what video card/how much RAM would you get?

[Michael Bloodgood]

Has anyone actually used non-ECC RAM in this systems. If my memory is correct, the Xeon 5300 series chipset only works with FB-ECC. This style of ECC does not diminish performance like the ECC of before. Now that I think of it, I don’t think that there is non-ECC fully buffered RAM.

[Eric Hansen]

my mistake, you’re right. the architecture of the new Xeon is different than what Apple was using previously. Non-ECC isnt an option anymore. sorry for the outdated advice.

but i still suggest using 3rd party RAM. as an example, the Apple Store charges $2099 for 8GB (4x2GB) while OWC is $996. https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Mac-Pro-Memory

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[Don Greening]

[Eric Hansen] “they consider them user-upgradeable parts so it doesnt affect the service.”

My point wasn’t whether or not Apple would honour their warranty because I added third party RAM or hard drives after puchase. I chose to have Apple install 8 gigs of RAM and 4 750 gig drives before purchase because if the extra RAM or the hard drives go south I don’t have to call the RAM or hard drive makers to get things fixed. I just have to call Apple.

– Don

“Please take a moment to fill out your profile, including your computer system and relevant software. Help us help you.”

[Mark Maness]

As a piece of personal advice….

When purchasing 3rd party memory, look very seriously at Kensington. I had lots of problems with other manufacturers. I purchased my system thru ProMax when the Mac Pro first came out and memory was a real problem. We ended up swapping memory twice before we hit on the fact that Kensington was work directly with Apple on their memory.

The important thing here is to work with a reputable company that will swap with you if there are issues.

_______________________________

Wayne Carey
Schazam Productions
http://www.schazamproductions.com

[Julie Hill]

Hi Msacci,

thanks so much! This info is really helpful. I’ve found the RAM, but am not sure if these are the hard drives you were describing:

https://www.mwave.com/mwave/Skusearch.hmx?scriteria=AA60430

(I didn’t see the 750gb models) I’d hate to buy the wrong ones!! 🙂

[Chris Lund]

I’ve been searching various forums for advice on how much RAM to buy for Final Cut Pro Studio 2, with little success. In case you are still looking for input, I’m using a MacPro Quad Core with 5GB RAM bought from Crucial after many recommendations. I chose the Radeon X1900 card because I just wanted the best speed and monitor options, even though I don’t have Apple’s Cinema Displays. I also did quite some research and bought 3 WD 500GB HD (model WD5000AAKS) from NewEgg for only $140/ea, and have been extremely pleased. Now that RAM prices have dropped so low, I’m trying to decide whether to fill the remaining slots with 1GB or 2GB modules – for once I can afford the 2x2GB but don’t want to buy more than I’ll really use….

Chris Lund, Media Director, Wenatchee Free Methodist Church