Memory Configuration & Upgrade Recommendations - 2006 Mac Pro

Hello,
It's been a long time since I have been posting here. Nice to see that everyone is still here. I have a memory configuration and upgrade I am now looking at. I'm also interested in how to use Bootcamp and install 64-bit Windows 7 when I have the EFI32. It appears that many of you build a new Windows 7 install DVD?
Here is my current configuration:
A1: 2GB
A2: 2GB
B1: 1GB
B2: 1GB
A3: 512 MB
A4: 512 MB
B3: 512 MB
B4: 512 MB
I'm interested in comparing the 4GB vs. 2GB modules and what are the best options for maxing out this Mac Pro. I have forensic software that uses Oracle that I want to put on Windows 7 or a 64-bit Windows server. The system requirements say 16-32GB in a 64-bit environment for Oracle.
I also want to use CS4, Lightroom, Aperture, Capture One Pro, and FC HD on Snow Leopard.
I would appreciate input on configuration and memory quantities for what appears to now be an ancient Mac Pro and how to use a 64-bit OS on Bootcamp.
Thank you for your time and input!
Michael

2006: 4 memory chips is ideal. obviously that only takes you to 16GB max.
2008: 8 memory chips (don't read about 2008 then!)
I've seen people report their 4GB DIMMs run cooler, too, and heat is always an issue when it comes to FBDIMMs. They use a lot of power (watts) and one of the large sources of heat.
What you have now, 2s and 1s and 512s don't get you to 16GB or above, and as I posted you can get to 20GB replacing 4 x 512s.
I'd try with 4 x 4GB, which seems like you have to buy anyway, and see how heat and performance is. And only then consider adding back 2s and 1s to get to 20GB.
in the end, I'd sell the RAM you have if it makes a difference.

Similar Messages

Are there internal hard drives available fo a 2006 Mac Pro?

Looks like my original equipment 500 GB internal HD for my 2006 Mac Pro is dying. Are there any repacement HDs out there?

Over-due for upgrade it sounds like. Anything you want. SATA is SATA.
SSD $100
10K WD VelociRaptor $100 250GB (180MB/sec) or 1TB $200
WD Black 1TB $93
Generally, System drive / data and media drive / backup / spare sysstem drive
WD Black 1TB $93
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Caviar-Internal-Desktop/dp/B0036Q7MV0/
WD Green 3TB $149 - backup
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Caviar-Green-Desktop/dp/B004RORMF6/
WD VR 10K 250GB $103 200MB/sec boot drive :
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007V5A1BK/
Those last and last and make a nice boot drive.
SSD: Samsung 840 128GB
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Series-120GB-internal-MZ-7TD120BW/dp/B009NHAF06/
ATI Radeon 5770
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC742ZM/A
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-ATI-Radeon-5770-MC742ZM/dp/B003Z6QH6M
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/726537-REG/Apple_MC742ZM_A_ATI_Radeon_HD_5 770.html
And definitely upgrade and replace your RAM.
How To Install and Remove Memory Mac Prohttps://support.apple.com/kb/HT4433
2x2GB FBDIMM DDR2 667MHz @ $29http://www.amazon.com/BUFFERED-PC2-5300-FB-DIMM-APPLE-Memory/dp/B002ORUUAC/
Hardware Monitor
http://www.bresink.com/osx/HardwareMonitor.html

2006 mac pro 2.66 in need of an airport card!

Hi Does anyone know which airport card or cards, as well as bluetooth, will work in an 2006 mac pro? I have read that MA688Z/B is the proper card. I have tracked down a MA688Z/A: http://www.macproonline.com/Mac-Pro-Tower/Mac-Pro-Tower-Parts/Mac-Pro-Tower-667M hz/Apple-AirPort-Extreme-p5636018.html
Found this on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Airport-Extreme-Bcm94321mc-802-11n/dp/B004OHOTJS/ref =sr13?ie=UTF8&qid=1300723614&sr=8-3
Can anyone verify which airport card to use for a 2006 mac pro model?

