[j20056]

I am a ProTools LE user. The software is multi-threaded and can see and use multiple cores. I just ordered a 3Ghz 8-core Mac Pro in its base config with 1GB RAM and a single 250GB HD. Given the cost issue from Apple, I decided to do the RAM and HD upgrades myself. However, I want to make sure I get the right stuff. I use PTLE 7.3, with RAM and CPU intensive plugins such as BFD (in ultra mode) and Guitar Rig 2 and SampleTank 2.
As far as RAM, I plan to use 4GB, and it looks like Crucial is $1,656 as 2x4GB whereas OWC Mac Pro certified is $1,300 as 2x4GB, $720 as 4x2GB, and $550 as 4x2GB Apple certified. A number of questions therefore: Is 2x4GB better than 4x2GB? I don't need to ever get to 32GB, so I'm fine using 4 banks instead of 2. Is there a performance issue, given that it costs double versus 4x2GB? lastly, is Crucial so much better than OWC?
Hard Drives: I plan to add 2 internal SATA HD's, one for BFD samples, the other as my PTLE Sessions disk. Question is whether I should aim for a 10,000RPM drive versus the standard 7,200RPM? The former comes in smaller sizes of say 150GB, but that's plenty, as I can backup sessions even on external FW drives. I currently use a PC with an external Seagate Cheetah 10,000RPM Glyph drive on SCSI-wide, and it has always worked flawlessly, but at this point, I just want internal SATA drives. Any manufacturer or model I should go for?

Thanks for your advice.

[mduell]

4x2 is marginally better than 2x4, and a lot cheaper. I like Crucial over OWC.

150G @ 10kRPM is better than bigger @ 7.2kRPM for work-in-progress. Western Digitial is the only choice for 10kRPM SATA drives.

[Lateralus]

In Crucial v OWC, I'd not hesitate to go OWC. Excellent memory quality and amazing customer service.

Crucial is good RAM. But it's gotten to the point where part of the price you're paying is for the name.