Mixing ECC RAM and Non-ECC RAM? (Mid-2012/12-Core/Mac-Pro)

[SpikeJ]

I just installed two sticks of ram from my dads old computer to the two empty slots on my Mac Pro's motherboard literally a few minutes ago. I had no problem booting up the computer and even got a confirmation upon startup saying that new ram was installed. I went into System Report to double check that things were in order and noticed that the two sticks I installed were non-ECC. I google what ECC Ram is and discovered that it is RAM with an extra module for handling errors and double checking processes sent to and from the memory. Another thing I noticed is that after installing the memory, it downgraded the other ECC sticks (Including the Non) to speeds of 1066MHz when all of the memory runs natively at a speed of 1333MHz. My question is: Will this endanger my computer at all by mixing the two types of RAM?

Below are screenshots of my specs. Thanks!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qf8adhmo8x1vovn/Screen Shot 2013-05-02 at 4.53.48 PM.png

https://www.dropbox.com/s/w6axxu0ypa3pe13/Screen Shot 2013-05-02 at 5.05.41 PM.png

Specs: Mac Pro(Mid 2012)-2x2.4Ghz 6-core Xeon Processors-12Gb 1333 MHz DDR3-ATI Radeon HD 5770-10.8.3 ML

 

[Intell]

You won't harm your machine. But it may run slightly slower than before because of the lower memory clock.

 

[SpikeJ]

Thanks for the quick response! I use my Mac for video editing and intensive VFX like Maya and After Effects. Am I better off taking the two non-ECC sticks out?

 

[Intell]

You likely won't notice any speed difference between the two. In my opinion, leave them in until/if you want to replace them with proper sticks.

 

[Tesselator]

I think your system crashes (kernel panics) will increase too. After a few weeks or months operating like this I'd love to hear back from you regarding the stability of your system.

 

[Jedi Master]

Use matching/ correct Ram always

I just installed two sticks of ram from my dads old computer to the two empty slots on my Mac Pro's motherboard literally a few minutes ago. I had no problem booting up the computer and even got a confirmation upon startup saying that new ram was installed. I went into System Report to double check that things were in order and noticed that the two sticks I installed were non-ECC. I google what ECC Ram is and discovered that it is RAM with an extra module for handling errors and double checking processes sent to and from the memory. Another thing I noticed is that after installing the memory, it downgraded the other ECC sticks (Including the Non) to speeds of 1066MHz when all of the memory runs natively at a speed of 1333MHz. My question is: Will this endanger my computer at all by mixing the two types of RAM?

Below are screenshots of my specs. Thanks!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qf8adhmo8x1vovn/Screen Shot 2013-05-02 at 4.53.48 PM.png

https://www.dropbox.com/s/w6axxu0ypa3pe13/Screen Shot 2013-05-02 at 5.05.41 PM.png

Specs: Mac Pro(Mid 2012)-2x2.4Ghz 6-core Xeon Processors-12Gb 1333 MHz DDR3-ATI Radeon HD 5770-10.8.3 ML

Is want you do on this machine important?
"Use matching/ correct Ram always" always always

Using mis-matched ram can cause serious stability issue and maybe even data loss.

Then again it maybe fine till, it isn't.

Just a heads up as Ram is cheap even Ecc although slightly more costly than the more common NON-ECC variety.

Good Luck,
Jed

 

[Macsonic]

Might as well buy the proper 1333mhz so you're using one type of ram. Because the price of 2012 Mac Pros ram are not that expensive nowadays.

 

[bsbeamer]

I've had issues with trying to cobble together mis-matched RAM sets in the past and avoid it whenever possible. It's not nearly as bad as the pre-Intel days when it seemed like any RAM that wasn't from the same exact manufacturing date caused an issue at some point, but kernel panics and random system freezing when rendering - not exactly something that made for a stable working environment.

At least run a RAM stress test to put it through its paces before relying on the system...

 

[SpikeJ]

I decided on taking the Ram out. In the past few days I have been regularly been using my computer with little to no difference. Then again most people are advising me to take them out and I would rather not tempt fate on this. Thanks for the input guys!