Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacPro 1,1 RAM compatibility question

800px-FB-DIMM_DDR2_vs._DDR2_photo_with_pin_count.jpg


Server ECC Registered DDR2 like that on ebay and regular DDR2 memory are physically different (dimm connector) from Fully Buffered, but avoid modules with heatsinks like on the picture above ! They heat up a lot !

You need full buffered DDR2 667 / 800 MHz modules with apple approved heatsinks like this:
05206012018.jpg
 
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
i just picked up - and returned - some Kingston sticks - FBdimm, 667, ECC - with heatsinks. The macpro didnt like them at all. which is a shame because they were incredibly inexpensive compared to any other 4gb module i've come across.

they were 1.8v sticks - is that the problem? does the MP prefer something else?

~R
 
spoonie1972 said:
i just picked up - and returned - some Kingston sticks - FBdimm, 667, ECC - with heatsinks. The macpro didnt like them at all. which is a shame because they were incredibly inexpensive compared to any other 4gb module i've come across.

they were 1.8v sticks - is that the problem? does the MP prefer something else?

~R
Click to expand...

1.8V is right voltage.
Which Kingston sticks exactly?
Post link please, with specs if possible.
What symptoms of "not liking"?
 
666sheep said:
1.8V is right voltage.
Which Kingston sticks exactly?
Post link please, with specs if possible.
What symptoms of "not liking"?
Click to expand...

Gah, I wish i had written down the model #. KVR...??? Can't remember the rest.
Mac refused to boot, red LED's on the risers (for the slots they were in), blinking white-light on front panel.

The mac did boot when I combined them with my existing ram - but they didn't show up - still red LED's on risers for their locations. I tried mixing things up all over the place - no dice.

I'm just happy I was able to return them with no risk.
 
spoonie1972 said:
Gah, I wish i had written down the model #. KVR...??? Can't remember the rest.
(...)
I'm just happy I was able to return them with no risk.
Click to expand...

Yep, Kingston Value RAM doesn't play nicely with some Dell servers too. But I know few people who used such sticks in MP 1,1. Probably other series of KVR.

It's always better to buy from seller who accepts return or exchange in case of incompatibility. In worst case only thing you lose is some time.
 
UberPCDork said:
I'm trying to upgrade the RAM in my old MacPro so I can turn it into a home server,I found this deal on eBay and wonder if someone more familiar with these older machines could tell me if this RAM will work? Thank you

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200877677665?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619
Click to expand...


That RAM is completely wrong. They are for IBM machines. As mentioned earlier the correct Mac Pro RAM will have the giant finned heat sinks on them. What wasn't mentioned was buying RAM on eBay for your Mac Pro is Russian Roulette and that RAM was registered and does not have BOTH the special Apple thermal sensor and the spec EPROM.
Now you can sneak by with unfinned FBDIMMs for IBM machines even without the thermal sensors but they must not be registered and they will run much hotter in your machine. Heat being the number one enemy is always wise to avoid. In other words, stick with "certified" Mac Pro RAM from a reputable Mac only dealer. The PC world will hurt you more than help you.
OWC was okay but their quality has really slipped to where they're no longer worth the grief.
Mac RAM Direct is really the best for Mac Pro RAM. MRD have their fully certified Hypervelocity RAM and also carry the Apple factory exact parts if you like. Here: http://macramdirect.com/macpro.html#mp1

32GB in your MacPro1,1 will perk it up nicely but those older certified 4GB DDR2-667 FBDIMMs are still gonna cost you.
 
I'm actually running my Mac Pro 1,1 with EIGHT of these DIMMs with the flat heatsinks (not finned) and it works fine.

The trick is to run SMC FanControl, and increase the minimum speed of your fans to around 1000RPM. The noise increase is barely audible, but the machine as a whole stays a LOT cooler, and this RAM will work fine.

The reason I recommend these DIMMs is they are widely available and cheap on the used market. These were used by the boatload in servers which are now being retired and thus you can get them fairly cheap on eBay. Meanwhile, the funky Apple ones with the huge fins are much harder to find and thus a lot more expensive.

Good luck in your quest!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back