KVR667D2D4F5/4G Memory in a Mac Pro: Can You Use Server RAM?
Apple stores and other computer shops sell special memory for Macs. It usually costs noticeably more, and many people are willing to pay extra for guaranteed compatibility.
The first big Mac Pros (2006–2007) use DDR2-667 FB-DIMM memory with error correction (ECC). This memory is expensive in itself: FB-DIMM (Fully Buffered DIMM) is a standard that improves the reliability, speed and capacity of the memory subsystem.
The same FB-DIMM memory is used in servers.
Can you put server memory in a Mac Pro?
Which raises the question: can you upgrade a Mac Pro with memory from the “server hardware” section?
The answer is yes. You need to make sure the memory matches the standard and specs, and then check its compatibility with the motherboard in practice:
- type: DDR2 FB-DIMM (not regular DDR2 and not DDR3);
- speed: 667 MHz for the 2006–2007 Mac Pro. The early 2008 Mac Pro already requires 800 MHz memory, and models from 2009 on use DDR3;
- ECC: error correction is a must;
- modules are installed in pairs of the same size.
Example: Kingston KVR667D2D4F5/4G
A 4 GB DDR2 667 MHz Kingston ECC FB-DIMM memory module (KVR667D2D4F5/4G):
Two 4 GB Kingston KVR667D2D4F5/4G modules for the Mac Pro:
Tested in practice: Kingston KVR667D2D4F5/4G memory works fine in the Mac Pro!
