Quad G5-Sweetwater-Lifetime memory

BobbyL57 · 3rd January 2006, 07:31 PM

Hello fellow slutz. I'm thinking about buying a G5 quad from sweetwater. I notice they're into "Lifetime memory" ram.
Anybody have any experience with that brand? I'm a bit paranoid about brands 'cause I heard G5's are picky about ram.
Thanks gentlemen.
Bobby L.

HudHudson · 3rd January 2006, 07:42 PM

Just make sure the RAM you buy is on Apple's approved list. I made this mistake a couple Macs ago and as you said it led to big problems with Pro Tools crashing all the time. RAM is so cheap now it doesn't pay to cut corners and buy cheap memory.

BobbyL57 · 3rd January 2006, 08:31 PM

Thanks Hud. I'll check it out.

BobbyL57 · 3rd January 2006, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HudHudson

Just make sure the RAM you buy is on Apple's approved list.

BTW Hud- Do you have a url for the approved ram list? I cant seem to find it on the apple site.
Thanks man.
Bobby L

6strings · 3rd January 2006, 09:34 PM

Just wanted to point out that you can buy RAM from other vendors which guarantee their RAM for "lifetime" as well. (Not that there's anything wrong with buying from Sweetwater)

BobbyL57 · 3rd January 2006, 10:05 PM

Lifetime is the brand name of the ram not a guarantee.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6strings

Just wanted to point out that you can buy RAM from other vendors which guarantee their RAM for "lifetime" as well. (Not that there's anything wrong with buying from Sweetwater)

radiospace · 3rd January 2006, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobbyL57

Lifetime is the brand name of the ram not a guarantee.

I think that's their company slogan, in fact.

GearGuy · 4th January 2006, 07:21 PM

Yeah, Lifetime does have a lifetime warranty... probably why they chose to use that RAM. I've purchased Lifetime RAM before, and also Crucial and Kingston. As for the 2nd part of your question, why are you questioning if Sweetwater is using the proper RAM? Do you really believe that a company like Sweetwater would sell bad RAM that does not work with a Mac?

If you can't trust them when they say that the RAM works well, then don't buy from them. You should always buy from a dealer that you can trust. I would find it hard to believe that any Mac dealer out there would sell RAM that doesn't work with the Mac... I'm sure any authorized Mac dealer would be fine...

BobbyL57 · 4th January 2006, 08:12 PM

[quote=GearGuy]I've purchased Lifetime RAM before,

Sounds like you had good luck with it. .

Do you really believe that a company like Sweetwater would sell bad RAM that does not work with a Mac?

No, but it never hurts to ask around IMO.

EarCandy · 4th January 2006, 09:13 PM

Hi quality RAM is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing, esp for ProTools. Every single crashing problem I've had with ProTools was eventually attributed to RAM. Once I maxed out my system with matching, high quality (Kingston) RAM, I have not crashed even ONCE since, and I beat the crap out of my system- 12-15 hours a day, every day.

Jonathan Starr · 5th January 2006, 12:04 AM

I am sure that Sweetwater has done their homework and provides RAM that works ok.

That being said, for less dinero you can buy the Samsung 1gig sticks that Apple instals themselves in G5s.

Coast to Coast Memory is but one vendor that sells the original Samsung parts for a very good price.

BobbyL57 · 5th January 2006, 05:56 AM

Thanks Jonathan. Looks interesting. They have 2 types of samsung ram for the quad. One says ECC and the other doesn't. Anybody know what ECC means and if there's any advantage? I'm a DP user BTW.

Here they are-
1-4GB (1GBX4) PC2-4200 533MHz ECC for Powermac G5 *APPLE RECOMMENDED*
THIS IS A SET OF FOUR 1GB DDR2 PC2-4200 533MHZ ECC 240 PIN DIMMS THAT ARE SAMSUNG ORIGINAL. APPLE RECOMMENDS THE USE OF THIS PART WITH THE POWERMAC G5 QUAD 2.5GHZ.

2-4GB (1GBX4) PC2-4200 533MHz for Powermac G5 *APPLE RECOMMENDED*
THIS IS A SET OF FOUR 1GB DDR2 PC2-4200 533MHZ 240 PIN DIMMS THAT ARE SAMSUNG ORIGINAL. APPLE RECOMMENDS THE USE OF THIS PART WITH THE POWERMAC G5 QUAD 2.5GHZ.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonathan Starr

Coast to Coast Memory is but one vendor that sells the original Samsung parts for a very good price.

John Suitcase · 5th January 2006, 06:37 AM

ECC is error-correcting code memory.

Basically, it means that if the computer can respond to the memory's code, it can detect errors and correct them, rather than crashing the application.

The G5 Xserve does use ECC, as noted here:

http://www.apple.com/science/profile...h2/index2.html

I don't know whether the towers do, but I would assume they do. If it's not significantly more expensive, I would get the ECC memory...

