RAM requirements for a PM G5: How specific?

[EvieSigma]

I got my first PM G5 today and it has no RAM. I like to max out my machines so it's going to get a full 8GB. 

I found this set of RAM on eBay, and it's PC3200 DDR 400MHz RAM, but it came from a server and it's labeled as ECC and CL3, neither of which I'm familiar with.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/232123287849?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Would either of those labels prevent it from working in a G5? And if so, how do I easily recognize RAM that will work?

 

[TheWhiteFalcon]

Heh, which G5 is it? 

The only G5's that support ECC are the final Late 2005 models, but they used DDR2. 

 

[EvieSigma]

Heh, which G5 is it? 

The only G5's that support ECC are the final Late 2005 models, but they used DDR2. 

2.3 Dual Processor. I guess that means it won't use that memory then, but thanks for letting me know, I'd have wasted money on useless RAM!

 

[Unknown_K]

Early G5's (4 and 8 RAM slots) only support normal desktop DDR1 1GB DIMMS (4 or 8GB MAX depending on slot count). Ebay is flooded with cheap 1GB DDR1 DIMMs that only work with specific AMD chipsets so look out.

The later G5's that used DDR2 can do 16GB (8x2GB).

 

[TheWhiteFalcon]

With your DP you should try for matched pairs. Remember to install them in the opposing slots or it won't boot.

 

[EvieSigma]

Matched pairs? Opposing slots? I don't understand. Is slot one of the top bank matched to slot one of the bottom bank and so on?

 

[Floofies]

You are correct about the matching banks. Falcon is referencing the Dual Channel memory system. At a minimum, you should have one module per bank (pair of 2 slots) installed. If you're unsure, just put a module in the top slot, and the other module in the second-to-last slot.

If you open it up and find you have no idea what to do, this might help: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Power+Mac+G5+RAM+Replacement/1954

 

[EvieSigma]

So if I fill all 8 slots with identical 1GB sticks, it will just work, right?

I was going to use 4x2GB sticks but it sounds like I'd have to spread them out between the two banks.

 

[TheWhiteFalcon]

Yes, that will work. Helps to think of it as two computers on one board; each CPU runs on its own independent bus and needs its own RAM.

 

[EvieSigma]

So with 4 2GB sticks, I put one in the top slot of the top bank, one in the bottom slot of the top bank, and the same for the bottom bank? I don't mind spreading them out like that but I want to make sure I do it right.

 

[TheWhiteFalcon]

The slots should be numbered. So you'd have sticks in Slot 1 and Slot 2 on each bank. 

 

[EvieSigma]

Oh, okay! Sorry, I got a bit confused and thought I had to put the RAM in a strange orientation. I saw the numbers when I was cleaning dust out of the thing so I can certainly manage that.

Kind of unrelated, but I didn't want to make a new thread about it...is it true that the G5 doesn't support SATA III and so I'd have to find older SATA II hard drives?

 

[TheWhiteFalcon]

It depends on the drive. Most SATA III drives don't slow down enough for SATA I. 

http://g5center.net/hardware.html

Some recommended drives there. 

 

[EvieSigma]

I decided I'm going to try out the Intel 320 160GB, I figure I'll put 10.4.11 and OS 9.2.2 on that and get a smallish 7200rpm standard HD for regular files. But all of this is going to have to wait until after the SE/30 is put in working order.