For the last month or so , my shop has been experimenting with a very inexpensive memory kit that maxes out the official amount of memory for the MP7,1 .
The kit is twelve 128GB 2933 MHz DDR4 ECC Hynix memory modules model HMABAGL7C4R4N-WR T4 purchased for around $660 , per module . The total kit cost was around $8,000 . These are 8 rank modules using a modern , and unfamiliar to the Mac workstation community , density technology called 3DS ; specifically , 8 Gb 3DS . It is important to know if this type of memory is compatible with the new Mac Pro since very large capacity memory modules ( 256GB , 512GB , 1TB , etc ) going forward will embrace 3DS technology .
I decided to take a risk on these modules because they were specifically validated for use with second generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors ( code speak for Cascade Lake Xeons , which our MP7,1 use ) ; complete list available here :
The good news is the memory profiles just fine in macOS Catalina . It's really impressive to see the System Report windows . But simply getting memory to profile is not the same thing as actually having the full amount available reliably . As a System Builder , I always check memory before releasing a newly built or serviced System to client .
The actual results have been mixed and testing this large a configuration has been both challenging and time consuming .
First , there was no current method of verifying the integrity of the 128GB memory modules . The current computer industry wide program , Memtest , choked the first time I ran it on the full 1.5TB , shutting down the Mac and subsequent attempted passes of the entire suite of 14 individual tests never managed to complete even after a hundred hours .
With the assistance of the software publishing house , Passmark , a modified version of Memtest was especially made for large configurations in the new Mac Pro . The individual tests in particular that were shutting down the Mac were Test number 12 ( Random number sequence, 128-bit ) and 13 ( the grueling Hammer Test ) . Altering the Hammer Test step size to a manageable amount and then altering a blacklist configuration file so our MP7,1's logic board is supported ( Test 12 ) permitted the entire suite of tests to pass with a 768 GB ( 6 x 128 GB ) configuration . When one of my stations is free , I'll run the modified Memtest on the entire 1.5TB configuration . It will take quite a long time . Memtest was run in its own USB bootable environment and not within macOS or Mac OS X , as many Mac users are familiar with with the cMPs .
Secondly , I was unable to boot into Windows 10 Pro Workstation with the entire 1.5TB configuration . The 768GB ( 6 x 128 GB ) configuration booted up nicely in both Windows and macOS Catalina and was stable with both . Currently , our Mac Pro 7,1s can only run macOS Catalina and Windows 10 , officially .
Thirdly , the rated 21-21-21 "Y" timings of the modules were not realized , but downscaled to 24-21-21 actual . CAS latency thus was increased , but not by a horrible amount .
Fourthly , I am at a loss of how to actually test this large an amount of memory within a macOS environment . In Windows , the MP7,1 was able to run GIMPS , a Prime Number discovering program and utilized the entire 768GB of available memory . In macOS , either with the 768GB or 1.5TB kits , I just can't seem to utilize very much memory at all . User @tsialex recommended I set up a ramdisk , which is an excellent suggestion . When I have time , this will be attempted . It will be stressful on the modules , but not dangerous . The nice thing about main system memory modules is they are hard to burn out , unlike solid state secondary storage ( SSDs ) . So a good ol' fashioned ramdisk will be just the ticket to test the MP7,1 with memory capacities large enough to truly be useful . I imagine it will prove to be a wicked fast working drive ( where the project is written to in real time ) for video editing .
Fifthly , relative inexpensiveness of this 1.5TB ( 12 x 128GB ) kit compared to contemporary alternatives :
From Apple , $25,000 .
From OWC , $19,000 .
From TransIntl , $18,000 .
From Black Diamond ( Generic and unproven ) , $13,000 .
Snow Tiger's kit = $8,000 .
This initial posting will be updated occasionally with both the 768GB and 1.5TB configurations as various individual tests are completed .
W-3275M ( 28 Core @ 2.5 GHz ) with 768GB ( 6 x 128GB ) tests :
Runs macOS Catalina 10.15.x ? = Yes .
Runs Windows 10 Pro Workstation ? = Yes .
Memory bandwidth ( Memtest86 ) = 13.467 GB/s .
Memory Latency ( Memtest86 ) = 32.067 ns .
Memory Timings ( Memtest86 ) = 24-21-21-47 .
500 GB Ram disk performance ( AJA ) = Reads 4.040 GB/s ; Writes 3.851 GB/s
Modified Memtest86 v 8.3 Pro test , all individual tests = passed ( one pass ) .
