Demo: Upgrading the RAM in the 2019 Mac Pro After Purchase

Wednesday December 18, 2019 1:31 pm PST by Juli Clover

Apple designed the Mac Pro to be modular and upgradeable, and it's possible to upgrade components that include the SSD and the RAM.

We purchased a base model ‌Mac Pro‌ with the intention of upgrading the RAM after the fact using hardware from OWC, and in our latest YouTube video, we demo swapping out the RAM, which is a straightforward process, but still needs to be done carefully.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.

The base model ‌Mac Pro‌ ships with 32GB 2933MHz RAM, but the machine supports up to 1.5TB and has a total of 12 DIMM slots. For the maximum amount of RAM, you do need the 24 or 28-core processors, as the 8, 12, and 16-core options are limited to 768GB of RAM.

Upgrading RAM can be done with other LR-DIMMs or R-DIMMs, but the different memory types can't be mixed with one another. Apple recommends ‌Mac Pro‌ owners make sure to use the same type of memory when installing additional DIMMs or replacing DIMMs.

Apple also recommends using Apple-approved DIMMs purchased by visiting an Apple retail store or an Apple Authorized Reseller, but Apple RAM is super expensive and most upgraders are likely going to want to go with something that saves some cash.

DIMMs can be installed in configurations of 4, 6, 8, or 12, and Apple has a visual aid on how different setups should work in its support document.

Swapping out or adding RAM to the ‌Mac Pro‌ requires the machine to be off, cool, and unplugged. Pulling off the outer aluminum casing is required, and then from there, the DIMM slots are accessible. Existing DIMMs can be accessed by unlocking the DIMM covers, sliding them open, and then using the DIMM ejectors to push it out of the slot.

Putting in new DIMMs can be done by adding a DIMM to an empty slot, seating it in place, and then making sure the DIMM ejectors click closed.

Apple has a very detailed support document that outlines replacing the RAM, and for ‌Mac Pro‌ owners, we recommend reading it thoroughly and following each of Apple's specific steps. Apple warns that causing damage by replacing components in the wrong way won't be covered under warranty, so it's best to use caution and be thorough when upgrading a part.

Apple has a bunch of support documents and tutorial videos dedicated to the ‌Mac Pro‌, which we've rounded up. Apple covers everything from installing new RAM to swapping out GPU modules to replacing the power supply and I/O card.

Related Roundup: Mac Pro

Buyer's Guide: Mac Pro (Neutral)

Related Forum: Mac Pro

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Top Rated Comments

W.O.P.R.

73 months ago

Only a matter of time before that OWC RAM fails.

Only a matter of time until the sun goes dark.

Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Elijen

73 months ago

If you buy Mac Pro do you really need a guide on how to put in extra RAM? :D

Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)

martinX

73 months ago

the 8, 12, and 16-core options are limited to 768GB of RAM.

We truly live in wondrous times.

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Duane Martin

73 months ago

It's misleading to state "it's possible to upgrade components that include the SSD".

Apple tied the SSD to the T2 chip and to reset that, you need Apple's help!

Yes, the SSDs that ship with the Mac Pro are tied to the T2 chip and you do need Apple to replace those but they are still upgradeable. Those are not mutually exclusive statements. As well, you can add additional storage to the Mac Pro and I suspect we are only getting a hint of the possibilities so far.

Watching the RAM replacement makes me long for the days I could do that in all of my Macs (and everyone else's Macs as many people came to me for help; I used to work at a Mac Certified Reseller). Ah yes, those heady days of failed chips, troubleshooting, broken connectors and locks, damaged shielding, the "honestly it came that way I didn't break it". You honestly haven't lived until you have experienced the "death by a 1000 cuts" as you tried to replace RAM in the 8500/9500 series; I know some of you will remember. Still, despite the pains that were sometimes incurred there was huge value in buying what I could afford now and upgrading when I could afford more later. Bring on more videos like this, MR, so I can live vicariously.

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)