Hi cmotta12,
You might find this thread (Purchasing/Installing Airport Extreme card for Mac Pro 1,1 (2006) of interest:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=12830939#12830939
One important thing to note is that the official Apple Airport Card Wireless Upgrade Kits come complete with the two micro screws which are needed to install the card.
These screws are not readily available, so ensure that they are included when you buy your Upgrade Kit.
Regards,
Bill

Questions about ati radeon 2600 on an 2006 mac pro

I know the debate has been going around for awhile about these cards, Apple claims that they are not supported but my card runs as long as you have leopard installed. So far the card has performed great, all my games and graphics programs run beautiful with it but I do have two problems. One is I can only have my display set at 1400 x 1050 any lower setting results in severe blurring on the screen. The other problem is that the text on my screen is some what pixelated and blurry.
I was wondering if there is a fix for this problem or is it just the price I have to pay for running it on a 2006 mac pro.

If it is a problem, and you can afford another upgrade, the Radeon 3870 might be your best choice.
http://www.barefeats.com/harper17.html
http://www.barefeats.com/harper18.html
http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_XLR8YourMac.cfm?ID=10876&Item=ATI100435928

What video cards are compatible with my early 2006 Mac Pro?

The video card currently in my early 2006 Mac Pro (2.6 GHz, dual-core) isn't fast enough for many of the recent games and I'd like to upgrade. I play games both on OSX Snow Leopard and Windows XP via Boot Camp. Is there a list of currently compatible cards available somewhere?
Thanks.
-N
Neil Marsh
Artistic Director * The Post-Meridian Radio Players *
<Email and Link Edited by Host>

No, not really.... but a couple of tips...
1) when you're pulling the old card out, remember there is a black plastic retainer clip at the inner (front of computer) end. I didn't notice that, and now it's broken.
2) Get the 5770 from Apple, not a big box store.... those don't come with the power cable you need and may not work.
3) Plug the power cable into the mother board (?) first. It's fiddly, especially if you have big hands.... then plug it into the card, then slot it into the computer.
There are demos on youtube, but they all seem to miss out the fiddly bits.....!

Optical Audio not working on 2006 Mac Pro 1,1 after 10.6.7 update

Hi all,
I have no digital audio output on my 2006 Mac Pro after I updated to 10.6.7. System Preferences recognizes the output but their is nothing coming out. The digital audio port goes from steady red at startup to dark, indicating that it is not receiving anything. I have switched to another digital audio cable with no effect whatsoever.
I reset the SMC with no effect. I have read online that other users are having this issue as well. I appreciate any input or insight into the issue.
Thanks!
Message was edited by: nomadmnemonic

Thanks for the reply a brody.
It has been 3 months and the issue still persists and has not gone away. I agree with pantufl that my Mac has become buggier since 10.6.7. The doc I read and reread didn't do anything except change the frequency rate. There is still no sound.
The update to 10.6.8 didn't resolve anything except prepping it for 10.7
This is extremely frustrating especially since I recently upgraded to a 55" Samsung LED LCD monitor and Onkyo HT S7300 system. I also recently upgraded to EyeTV HD and use my Mac as my HTPC.
I will try the feedback post to see what Apple has planned, if anything.

2006 Mac Pro Cold Boot Failure

Hi all,
I have problems with 2006 Mac Pro. It fails cold boot at 100%, first thing in the morning only. So I'm seeking expert advice.
The spec is,
Xeon 5355 2.66GHz x2 (Octo cores)
ATI Radeon 5770(Apple Genuine)
8GB Memory(4x1GB kingston, 4x1GB OWC)
500GBx2 1TBx2 HDDs
I disassembled and cleaned PSU and Fans, reapplying thermal pastes on CPUs and North Bridge a month ago.
Then I booted, system froze at desktop, so I shut it down, reset PRAM & SMC. it booted normally but the upper riser card wasn't detected at all. I cleaned the slot contact and reseated DIMM modules. It was detected after that.
Everything worked fine for a few days but then I got random kernel panics, reseated RAM, reinstalled Snow Leopard but still got random kernel panics. Then ran AHT for a couple of hours and got an error code 4MEM/6....
I contacted OWC and they sent me a new set of memory modules. While waiting for the replacement, no kernel panics at all but DVD drive died as well as IDE cable, so I replaced both.
I got the replacement RAM but past a week, MP fails cold boot every morning. Below is what's happening...
(1) With Kingston Memory, CPU B error LED is lit, I press SYS_RST, one of DIMM LED is then lit (always DIMM A1). Or sometimes, Power-LED is blinking.
(2) With OWC memory, boots normally, then kernel panic within a few minutes.
(3) With OWC memory, CPU B error LED is lit, I press SYS_RST, one of DIMM LED is then lit (always DIMM B1)
*(1) with new and old riser cards
*(3) after replaced 2 riser cards
Replacing riser cards didn't help. After these happen, I shut down by pressing power button for seconds and it boots normally without a hitch. Never get kernel panics nor system freeze. It means when it warms up, MP just works just like it should.
Replaced so far,
-- IDE cable (Apple Genuine)
-- DVD drive (Optiarc AD-7200A)
-- 4GB (1GBx4) OWC memory
-- RTC battery CR2032
-- 2 riser cards
Is the logic board dead or PSU or memory modules are still bad?
Any ideas?
Thanks