FFTT · 5th January 2006, 08:14 AM

Apple does not use ECC RAM stock
You can, but it's considerabley more expensive and you'd have to replace ALL your DIMMs to ECC.

The factory specs you're looking for are as follows.
DDR2 PC2-4200 • CL=4 • UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR2-533
• 1.8V • 128Meg x 64

OWC sells Apple Factory Original Samsung RAM
Their 2 GB Samsung kit (2X1GB) is currently priced at $229.99
They also offer generic for less.
http://www.eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/...=Show+Upgrades

Crucial.com sells their Micron RAM 2 GB kit (2X1GB) for $218.99
http://www.crucial.com/store/MPartsp...&WSPN=CT479305

DMS Datamem.com sells their 2 GB kit for $178.00
http://www.datamem.com/parts_that_fi...E_Apple_A_C_E_

All 3 retailers are well known for Apple compatibility guarantees, lifetime warranty
and reasonable prices.

BobbyL57 · 5th January 2006, 04:01 PM

Thanks a lot guys. I'm still wondering though-Does ECC offer any advantages for DAW use? Whadaya think?

FFTT · 5th January 2006, 06:05 PM

For the average user with one machine, it's not necessary, but if you want only the
very best for your system, then ECC is the best.

Generally ECC is used for mission critical servers and cluster nodes.

If you are running a high end PTHD system then it's your call.

T_R_S · 5th January 2006, 06:09 PM

ECC is for error correction for example if your doing math calculations it's critical. BUT the cost is speed. In a DAW SPEED is the demon your chasing. ECC is much slower than non-ECC RAM.
DO NOT USE generic RAM in a DAW it will jump up one day and bite you wear it hurts. Spend the extra cash and by good RAM. OCZ Platinium or Corsair have some of the fastest RAM available.

BobbyL57 · 5th January 2006, 06:28 PM

Interesting guys. I think I'll pass on the ecc ram. And yeah, I'll make sure to put in some high-end stuff.

John Suitcase · 5th January 2006, 06:38 PM

I agree that Crucial RAM is high-quality, I've had no problems with the sticks I've bought from them over the years.

ECC is probably not necessary in your application, especially if there is a speed trade-off.

Good luck!

FFTT · 5th January 2006, 06:42 PM

The DDR2 PC4200 RAM that Apple uses is CAS 4

If you decide to shop for faster high performance RAM,
keep in mind that it won't do any good unless you replace
all your RAM DIMM's with the same CAS rating.

Most of the problems people have are from mixing unmatched DIMMs.

BobbyL57 · 5th January 2006, 09:10 PM

Actually, that brings up another question,FFT. What performance gains could one expect? Sample playback? Plug counts? Worth the cost?
What do you think?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FFTT

The DDR2 PC4200 RAM that Apple uses is CAS 4

If you decide to shop for faster high performance RAM,
keep in mind that it won't do any good unless you replace
all your RAM DIMM's with the same CAS rating.

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3rd January 2006, 07:31 PM	#1
BobbyL57 Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 49	Quad G5-Sweetwater-Lifetime memory Hello fellow slutz. I'm thinking about buying a G5 quad from sweetwater. I notice they're into "Lifetime memory" ram. Anybody have any experience with that brand? I'm a bit paranoid about brands 'cause I heard G5's are picky about ram. Thanks gentlemen. Bobby L.

3rd January 2006, 07:42 PM	#2
HudHudson Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Austin, Texas USofA Posts: 1,201	Just make sure the RAM you buy is on Apple's approved list. I made this mistake a couple Macs ago and as you said it led to big problems with Pro Tools crashing all the time. RAM is so cheap now it doesn't pay to cut corners and buy cheap memory. __________________ "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." - Hunter S. Thompson www.myspace.com/steventoddhudson

4th January 2006, 07:21 PM	#8
GearGuy Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: USA Posts: 418	Yeah, Lifetime does have a lifetime warranty... probably why they chose to use that RAM. I've purchased Lifetime RAM before, and also Crucial and Kingston. As for the 2nd part of your question, why are you questioning if Sweetwater is using the proper RAM? Do you really believe that a company like Sweetwater would sell bad RAM that does not work with a Mac? If you can't trust them when they say that the RAM works well, then don't buy from them. You should always buy from a dealer that you can trust. I would find it hard to believe that any Mac dealer out there would sell RAM that doesn't work with the Mac... I'm sure any authorized Mac dealer would be fine... __________________ Best Wishes, GearGuy

4th January 2006, 09:13 PM	#10
EarCandy Gear Head Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 35	Hi quality RAM is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing, esp for ProTools. Every single crashing problem I've had with ProTools was eventually attributed to RAM. Once I maxed out my system with matching, high quality (Kingston) RAM, I have not crashed even ONCE since, and I beat the crap out of my system- 12-15 hours a day, every day. __________________ Scott Sanders EarCandy Studios Credits: http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0761713/ Studio: http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_scott...ear/index.html

3rd January 2006, 08:31 PM	#3
BobbyL57 Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 49	Thanks Hud. I'll check it out.

