Non ECC Mushkin RAM in a 2009 Mac Pro

[BlueBubba]

Hello,

I have 64gb (8x8gb) of quad channel Blackline Mushkin Ram 1600mhz doing nothing sat on a shelf at home. It was supposed to be used in a custom built computer which has been put on hold. I've read a few threads about people having success with non ECc ram in a Mac Pro and wondered if it would be worth trying the Mushkin Ram in my 2009 4.1 Mac Pro?

Is there any chance it could damage the RAM or computer?
Or will it just refuse to boot?

I understand I probably won't get the full speed benefits, but if all 64gb were to work, it should be faster than the current 16 gb's.

If there's no harm in trying, I'll give it a go.

Any advice?

 

[bax2003]

Nothing can be damaged. If you do not get boot chime - modules are just incompatibile with Mac Pro and that is all.

 

[BlueBubba]

Thanks for the response, any advice on how to start?
Should I empty all the Ram slots and try one dimm first? Or install four as it is quad channel ram? Or 3, I think the Mac Pro is triple channel? Or stick all eight in and cross my fingers?

 

[Umbongo]

There is no harm in trying and it should work.

 

[sarthak]

Doesn't sticking 1600 MHz ram in the 2009 Pro down clock them to 1333? As long as you don't mix ecc/nonecc it should be fine. Channels might be the issue. Try one sticks and add additional dimms until it all works or doesn't boot. You should run time machine before trying, no harm trying it.

If not then you could sell both 64 and 16 sets on ebay and grab 64+ from OWC.