I have a Mac Pro dual 2.8 ghz quad core, circa 2008. Recently, I have been required to depress the power button to end a failed cold boot, then press again to boot, usually with success.
Every hard restart freeze, and can guarantee you end up with
corrupt caches, corrupt file system, corrupt directory.
Safe Boot is not effective in such cases, fsck from single user mode has a better chance.
Booting from another hard drive, install your bought copy of Alsoft Disk Warrior to rebuild the directory (it has deep scavenge files also).
The longer you continue to do just Safe Boot and continue using it, the more trouble and less likelihood of being able to repair the drive.
SMART is not smart enough, it tells you about the past, not what could likely happen, or if you have had bad sectors and I/O errors.
Have bootable backup clones and a drive that is a clean Apple OS and drivers that isn't used except for repairs and maintenance. Don't rely on just Apple Disk Repair.

GeForce 7300 GT Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro?? G5?

Hi,
Just found this on the apple store:
http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=1643C421&nplm=M A567
"NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro"
Why is it only for mac pro? its PCI express & my g5 is one of the late 2005 models and it has PCI Express so am i wrong in thinking that this should work fine or is it something to do with the new intel architecture?
If i remember correctly i could have chosen this card or a very similar one when i configured my G5.
Thanks

That card is only for the Mac Pro, as it says.
When you ordered your G5, you had the choice of the nVidia 6600 (or 6600LE), nVidia 7800GT, or the Quadro FX 4500.
The 7800GT that you could have ordered with your G5 is close in performance to the ATi X1900XT that is an option on the Mac Pro. The 7300GT that you're looking at is an entry level card, which the 7800GT definitely is not.
The 7300GT and the X1900XT are both Mac Pro only due to the ROM on the card, which is designed to work with the EFI booting hardware that the Mac Pro uses. The G5s used Open Firmware, which requires a different ROM on the video card. So, even though both your G5 and the Mac Pro are PCI-Express based, these video cards are not compatible.
Now, most PCI-Express cards that you look at for, say, external SATA, will probably work in both the G5 and the Mac Pro. You'd still want to check the specs to be sure, however.
If you're looking for a new video card to replace your (presumably) nVidia 6600, your only real option is the ATi X1900 G5 edition. This is a different card than the X1900XT that's offered for the Mac Pro.

What operating system can I upgrade my 2006 MacBook Pro 17" inch to if it has a 2.16Gh Intel dual core and 2G ram?

What operating system can I upgrade my 2006 MacBook Pro 17" inch to if it has a 2.16Gh Intel dual core and 2G ram?

A Core Solo or Core Duo Mac can go to Mac OS X 10.6.8. A Core 2 Duo or better can go to Mac OS X 10.7.2.
(63169)

I salvaged a late 2006 Mac Pro.It works great but I need to change the administrater password so I can make changes

I SALVAGE A LATE 2006 MAC PRO FROM A RECYCLING CENTER.IT WORKS GREAT AND I WANT TO SWITCH OVER TO IT.BUT IM LIMITED IN WHAT I CAN DO BECAUSE I CAN'T MAKE CHANGES WITHOUT A PASSWORD. THERES NO WAY OF FINDING THE ORINGNAL ADMINISTRATER.CAN ANYONE HELP WITHOUT IT COSTING ME ALOT OF MONEY. THANK YOU- - RECYCLME

