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MadMax65

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 18, 2025
14
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I pulled out these 4 16gb ram sticks from an old Mac Pro I picked up for parts but am confused about unsure about using them in my 2010 Mac Pro......they don't look like the normal memory sticks I've used before
They're labeled PC3 12800R but read as DDR3 1333.....are these good sticks and I should use them?
Attaching pics.
 

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The PC3 12800 part im not sure about. I think its suppose to be PC3 10600. But it is ddr3. I dont think the speed matters so much because it will run at your systems speed.
 
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Your Mac Pro has declared them 'OK' so I think you're fine.

PC3-12800 is DDR3 1600 - your MP 5,1 will use them as DDR3 1333 sticks. It's fine to use RAM below its top speed rating.

I'm interested in them being labeled as both Samsung and IBM. Both companies have manufactured RAM, but I don't recall any combined ventures. Different part numbers, but both stickers agree they're made in Korea. Which probably means Samsung is the real manufacturer.
 
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Your Mac Pro has declared them 'OK' so I think you're fine.

PC3-12800 is DDR3 1600 - your MP 5,1 will use them as DDR3 1333 sticks. It's fine to use RAM below its top speed rating.

I'm interested in them being labeled as both Samsung and IBM. Both companies have manufactured RAM, but I don't recall any combined ventures. Different part numbers, but both stickers agree they're made in Korea. Which probably means Samsung is the real manufacturer.
Found this info online:
"RAM modules may be labeled with both IBM and Samsung due to IBM's use of Samsung memory chips in their servers and other hardware"
 
Your Mac Pro has declared them 'OK' so I think you're fine.

PC3-12800 is DDR3 1600 - your MP 5,1 will use them as DDR3 1333 sticks. It's fine to use RAM below its top speed rating.

I'm interested in them being labeled as both Samsung and IBM. Both companies have manufactured RAM, but I don't recall any combined ventures. Different part numbers, but both stickers agree they're made in Korea. Which probably means Samsung is the real manufacturer.
Ok, so I have 4 of these ram sticks and will use them in slots 1,2,5 & 6.
I also have multiple different brands of 8gb ram sticks that are attached in new pic.
1.From my understanding I should only add 2 more sticks in slots 3 & 7 due to triple channel memory....... correct?
My Mac Pro is not used for any heavy duty applications, just day to day use so unsure if 6 or 8 sticks would be noticeable.
2. Of the sticks in the pic which brand would be the best to use, assuming brands make a difference here.
 

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