3rd January 2006, 09:34 PM	#5
6strings Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New England Posts: 1,067	Just wanted to point out that you can buy RAM from other vendors which guarantee their RAM for "lifetime" as well. (Not that there's anything wrong with buying from Sweetwater)

4th January 2006, 08:12 PM	#9
BobbyL57 Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 49	[quote=GearGuy]I've purchased Lifetime RAM before, Sounds like you had good luck with it. . Do you really believe that a company like Sweetwater would sell bad RAM that does not work with a Mac? No, but it never hurts to ask around IMO.

5th January 2006, 12:04 AM	#11
Jonathan Starr Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wailuku, Maui, Hi Posts: 769	I am sure that Sweetwater has done their homework and provides RAM that works ok. That being said, for less dinero you can buy the Samsung 1gig sticks that Apple instals themselves in G5s. Coast to Coast Memory is but one vendor that sells the original Samsung parts for a very good price. __________________ Aloha, Jonathan Starr Big Gorilla Sound Twixt reef & jungle Wailuku, Maui

5th January 2006, 06:37 AM	#13
John Suitcase Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,277	ECC is error-correcting code memory. Basically, it means that if the computer can respond to the memory's code, it can detect errors and correct them, rather than crashing the application. The G5 Xserve does use ECC, as noted here: http://www.apple.com/science/profile...h2/index2.html I don't know whether the towers do, but I would assume they do. If it's not significantly more expensive, I would get the ECC memory... __________________ --------------------------------- Suitcase Recordings - Indie, Punk, Garage - On Location Recording Studio Vérité - My Favorite Videos of Bands in The Studio

5th January 2006, 08:14 AM	#14
FFTT Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: A stoned throw from ground zero Posts: 3,117	Apple does not use ECC RAM stock You can, but it's considerabley more expensive and you'd have to replace ALL your DIMMs to ECC. The factory specs you're looking for are as follows. DDR2 PC2-4200 • CL=4 • UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR2-533 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64 OWC sells Apple Factory Original Samsung RAM Their 2 GB Samsung kit (2X1GB) is currently priced at $229.99 They also offer generic for less. http://www.eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/...=Show+Upgrades Crucial.com sells their Micron RAM 2 GB kit (2X1GB) for $218.99 http://www.crucial.com/store/MPartsp...&WSPN=CT479305 DMS Datamem.com sells their 2 GB kit for $178.00 http://www.datamem.com/parts_that_fi...E_Apple_A_C_E_ All 3 retailers are well known for Apple compatibility guarantees, lifetime warranty and reasonable prices.

5th January 2006, 04:01 PM	#15
BobbyL57 Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 49	Thanks a lot guys. I'm still wondering though-Does ECC offer any advantages for DAW use? Whadaya think?

5th January 2006, 06:05 PM	#16
FFTT Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: A stoned throw from ground zero Posts: 3,117	For the average user with one machine, it's not necessary, but if you want only the very best for your system, then ECC is the best. Generally ECC is used for mission critical servers and cluster nodes. If you are running a high end PTHD system then it's your call.

5th January 2006, 06:09 PM	#17
T_R_S Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Canuk Posts: 3,415	ECC is for error correction for example if your doing math calculations it's critical. BUT the cost is speed. In a DAW SPEED is the demon your chasing. ECC is much slower than non-ECC RAM. DO NOT USE generic RAM in a DAW it will jump up one day and bite you wear it hurts. Spend the extra cash and by good RAM. OCZ Platinium or Corsair have some of the fastest RAM available. __________________ === NEW Into Eternity Video Pre-Release

5th January 2006, 06:28 PM	#18
BobbyL57 Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 49	Interesting guys. I think I'll pass on the ecc ram. And yeah, I'll make sure to put in some high-end stuff.

5th January 2006, 06:38 PM	#19
John Suitcase Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,277	I agree that Crucial RAM is high-quality, I've had no problems with the sticks I've bought from them over the years. ECC is probably not necessary in your application, especially if there is a speed trade-off. Good luck! __________________ --------------------------------- Suitcase Recordings - Indie, Punk, Garage - On Location Recording Studio Vérité - My Favorite Videos of Bands in The Studio

5th January 2006, 06:42 PM	#20
FFTT Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: A stoned throw from ground zero Posts: 3,117	The DDR2 PC4200 RAM that Apple uses is CAS 4 If you decide to shop for faster high performance RAM, keep in mind that it won't do any good unless you replace all your RAM DIMM's with the same CAS rating. Most of the problems people have are from mixing unmatched DIMMs.

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