Geekbench 3 64 bit Single Core = 4393 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/geekbench3/8855622
Geekbench 3 64 bit Multi Core = 89282 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/geekbench3/8855622
Geekbench 4 64 bit Single Core = 5241 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/15362826
Geekbench 4 64 bit Multi Core = 77248 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/15362826
Geekbench 5 64 bit Single Core = 1160 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/1651788
Geekbench 5 64 bit Multi Core = 19656 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/1651788
W-3275M ( 28 Core @ 2.5 GHz ) with 1.5TB ( 12 x 128GB ) tests .
Runs macOS Catalina 10.15.x ? = Yes .
Runs Windows 10 Pro Workstation ? = No , boots into Recovery Mode .
Memory bandwidth ( Memtest86 ) = 12.671 GB/s .
Memory Latency ( Memtest86 ) = 33.795 ns .
Memory Timings ( Memtest86 ) = 24-21-21-47 .
500 GB Ram disk performance ( AJA ) = Reads 3.872 GB/s ; Writes 3.595 GB/s
1.0 TB Ram disk performance ( AJA ) = Reads 4.070 GB/s ; Writes 3.878 GB/s
Modified Memtest86 v 8.3 Pro test , all individual tests = passed ( one pass ) . Required running Test 13 separately .
Geekbench 3 64 bit Single Core = 4439 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/geekbench3/8855915
Geekbench 3 64 bit Multi Core = 89001 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/geekbench3/8855915
Geekbench 4 64 bit Single Core = 5172 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/15365851
Geekbench 4 64 bit Multi Core = 76747 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/15365851
Geekbench 5 64 bit Single Core = 1160 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/1663479
Geekbench 5 64 bit Multi Core = 19528 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/1663479
Some Eye Candy :
Conclusions :
These memory modules are fully compatible with the Mac Pro 7,1 with macOS Catalina , up to the max tested 1.5TB configuration . There is a slight increase in rated latency installed in this System .
Windows 10 in a MP7,1 can only utilize up to six of these modules in a 768 GB ( 6 x 128 GB ) configuration . A 1.5 TB ( 12 x 128 GB ) configuration will only boot into Safe Mode with Windows 10 .
There was extreme difficulty in running Memtest86 due to the large capacities involved and a modified version of the test was required to complete tests within a reasonable timeframe ( two days , single pass . Tests 0 to 12 were run together . Test 13 had to be run separately ) .
The kit is twelve 128GB 2933 MHz DDR4 ECC Hynix memory modules model HMABAGL7C4R4N-WR T4 purchased for around $660 , per module . The total kit cost was around $8,000 . These are 8 rank modules using a modern , and unfamiliar to the Mac workstation community , density technology called 3DS ; specifically , 8 Gb 3DS . It is important to know if this type of memory is compatible with the new Mac Pro since very large capacity memory modules ( 256GB , 512GB , 1TB , etc ) going forward will embrace 3DS technology .
I decided to take a risk on these modules because they were specifically validated for use with second generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors ( code speak for Cascade Lake Xeons , which our MP7,1 use ) ; complete list available here :
The good news is the memory profiles just fine in macOS Catalina . It's really impressive to see the System Report windows . But simply getting memory to profile is not the same thing as actually having the full amount available reliably . As a System Builder , I always check memory before releasing a newly built or serviced System to client .
The actual results have been mixed and testing this large a configuration has been both challenging and time consuming .
First , there was no current method of verifying the integrity of the 128GB memory modules . The current computer industry wide program , Memtest , choked the first time I ran it on the full 1.5TB , shutting down the Mac and subsequent attempted passes of the entire suite of 14 individual tests never managed to complete even after a hundred hours .
With the assistance of the software publishing house , Passmark , a modified version of Memtest was especially made for large configurations in the new Mac Pro . The individual tests in particular that were shutting down the Mac were Test number 12 ( Random number sequence, 128-bit ) and 13 ( the grueling Hammer Test ) . Altering the Hammer Test step size to a manageable amount and then altering a blacklist configuration file so our MP7,1's logic board is supported ( Test 12 ) permitted the entire suite of tests to pass with a 768 GB ( 6 x 128 GB ) configuration . When one of my stations is free , I'll run the modified Memtest on the entire 1.5TB configuration . It will take quite a long time . Memtest was run in its own USB bootable environment and not within macOS or Mac OS X , as many Mac users are familiar with with the cMPs .
Secondly , I was unable to boot into Windows 10 Pro Workstation with the entire 1.5TB configuration . The 768GB ( 6 x 128 GB ) configuration booted up nicely in both Windows and macOS Catalina and was stable with both . Currently , our Mac Pro 7,1s can only run macOS Catalina and Windows 10 , officially .
