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Early 08 Mac Pro RAM

4God

4God

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Apr 5, 2005
2,133
267
My Mac
Anybody running mixed RAM in their early '08 8 core Mac Pro?
I was just checking macsales.com and the RAM prices for my machine
are crazy compared to the '09 and '10 versions. I don't mind getting the
less expensive RAM (DDR3 PC3-10600 ECC 1333MHZ) if it will work in my
system, even if it downclocks to 800Mhz. My concern is DDR2 mixed with
DDR3.

I currently have 8 gigs (8x1Gb) and would like to up it to 14 gigs (6x1Gb & 2x4Gb). Any suggestions?
 
Last edited:
philipma1957 said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Kingston-Kvr800...EN_Servers&hash=item4cf77a2b93#ht_2372wt_1288



these are 50 a stick 30 day return policy from a large seller on ebay.

owc is 65 a stick


these are 40 a 2gb stick non ecc same big ebay seller with a 30 day policy for returns.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Kingston-Kvr800...EN_Servers&hash=item3cb56e179b#ht_2444wt_1288
Click to expand...

Thanks, but this does not apply here. OWC is $299.99 for two 4gig modules (DDR2 800MHz). What I'm asking is can I get the DDR3 1333MHz modules which is much less expensive at $134.99 and have my machine downclock it to 800MHz and still be functional?
 
4God said:
Thanks, but this does not apply here. OWC is $299.99 for two 4gig modules (DDR2 800MHz). What I'm asking is can I get the DDR3 1333MHz modules which is much less expensive at $134.99 and have my machine downclock it to 800MHz and still be functional?
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, NO. That system cannot run DDR3 in any form.

The 2008 is meant to use 800MHz FB-DIMM's (which are a DDR2 variant), and as you've discovered, are on the expensive side now (they used to be cheaper, but the supply is much smaller now and has pushed the pricing back up; quite common unfortunately).

BTW, I'm not sure if the system will allow you to mix FB-DIMM with non ECC DDR2 800MHz memory, as you can't directly access the system's firmware to manually disable ECC functionality. This is to say, I'm not sure if it will automatically disable the ECC functionality during the boot process (would think so, but not 100% sure this is the case).

To find 800MHz FB-DIMM's cheaper, your best bet is to try and find it used (new on eBay has some that's a bit cheaper than OWC, but not drastically; won't see it $100 less sort of thing). Currently, eBay (US) has one used 4GB stick for $79.99 (here). Even if you mix this with a smaller kit and/or the existing memory, it would still be cheaper (can't recall how much you currently have, or what capacity you're trying to get to). But it's an idea anyway. ;)

Hope this helps. :)
 
Elisha said:
No you can only use DDR2.
Click to expand...

Bummer....


nanofrog said:
Unfortunately, NO. That system cannot run DDR3 in any form.

The 2008 is meant to use 800MHz FB-DIMM's (which are a DDR2 variant), and as you've discovered, are on the expensive side now (they used to be cheaper, but the supply is much smaller now and has pushed the pricing back up; quite common unfortunately).

BTW, I'm not sure if the system will allow you to mix FB-DIMM with non ECC DDR2 800MHz memory, as you can't directly access the system's firmware to manually disable ECC functionality. This is to say, I'm not sure if it will automatically disable the ECC functionality during the boot process (would think so, but not 100% sure this is the case).

To find 800MHz FB-DIMM's cheaper, your best bet is to try and find it used (new on eBay has some that's a bit cheaper than OWC, but not drastically; won't see it $100 less sort of thing). Currently, eBay (US) has one used 4GB stick for $79.99 (here). Even if you mix this with a smaller kit and/or the existing memory, it would still be cheaper (can't recall how much you currently have, or what capacity you're trying to get to). But it's an idea anyway. ;)

Hope this helps. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, I'll just have to keep searching for something cheaper.
 
4God said:
Thanks, but this does not apply here. OWC is $299.99 for two 4gig modules (DDR2 800MHz). What I'm asking is can I get the DDR3 1333MHz modules which is much less expensive at $134.99 and have my machine downclock it to 800MHz and still be functional?
Click to expand...

thus my answer buy the 2gb sticks 6 for 50 is 300 gives you 12gb ram add two of yours gives you 14gb ram that works. all ecc type
 
philipma1957 said:
thus my answer buy the 2gb sticks 6 for 50 is 300 gives you 12gb ram add two of yours gives you 14gb ram that works. all ecc type
Click to expand...

Sorry, I'm just not understanding you. As I indicated in my first post, I already have 8gigs of RAM (8x1Gb). Thus filling all 8 slots. I'm planning on removing two of the 1gig modules taking it down to 6gigs, then adding 8gigs (2x4Gb) to achieve 14 gigs of total RAM. Might just bite the bullet and go with OWC. I might even just get 4gigs instead and up the RAM to 10gigs total instead.
 
4God said:
Sorry, I'm just not understanding you. As I indicated in my first post, I already have 8gigs of RAM (8x1Gb). Thus filling all 8 slots. I'm planning on removing two of the 1gig modules taking it down to 6gigs, then adding 8gigs (2x4Gb) to achieve 14 gigs of total RAM. Might just bite the bullet and go with OWC. I might even just get 4gigs instead and up the RAM to 10gigs total instead.
Click to expand...

okay I see where your math is coming from. i spent some time checking ram sellers that I know. here is a good deal

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php...DR2-800-4G-ECC-FB-DIMM-Original-Server-Memory


a 4gb stick is 99 coupon for today is RAPTURE15 YOU GET A 15% DISCOUNT !

So 1 stick is about 85. 2 sticks are 185 as the 15% discount maxes at 15 dollars.

this way you go to 14gb ram for under 200


I purchase a lot from this company. They are pretty good.
 
philipma1957 said:
okay I see where your math is coming from. i spent some time checking ram sellers that I know. here is a good deal

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php...DR2-800-4G-ECC-FB-DIMM-Original-Server-Memory


a 4gb stick is 99 coupon for today is RAPTURE15 YOU GET A 15% DISCOUNT !

So 1 stick is about 85. 2 sticks are 185 as the 15% discount maxes at 15 dollars.

this way you go to 14gb ram for under 200


I purchase a lot from this company. They are pretty good.
Click to expand...

Great find, thanks for that!
 
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