Hi Nick - by similar I mean a more recent Mac Pro - I guess it would be useful to know if there was a date point of manufacture that allows installation of DDR3, and if there is a way of seeing if my machine fits within those specs? - whats the difference between the two memories fitting wise?
In post #4 you mentioned using another computer (a newer Mac Pro)...and you seem to be attributing much of it's improved performance (versus your older Mac Pro)...to DDR3 ram.
I hate to say this...but the performance increase of that newer Mac Pro is due to a HECK of a lot more than just DDR3 ram! I don't know which "newer" Mac Pro model you were using but...it probably has:
- faster cpu's
- more cpu's (more cores)
- a redesigned, faster, and more efficient logic board architecture
- a faster graphics card
- and it probably has faster ram
...so the reasons that this other Mac Pro is faster...is WAYYYY MORE than just DDR3 ram!
Also consider this...you have a 2006 1st generation Mac Pro (Model 1,1)...DDR3 ram didn't show up in a Mac Pro until model 4,1 (4th generation)...so there's no way DDR3 ram is going to fit in your Mac Pro.
RAM evolution in the Mac Pro lineup:
- 1st gen. Mac Pro 1,1: PC5300 DDR2
- 2nd Gen. Mac Pro 2,1: PC5300 DDR2
- 3ed Gen. Mac Pro 3,1: PC6400 DDR2
- 4th Gen. Mac Pro 4,1: PC3-8500 DDR3
- 5th Gen. (2010 Nehalem) Mac Pro 5,1: PC3-8500 DDR3
- 5th Gen. (2010 Westmere) Mac Pro 5,1: PC3-10600 DDR3
Basically if you want the performance of that newer Mac Pro you were using...then you're going to have to "scrape" together the cash & buy one!
You cannot install DDR3 ram into a 2006 1st Gen. Mac Pro...and even if you could...it wouldn't have the performance of that newer Mac Pro you were using.
- Nick
p.s. There are some ways to speed up your Mac Pro...but "at the end of the day"...if you took the value of your Mac Pro + the cost of those upgrades + some additional cash = you could puchase a newer & faster Mac Pro model.