8 core RAM concerns

[fandus]

Hi guys,

I'm new here and have one urgent question for you;

My mac pro 8 core (mid 2010) only has 3 ram slots occupied.

So of the 8 available slots, only slots 1, 2 and 3 has a stick in it, the rest are empty.

What is this likely to do? my understanding is the slots must be put in as pairs (slots 1+5, 2+6, 3+7, 4+8).

 

[paulrbeers]

What is this likely to do? my understanding is the slots must be put in as pairs (slots 1+5, 2+6, 3+7, 4+8).

Not true for the 2009+ (2006-2008 needed pairs). They use a tri-channel memory and you can mix and match with any number of RAM sticks, but using triplets is your best bet (if I remember correctly).

 

[derbothaus]

Not true for the 2009+ (2006-2008 needed pairs). They use a tri-channel memory and you can mix and match with any number of RAM sticks, but using triplets is your best bet (if I remember correctly).

Best bet yes but real world difference is not noticeable. Only shows gains in benchmarks and even then 1-5% faster. More memory these days always trumps how you slot them for channel speed. If you think ahead and get high density and optimize channels, even better. But not necessary.