Question about adding memory to a Mac Pro (1 Viewer)

Expecting my Mac Pro any day now.

It comes with 2 GB (4x512) memory. Cost is $499 through
CRUCIAL.COM

I want to buy 2 more gigs of ram to bring it to 4 GB total.

Can I opt to add 1GBx2 sticks instead of 512x4 sticks?

In other words, can I mix the way I add sticks of memory?

Thanks in advance!

If you only have 4 slots, you'll have to replace all 4 pieces of 512MB RAM and pop in 4 pieces of 1GB RAM to get to 4GB of RAM.

Patrick,

There are 8 slots total.

4 are taken up already
[Memory 065-6358 2GB 667 DDR2 FB DIMM ECC-4x512]

The memory that Crucial recommends for the Mac Pro is:

1GB kit (512MBx2) or 2GB kit (1GBx2) [DDR2 PC2-5300]

Since I want to add 2GB can I add just the (1GBx2) or do I
have to order 4 since that is the way the first two gigs were
configured?

I would order just 2 more 1GB pieces of RAM, then.

The Mac has "quad channel" or "256-bit wide" memory. (Memory sticks have been 64-bit for some time.) In theory, and with synthetic benchmarks, it will be faster with 4 sticks instead of 2, but in real-world usage, you may not notice. You might as go with what's cheaper, which is the 2x1GB, which will save you $120. Plus, in the future, you can add 2 more. Some general tips on upgrading and another page with even more links.

Apple - Mac Pro Memory (FB-DIMM) Replacement Instructions (.PDF) contains some information on the specifications that RAM must meet, the grouping of modules ("pairs of equal size from the same vendor"), and the installation of memory into the computer.

Hey Ron, I know that money isn't your biggest concern with computers, but you can buy that EXACT same RAM from Newegg.com and save $150. If you aren't familiar with Newegg, they are probably the most respected computer supply shop on the internet. I have a slight preference for Corsair RAM personally, but Crucial is good too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146585

Ron,

Congrats! I think Parker and Bill Hunt need a Mac more than you! lol.
A. Just install them in symmetric pairs. eg. 2,1,1,2.
I have observed all your PC problems since 1999, and Parker's and Bill's. "Get a Mac!" Ironically, after using Macs since switching in 1992, and about 20 Macs later, I had problems with 4 this year. All hard drive related. Simply replace hard drive. Overuse without regular maintenance I would say.

Run Permissions fix regularly, Disk Utility, and backup. With Leopard and its TIME MACHINE feature coming soon, you should be fine. OSX has more than adequate software. You will enjoy your Mac more than your PC, guaranteed. Trust me, and the many others who will more than be happy to help. ps. ESPECIALLY when you finally created a MAC forum - overdue! Smilol.