OWC 32 GB RAM Modules/nMP

[Cubemmal]

OWC has 32 GB RAM Modules for the nMP

I want to upgrade to 32GB or 64GB, and eventually 128GB would be great. What are my choices? As follows ...

Can I install a single 32GB module now, or does it have to be 2x32GB? In either case can I keep the existing other two slots with the existing 2x4GB RAM sticks?

If I install any of the 32GB modules, will they perform appreciably slower? The 16GB are listed at 1866MHz, but the 32 are listed as 1333MHz, however it seems to indicate it'll actually run at 1066HMz on the "Special note".

 

[David N]

As far as I know, you need a minimum of two DIMM's installed for the system to run. I would be happy to be corrected if this is not the case, however.

Secondly, I do not think the original 4gb modules are simultaneously compatible with anything larger than an 8gb module. The stock ones are not ECC registered, and you can not mix non-ECC memory with ECC memory.

From OWC's page on the new Mac Pro:

IMPORTANT OWC NOTE:
The Apple Mac Pro 2013 utilizes ECC non-Registered DDR3 DIMMs for modules up to 8GB per slot and ECC Registered Modules for 16GB (and larger) density per slot modules. ECC non-Registered and ECC Registered modules can not be used/mixed together in the same system. When using OWC and/or Apple 16GB 1866MHZ ECC Registered DDR3 DIMMs in your Mac Pro, any previously installed OWC (or Apple) 8GB and/or 4GB ECC non-registered modules must be removed.

These OWC 32GB modules will mix with other 16GB modules, but please note that these are 1066MHz and all installed memory will run at a maximum of 1066MHz. We recommend to mix and match RAM in pairs to maintain dual-channel mode.

Speed wise, I have not seen any benchmarks comparing the slower 128gb kits with the faster 64gb kits. Time will tell... I think it will end up being application specific. If you run out of memory with 64gb, obviously having 128gb will give you a noticeable bump in performance. However, if you aren't utilizing more than 64gb, stick with the faster 1866mhz modules

Technically speaking, the modules are rated as follows:
1066mhz: 10.9gb/s
1866mhz: 14.9gb/s

 

[Zinn]

There are 32gb 1866mhz modules available ($$$). I would not go with 1066mhz unless you really need it for some reason. It will be appreciably slower.

 

[Jim-H]

If I install any of the 32GB modules, will they perform appreciably slower? The 16GB are listed at 1866MHz, but the 32 are listed as 1333MHz, however it seems to indicate it'll actually run at 1066HMz on the "Special note".

The 1066MHz special note might be a mistake. I would call to verify before buying.

 

[Umbongo]

The 1066MHz special note might be a mistake. I would call to verify before buying.

No it's accurate. Quad-ranked Registered DIMMs run at a maximum speed of 1066MHz on this platform. The E5-2697 V2 (12-core) should support LR-DIMMs, which would allow you to get 1866MHz speeds - E5-1600 series don't support them.

 

[deconstruct60]

...
I want to upgrade to 32GB or 64GB, and eventually 128GB would be great. What are my choices? As follows ...

Upgrade over how many years ( or months )? In short what is the time frame? If it is an extended period of time buying 32GB modules 1+ years from now is a different equation. 32GB (4 x8GB ) now and they sell and replace those with future lower priced 32GB modules.

If the 32GB are so few primarily because massively blowing out the budget then they are probably the wrong part. The the parts were key value generating parts, it would likely be far easier for them to "pay" for themselves.

Can I install a single 32GB module now, or does it have to be 2x32GB?

Can go single but tossing some performance out by funnelling all memory access through a single channel ( in addition to the DIMM's lower clock ). Especially if going to run substantive high core count leveraging workloads.

If I install any of the 32GB modules, will they perform appreciably slower?

Single to very low double digit percentage point drops. If conditioned to a slower machine and just moving to the new Mac Pro then perhaps not particularly noticeable. If doing single core drag racing apps, again probably not too bad.

However, for over $100 less can have no performance drop with 4 x8 GB modules. Additionally, for marginally $60 more can have no performance drop and a 16GB increase in memory with 3 x16GB modules. The resale marking for 16GB modules is probably going to hold up pretty well in a year (or more) and can move to multiple 32GB modules later when price drops.

