[cdnGhost]

Hey all just wondering... I have a 2009 Mac Pro and I have flashed the EFI to the 5,1 so I can upgrade to 6 core processors and to 1333mhz memory....

Now question do i have to use ECC memory?
or
Can I use any kits of lets say 6 x 8GB 1333mhz ram and be fine as long as they are all matching kits?

So lets say I get my hands on 6 x HyperX Fury White 8GB DDR3-1333MHz CL9 DIMM not that I am looking at those sepcifically but just an option.... would they work or can I only use the server ram.....

second IF I can use normal memory what would the pros and cons to using either but not mixing them obviously.....

Thanks.

 

[Xylene]

Yes, you can use Non ECC.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECC_memory#Advantages_and_disadvantages

 

[Lord Xeb]

Just bare in mind, if you go with non-ecc memory, you have to only use non-ecc memory. The system will run just fine. You just don't have any error correction built into the system is all.

 

[cdnGhost]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Xeb

Just bare in mind, if you go with non-ecc memory, you have to only use non-ecc memory. The system will run just fine. You just don't have any error correction built into the system is all.

So what exactly is the error correction do? I primarily use the system to handbrake movies, game and some photo editing..... Thanks

 

[Lord Xeb]

Quote:

Error-correcting code memory (ECC memory) is a type of computer data storage that can detect and correct the most common kinds of internal data corruption. ECC memory is used in most computers where data corruption cannot be tolerated under any circumstances, such as for scientific or financial computing. ~ Wikipedia

RAM is known being volatile and can cause errors within itself during heavy processing and usage. ECC does a checksum on all data as it comes and goes out of RAM to ensure maximum reliability and minimize possible data loss. This kind of thing is mainly need in enterprise class environments such as servers where heavy calculations occur and data integrity is paramount. For a normal user doing photo editing and conversions ECC not really needed. Plus, saves you a ton on cost as ECC memory can be as much as 2-3 times more expensive than normal ram.

 

[cdnGhost]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Xeb

RAM is known being volatile and can cause errors within itself during heavy processing and usage. ECC does a checksum on all data as it comes and goes out of RAM to ensure maximum reliability and minimize possible data loss. This kind of thing is mainly need in enterprise class environments such as servers where heavy calculations occur and data integrity is paramount. For a normal user doing photo editing and conversions ECC not really needed. Plus, saves you a ton on cost as ECC memory can be as much as 2-3 times more expensive than normal ram.

Thanks, will forgo the ECC....... One last question should I shoot for dual X5690s or go with the 4 core equivalent

 

[Lord Xeb]

If you can go with the 6 core chips, do it. When doing video encoding having the extra 4 cores (8 threads) will dramatically speed up the time it takes.

 

[cdnGhost]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Xeb

If you can go with the 6 core chips, do it. When doing video encoding having the extra 4 cores (8 threads) will dramatically speed up the time it takes.

Awesome and from the X5660s to x5690s is the upgrade that much better or would the 5660s work well enough? As pricing on the 90s is still a bit steep... But if you think it's worth the cost I may save up for them....

 

[Lord Xeb]

I think it is worth going with the 5690s. Some really solid chips there and you will see a pretty big difference. Also, they are clocked higher than the 5660s.

 

[Lord Xeb]

BTw, make sure the chips are matched pairs.

 

[KyleMart06]

I echo all Xylene and Xeb said. They are right on.

 

[Lord Xeb]

Thanks Kyle. Also, sorry about the double post. Was doing it from my phone. XD

 

[KyleMart06]

Eh, it happens. No worries at all.

(you multi-tasker you... lol)

 

[GermanyChris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdnGhost

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Xeb

If you can go with the 6 core chips, do it. When doing video encoding having the extra 4 cores (8 threads) will dramatically speed up the time it takes.

Awesome and from the X5660s to x5690s is the upgrade that much better or would the 5660s work well enough? As pricing on the 90s is still a bit steep... But if you think it's worth the cost I may save up for them....

I've gone from 5650's to 5675's using handbrake and a bluray rip only got about a 20FPS increase.

take look through this thread http://www.overclock.net/t/1489955/official-x58-xeon-club/3940_20

 

[cdnGhost]

So @ LordXeb... why matched pairs? using 2 purchased separately won't work?

 

[KyleMart06]

They need to be matched because of the nature of the MacPro. It is not very forgiving with incompatible and mismatched modules. each memory upgrade should be a set to make sure it runs smoothly. windows servers are the same way and you have to think of it in that light.

 

[cdnGhost]

Thanks! now to find some new CPUs ram and Video card and some more storage...

 

[Lord Xeb]

That I am now t sure. I just know you have to use matched CPUs .

 

[wrigleyvillain]

Yeah ECC is for critical data…like bank systems and various servers. And be glad that wasn't one of the slightly earlier FB-DIMM Mac Pros! Ugh.

 

[GermanyChris]

The need to be matched stepping not necessarily a matched pair, some of the later higher clocked processors had only one stepping.