14 DAY TRIAL // Other World Computing (OWC) has introduced its multi-channel OWC PC3-8500 ECC DDR3 1066MHz and PC3-10600 ECC DDR3 1333MHz Memory Upgrade Kits for up to 64GB of RAM for the new Mac Pro models. Customers apparently save a fortune by choosing OWC over Apple's standard configure-to-order options.
On July 27, Apple announced new Mac Pros with up to 12 processing cores, noting that the new quad-core Mac Pro (priced at $2,499) featured: one 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon W3530 processor with 8MB of fully-shared L3 cache; 3GB of standard memory (RAM) expandable up to 16GB; and ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics with 1GB of GDDR5 memory.
Although pretty much everything from processor to hard drive is upgradable via Apple’s build-to-order options, OWC offers much cheaper upgrade solutions.
To add 3GB of RAM to your new quad-core Mac Pro, Apple will charge you an extra $225. OWC’s 6GB upgrade kit costs $207.99.
At first glance, customers will not be under the impression that they’re saving much, but those looking to beef up their Nehalem Mac Pros with as much as 16GB of memory will have Apple add $1,775 to their bill.
OWC claims to offer the same service for just $719.99. That translates into over $1,000 worth of savings.
In fact, since your Mac Pro ships with 3GB of standard memory, you also get to keep your three 1GB RAM modules and use them in a different computer, sell them etc.
Memory upgrade kits from OWC are labeled as “Qualified for Apple Mac Pro,” with the hardware vendor noting that “All OWC Memory for Mac Pro is built with the best components and fully tested and backed by OWC's industry leading lifetime advance replacement Warranty.”
The company provides exclusive OWC installation videos for those eager to learn to upgrade their Mac Pro, as well as a downloadable PDF manual detailing the memory upgrade process step by step.
OWC claims its memory modules are designed to meet, if not exceed Apple design specifications. This included the use of Apple’s required thermal sensor EEPROM, JEDEC board design, and chip components. The kits are also fully RoHS and JEDEC compliant, OWC upholds.
“Other World Computing (OWC) has been providing quality hardware products and support to the computer industry since 1988 and features one of the largest online catalogs of computer, iPod, and iPhone enhancement products through its e-commerce portal www.macsales.com," the hardware vendor states on its web site.
OWC owns Axiotron, the first and only company to offer a Mac tablet computer by means of modding original Apple MacBook laptops.
OWC is a Premiere Level Apple Developer Connection member providing extensive US-based technical support for Macintosh worldwide, as well as Internet access via www.fastermac.net and www.owc.net.