For folks who have high business need tp press past 64GB capacity very soon, multiple 32GB modules are a good value proposition. If do not need over 64GB for 1+ years, then it is not a very good value prop right now. Committing to several empty DIMM slots doesn't provide much current value and relatively little future value. Empty slots don't get any work done.

 

[Riwam]

ECC not equal to Registered or Untegostered

As far as I know, you need a minimum of two DIMM's installed for the system to run. I would be happy to be corrected if this is not the case, however.

Secondly, I do not think the original 4gb modules are simultaneously compatible with anything larger than an 8gb module. The stock ones are not ECC registered, and you can not mix non-ECC memory with ECC memory.
....................................................

Someone is making a bit of confusion.
All the modules for the nMP are ECC according to Apple.
For the larger 16GB modules, Apple requests besides ECC, to be Registered.
You cannot mix unregistered with registered modules.
ECC will therefore not be the problem but unregistered (the 4 GB stock modules) with larger registered ones.
That will not work.
However if you add 8 GB modules, they will most probably be unregistered, as the 4GB modules delivered with the computer are.

 

[Coleman2010]

Could pull one of the 4GB modules that ship with the nMP and add 2 8GB modules?

 

[Umbongo]

Could pull one of the 4GB modules that ship with the nMP and add 2 8GB modules?

Yes, but it will operate with single-channel performance with mixed capacities. Whether that really matters depends on what you are doing. With general usage it isn't going to be noticeable, but if your software makes good use of memory bandwidth for prolonged periods I wouldn't do it.

 

[Coleman2010]

Yes, but it will operate with single-channel performance with mixed capacities. Whether that really matters depends on what you are doing. With general usage it isn't going to be noticeable, but if your software makes good use of memory bandwidth for prolonged periods I wouldn't do it.

Thank you

 

[David N]

As far as I know, you need a minimum of two DIMM's installed for the system to run. I would be happy to be corrected if this is not the case, however.

Secondly, I do not think the original 4gb modules are simultaneously compatible with anything larger than an 8gb module. The stock ones are not ECC registered, and you can not mix non-ECC memory with ECC memory.
....................................................

Someone is making a bit of confusion.
All the modules for the nMP are ECC according to Apple.
For the larger 16GB modules, Apple requests besides ECC, to be Registered.
You cannot mix unregistered with registered modules.
ECC will therefore not be the problem but unregistered (the 4 GB stock modules) with larger registered ones.
That will not work.
However if you add 8 GB modules, they will most probably be unregistered, as the 4GB modules delivered with the computer are.

Gotchya, thanks for the correction.

 

[CH12671]

Could pull one of the 4GB modules that ship with the nMP and add 2 8GB modules?

I did exactly this with mine....have 24 GB RAM. Ran Benchmarks before and after adding the ram, and benchmarks went UP appreciably after adding the extra RAM. So my configuration is now 4,4 + 8,8

Works great! Eventually it will be 4x8, of course...

 

[bxs]

OWC has 32 GB RAM Modules for the nMP

I want to upgrade to 32GB or 64GB, and eventually 128GB would be great. What are my choices? As follows ...

Can I install a single 32GB module now, or does it have to be 2x32GB? In either case can I keep the existing other two slots with the existing 2x4GB RAM sticks?

If I install any of the 32GB modules, will they perform appreciably slower? The 16GB are listed at 1866MHz, but the 32 are listed as 1333MHz, however it seems to indicate it'll actually run at 1066HMz on the "Special note".

It's great that OWC offers a credit in the form of a check for sending to them any Apple stock RAM modules when buying the OWC memory upgrades.

I bought their 64GB memory upgrade and replaced my Apple stock 16GB and received the $100 credit check for the Apple 16GB (4x 4GB modules).

Now that OWC offers 128GB upgrades (4x 32GB modules) my question is will OWC provide a credit for their 64GB (4x 16GB modules) ? I have asked OWC about this and they are looking into this as their website at this time makes no mention of this possible credit policy. FYI... They will be contacting me with an answer to this shortly.