Thirdly , the rated 21-21-21 "Y" timings of the modules were not realized , but downscaled to 24-21-21 actual . CAS latency thus was increased , but not by a horrible amount .
Fourthly , I am at a loss of how to actually test this large an amount of memory within a macOS environment . In Windows , the MP7,1 was able to run GIMPS , a Prime Number discovering program and utilized the entire 768GB of available memory . In macOS , either with the 768GB or 1.5TB kits , I just can't seem to utilize very much memory at all . User @tsialex recommended I set up a ramdisk , which is an excellent suggestion . When I have time , this will be attempted . It will be stressful on the modules , but not dangerous . The nice thing about main system memory modules is they are hard to burn out , unlike solid state secondary storage ( SSDs ) . So a good ol' fashioned ramdisk will be just the ticket to test the MP7,1 with memory capacities large enough to truly be useful . I imagine it will prove to be a wicked fast working drive ( where the project is written to in real time ) for video editing .
Fifthly , relative inexpensiveness of this 1.5TB ( 12 x 128GB ) kit compared to contemporary alternatives :
From Apple , $25,000 .
From OWC , $19,000 .
From TransIntl , $18,000 .
From Black Diamond ( Generic and unproven ) , $13,000 .
Snow Tiger's kit = $8,000 .
This initial posting will be updated occasionally with both the 768GB and 1.5TB configurations as various individual tests are completed .
W-3275M ( 28 Core @ 2.5 GHz ) with 768GB ( 6 x 128GB ) tests :
Runs macOS Catalina 10.15.x ? = Yes .
Runs Windows 10 Pro Workstation ? = Yes .
Memory bandwidth ( Memtest86 ) = 13.467 GB/s .
Memory Latency ( Memtest86 ) = 32.067 ns .
Memory Timings ( Memtest86 ) = 24-21-21-47 .
500 GB Ram disk performance ( AJA ) = Reads 4.040 GB/s ; Writes 3.851 GB/s
Modified Memtest86 v 8.3 Pro test , all individual tests = passed ( one pass ) .
Geekbench 3 64 bit Single Core = 4393 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/geekbench3/8855622
Geekbench 3 64 bit Multi Core = 89282 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/geekbench3/8855622
Geekbench 4 64 bit Single Core = 5241 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/15362826
Geekbench 4 64 bit Multi Core = 77248 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/15362826
Geekbench 5 64 bit Single Core = 1160 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/1651788
Geekbench 5 64 bit Multi Core = 19656 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/1651788
W-3275M ( 28 Core @ 2.5 GHz ) with 1.5TB ( 12 x 128GB ) tests .
Runs macOS Catalina 10.15.x ? = Yes .
Runs Windows 10 Pro Workstation ? = No , boots into Recovery Mode .
Memory bandwidth ( Memtest86 ) = 12.671 GB/s .
Memory Latency ( Memtest86 ) = 33.795 ns .
Memory Timings ( Memtest86 ) = 24-21-21-47 .
500 GB Ram disk performance ( AJA ) = Reads 3.872 GB/s ; Writes 3.595 GB/s
1.0 TB Ram disk performance ( AJA ) = Reads 4.070 GB/s ; Writes 3.878 GB/s
Modified Memtest86 v 8.3 Pro test , all individual tests = passed ( one pass ) . Required running Test 13 separately .
Geekbench 3 64 bit Single Core = 4439 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/geekbench3/8855915
Geekbench 3 64 bit Multi Core = 89001 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/geekbench3/8855915
Geekbench 4 64 bit Single Core = 5172 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/15365851
Geekbench 4 64 bit Multi Core = 76747 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/15365851
Geekbench 5 64 bit Single Core = 1160 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/1663479
Geekbench 5 64 bit Multi Core = 19528 . Report : https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/1663479
Some Eye Candy :
Conclusions :
These memory modules are fully compatible with the Mac Pro 7,1 with macOS Catalina , up to the max tested 1.5TB configuration . There is a slight increase in rated latency installed in this System .
Windows 10 in a MP7,1 can only utilize up to six of these modules in a 768 GB ( 6 x 128 GB ) configuration . A 1.5 TB ( 12 x 128 GB ) configuration will only boot into Safe Mode with Windows 10 .
There was extreme difficulty in running Memtest86 due to the large capacities involved and a modified version of the test was required to complete tests within a reasonable timeframe ( two days , single pass . Tests 0 to 12 were run together . Test 13 had to be run separately ) .
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