Mac Pro (8-core): Memory and hard drive compatibility; system identification

Memory and hard drive compatibility Apple has published a Knowledge Base article explaining RAM and hard drive compatibility for the 8-core Mac Pro. Essentially, parts shipped with and for the 8-core Mac Pro are backward-compatible with quad-core Mac Pros, but parts shipped with and for the quad-core Mac Pro are not forward-compatible with the 8-core Mac Pro.

This might cause problems for users who are considering an attempt at self-upgrading their quad-core Mac Pros to 8 cores when parts are available -- such a move would likely be warranty voiding due to the stated parts incompatibility.

It is not yet clear what distinguishes 8-core-compatible memory from the older quad-core-compatible memory though larger heat sinks are a possibility.

For the full list of compatible and incompatible components, see Knowledge Base article #305352.

System identification Apple has also posted a Knowledge Base article explaining how to identify the 8-core Mac Pro -- either by looking at the configuration label on the back of the system beneath the video ports for the string "3.0_8cx" or by going to the "About this Mac" window (under the Apple Menu), which will display "2 x 3 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon" on 8-core Mac Pros.

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