Second thoughts about getting RAM

[Xairbusdriver]

<MFI> has been requesting info from users who upgraded RAM for the Mac Pro with other than Apple RAM modules.

QUOTE

So far we've received dozens of reports, with all readers indicating no noticeable noise difference between Apple FB-DIMMs and those supplied by a host of manufacturers who offer their memory at lower cost -- even those without the similar massive heatsinks.

Some have complained about the hard drive being the noisiest part of the machine, especially if extra drives are added.

[Parker]

so does apple want to make their machines now so people can only put apple ram in it?

there's something wrong with this picture :\

[Xairbusdriver]

QUOTE

does apple want to make their machines now so people can only put apple ram in it?

Have never heard anyone, including Apple even suggest that. What they have said, for many years, is that the OS is extremely sensitive to the correct RAM; make sure you get RAM that will work with your OS but don't be surprised if it fails with the next upgrade. What they said about the Mac Pro is that the Apple supplied RAM has extra large heat sinks; make sure the RAM you buy has the same kind/size. Otherwise, you may have extra noisy fans trying to keep the 'foreign' RAM cool. What MFI is hearing from several dozen people, is that even RAM with smaller heat sinks stays cool enough, in their usage and there is no extra cooling requiring more air movement ( faster fan speeds ).

Apple would always have you buy "their" RAM, but I never have. And since I won't be buying a Mac Pro for a few years, I'm not worrying about this new RAM, just yet. Others may be, thus the post/info. OK?

[Bruce_F]

If OWC carries the RAM for your computer, you can depend on it. After all the RAM I've purchased from them, not one module has been bad.

The same cannot be said for Apple RAM.

[gmann]

I have a soft spot for Samsung ram and have never been dissapointed.  I would think that ram from any quality manufacturer that states that it is for that particular computer would be satisfactory.  you might keep in mind that Apple like any assembler, does not manufacture their own components.

[Xairbusdriver]

The key point here is not really who makes the RAM ( all should know that Apple has never made its own RAM ). The point that Apple has made is that the RAM ( any RAM ) should have the large heat sinks to keep it cool. Other makers/suppliers can also provide the RAM in this configuration and usually at lower cost than Apple. But now there are reports that even RAM with smaller heat sinks can operate successfully ( not requiring higher fans speeds ) in the Mac Pro.

What is not known is how much 'work' or 'load' is being placed on these RAM modules. It may very well be that they are simply not needing the extra cooling capacity of the larger heat sinks, yet. They may well work fine in the daily usage that these people are making of them.

If I were using this new machine, I would want the same large heat sinks that Apple recommends and that some chip makers supply for any RAM bought for it. To me buying less capable chips would be like buying a BMW with a tiny radiator. The car would still be usable, but one might not want to drive it in heavy traffic on a hot day.