Installing 2 separate "matched pair" RAM kits

[mustgroove]

Is it OK to install two separate 3-stick "matched pair" RAM kits in a Mac Pro? As opposed to a single 6-stick kit?

I ordered a 3 x 4GB RAM kit which has shipped, but I ended up ordering a dual-socket Mac Pro rather than a single-socket one... so I'm wondering whether to return the 3 x 4GB kit and order a new 6-stick kit, or just order a second 3 x 4GB kit and install both...

 

[mustgroove]

Anyone?

 

[keantan]

Anyone?

I did, shouldn't be a problem. I have 2 x 12GB kits in my MP (+2GB from the original RAM) = 26GB.

 

[myiqiscienforty]

Is it OK to install two separate 3-stick "matched pair" RAM kits in a Mac Pro? As opposed to a single 6-stick kit?

I ordered a 3 x 4GB RAM kit which has shipped, but I ended up ordering a dual-socket Mac Pro rather than a single-socket one... so I'm wondering whether to return the 3 x 4GB kit and order a new 6-stick kit, or just order a second 3 x 4GB kit and install both...

While it may work, no, it's not ok. There is a reason why they sell sets and if you want to know why google it and research it.

 

[Gonk42]

Given that the two kits are to the same specs (I presume) and they will be connected to separate processors with separate memory controllers within the Mac Pro (though the two are closely linked) I would be very surprised if it didn't work ok.

Whilst it is common to see matched sets of 3 I've not seen many matched sets of 6 for sale. If you go on the Crucial site or scan's site they both sell sets of 3 and not sets of 6 anyway.

 

[Loa]

Hello,

Of course it's alright. The only thing you have to worry about is that some 8GB sticks now require exclusivity: if you put one of them in, you can't put anything else in.

Another thing that is also alright is putting RAM without being obsessive about triple channel memory. If you *know* that the very specific type of work you do sees benefits from triple memory channel, then do it. If you don't know it for a fact, you'll benefit from getting more RAM, rather than having less at the triple speed...

Still so many myths and exaggerations around.

Loa