The first thing you should do after acquiring a used computer is to erase the internal drive and install a clean copy of OS X. How you do that depends on the model. Look it up on this page to see what version was originally installed.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.4 or 10.5, you need a boxed and shrink-wrapped retail Snow Leopard installation disc, which you can get from the Apple Store or a reputable reseller — not from eBay or anything of the kind.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.6, you need the gray installation discs that came with it. If you don't have the discs, order replacements from Apple. A retail disc, or the gray discs from another model, will not work.
To boot from an optical disc, hold down the C key at the chime.
If the machine shipped with OS X 10.7 or later, it should boot into Internet Recovery mode when you hold down the key combination option-command-R at the startup chime.
Once booted from the disc or in Internet Recovery, launch Disk Utility and select the icon of the internal drive — not any of the volume icons nested beneath it. In the Partition tab, select the default options: a GUID partition table with one data volume in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. This operation will permanently remove all existing data on the drive, which is what you should do.
After partitioning, quit Disk Utility and run the OS X Installer. When the installation is done, the system will automatically reboot into the Setup Assistant, which will prompt you to transfer the data from another Mac, its backups, or from a Windows computer. If you have any data to transfer, this is usually the best time to do it.
You should then run Software Update and install all available system updates from Apple. If you want to upgrade to a major version of OS X newer than 10.6, buy it from the Mac App Store. Note that you can't keep an upgraded version that was installed by the previous owner. He or she can't legally transfer it to you, and without the Apple ID you won't be able to update it in Software Update or reinstall, if that becomes necessary. The same goes for any App Store products that the previous owner installed — you have to repurchase them.

X1900XT not working in late 2006 Mac Pro.

Hi, I'm new here, just created my Apple ID to post this problem on the forum for some info and advice
I have a late 2006 Mac Pro which I ordered from Apple.com with the ATI X1900XT. I had the standard 20", LCD Apple Cinema Display which doesn't work anymore.
Someone lent me a Phillips 190S LCD monitor to work meanwhile with my Mac Pro. So when I used that monitor I also upgraded from Tiger to Snow Leopard (can't remember how, if first Leopard and then Snow). It worked so so... some weird pixels flashing and sometimes the monitor image would freeze up, I'd shut down the Mac from the Power Button and start it again and keep on working like that. Until one day, image froze up, did the routine start-up but no image would show up on the monitor.
I've already sent my Mac with a certified Mac tecnician, he told me the ATI X1900XT doesn't work anymore (along with 2 DIMMS, I know one was "fried", the other came as a surprise to me because the Mac seems to boot OK, initial Mac "chime" sounds and riser cards don't "light" a problem) and I need to buy another video card. I asked him for more options on video cards but he tells me he'll only assure success from his part if I buy the same ATI X1900XT model through him with his provider ($350+$20 shipping, I live outside the States).
My questions are:
- What other choices for video cards do I have with a late 2006 Mac Pro nowadays? (Not counting the nVidia 7300 GT, the Quadro FX 4500 or "flashed" PC cards. I read an old post https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2012005?start=15&tstart=0 in this forum on a similar topic but seems people were using Leopard, not Snow or Lion).
- Is the use of a non-Mac monitor relevant to the detereoration of an ATI X1900XT card or any original Mac video card? I ask this because if I buy the same card again, I want to know if I can keep using the same Phillips monitor or buy a non-Mac monitor without worrying that it'll do something to the video card.
Thanks in advance for any advice and info

I have the same mac pro 1.1 as you do. I bought it with the ATI X1900XT video card and it lasted only like 2 years , then the screen became garbled, pixel flashing,,,
I replaced it with ATIRadeon HD 3870, it has been working fine since then but that card is a little noisier than the X1900.
I think you can also use some cards like this one from macsales. You should just check that page and see what you find.
Apple MC742ZM/A ATI Radeon HD 5770 Graphics Upgrade... in stock at OWC

