numbers using the Activity Monitor. I am using 4*8GB OWC sticks
What 3d program are you using?


Read this article from http://macperformanceguide.com

 

[MacSince1985]

Thanks. My Photoshop files are usually under 100Mb. I use Carrara for 3D work, which is 64-bit and works well with the multiple cores. Planning to switch to modo someday.

I guess I'll go for the 24Gb (4Gb x 6) and see how things work. I could do 8Gb x 3 to give me more flexibility, but the price difference is significant.

Follow-up question: OWC or TransIntl? I've been very happy with OWC in the past, but TransIntl is 15% cheaper and gets good reviews in this forum.

 

[100Years]

I've got 24GB in mine -- I went with OWC, and haven't had any issues yet....

 

[JavaTheHut]

Follow-up question: OWC or TransIntl? I've been very happy with OWC in the past, but TransIntl is 15% cheaper and gets good reviews in this forum.

OWC have heat spreaders and TransIntl does NOT (I can speak for the 8GB sticks only)

 

[MacSince1985]

I ended up getting 24Gb (6 x 4Gb) from OWC (their price dropped slightly and the support they offered me in the past was worth spending a couple of extra $).

The difference is amazing. VMWare fusion/Windows 7 used to slow me down so much before, but now I can keep it running along with my Mac apps and still have some free memory.