ATI Radeon 5770 in 2006 Mac Pro with Lion

Hit an issue with my 2006 Mac Pro when the video card died in late October. At that point I was running Lion and had kept on top of software updates. Being on a restricted budget, I have purchased and installed an ATI Radeon 5770 card from the Apple store as I cannot afford a new Mac Pro. I knew that before I did this there may be incompatability problems with this card and Lion on the older Mac Pros, and this seems to be the case.
However, having trawled through the forums it seems some users are able to run this card on 1.1 machines with Lion. So I am now wondering if I have another issue - I'd much rather stick with Lion if I can rather than revert to Snow Leopard. Now I have installed the card things seem fine with the display - the 30" cinema display no longer has blocks of pixels all over it. On boot up the screen is a pale grey, the Apple logo appears in the centre with the busy timer underneath. I also get a loading bar for about 20 seconds. This gets to about 20% then disappears. Everything sounds like the machine is booting normally but it just won't progress beyond this point. I have tried holding shift to boot it in safe mode but the same things happens.
If anyone can help point me in the right direction of what I should try next I'd be profoundly grateful!
Vinny

I knew that before I did this there may be incompatibility problems with this card and Lion on the older Mac Pros,
Although some users have complained of problems, their wounds may be self-inflicted. Use of a non-Apple ATI 5770 or failure to upgrade to at least 10.6.5 are high on the list. The main "issue", if you can even call it that, is the card runs more slowly than its published benchmarks due to PCIe 1 slots in the Mac Pro 1,2 and 2,1.
I also get a loading bar for about 20 seconds. This gets to about 20% then disappears.
That progress bar is indicative of unresolved Hard Drive problems. You need to boot to an alternate source of software (Hold Command-R at startup for Recovery_HD if you are running later than 10.6.8) and check the SMART Status and then select Macintosh_HD or whatever you renamed it and ( Repair Disk ). Repeat until all problems are resolved or it gets stuck. If you need help, copy the EXACT error message back here.

Upgrade for the Mac Pro imminent?

I want to buy an 8 core 3Ghz Mac Pro, to replace my trusty (but creaky) G4. I was about to order one, but then I came across loads of rumours flying about the web that Apple is about to release some upgrades to the Mac Pro line, apparently "any day now". Does anyone have any firm info? Am I better off waiting a while before I buy, just in case? And how long is "a while" likely to be, anyway?

So Hatter, if I may ask, what would be your advice? I need to get a new computer pronto: my G4 is getting a little long in the tooth, and I fear it's not long for this world. The Mac Pro's look very attractive, even at their current configuration, and I can afford the top model. Although everyone agrees an update to the range is inevitable, no-one agrees on when it is likely to be. I don't think I can wait a year, not even six months, on the other hand, I'd be foolish to buy one this week if an update comes out next week. Seeing as the top model Mac Pro only came out in April, maybe this will actually be the last to be updated, meaning if I get one now I wouldn't be losing out? If, as you suggest, the big rollout won't be for another year, I might as well get one now...

2006 mac pro quad core maximum storage

I have a 2006 Mac Pro with two 3.0 ghz Quad-Core Intel Xeon processors. I have four storage bays. What is the maximum capacity of storage that can be accommodated? (I currently have 4 TB, 1 TB each bay and it's insufficient). Also, I have heard that I can configure the replace internal HD's in an external HD framework that can be used as an external HD. Where do I go to find this external HD device that accommodates the replaced internal HDs?

You could put 8TB (3TB drives also but they cost more)
Can also use the Optical Drive ports (2) and put a drive or two in lower optical bay or to external box.
Amazon WD Black 2TB $139
http://www.macperformanceguide.com is a great resource

I have been using a Lightroom 5 including recent upgrades on my Mac Pro laptop for the past 1 year. This was purchased as an upgrade from Lightroom 4 for which I have a serial number. Today I purchased a new Macbook pro and loaded my Lightroom 5 however i

I have been using a Lightroom 5 including recent upgrades on my Mac Pro laptop for the past 1 year. This was purchased as an upgrade from Lightroom 4 for which I have a serial number. Today I purchased a new Macbook pro and loaded my Lightroom 5 however it is asking for my serial number which I have misplaced. I am unable to trace my serial number anywhere. I have even checked my adobe membership to locate my serial number but it does not seem to have any record which is strange as I have been using this software for over a year now and the previous versions since 2009. Could someone help me in my predicament.

Contavct Adobe support thru chat:
Serial number and activation chat support (non-CC)
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/service1.html ( http://adobe.ly/1aYjbSC )

Memory Configuration & Upgrade Recommendations - 2006 Mac Pro

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