Can ECC RAM correct errors?
An ECC-capable memory controller can generally detect and correct errors of a single bit per word (the unit of bus transfer), and detect (but not correct) errors of two bits per word.
Does ECC memory make a difference?
Aside from the capacity, frequency, and latency, the modules can either be Error-Correcting Code (ECC) modules, or non-ECC modules. The difference between the two is that ECC memory will protect your system from a potential crash by correcting any errors in the data, while non-ECC memory doesn’t correct such errors.
Is ECC memory really necessary?
You need high-end, battery-backed fully hardware RAID with onboard RAM to ensure that you don’t lose data due to a power outage, disk failure, or whatever. So no, you don’t really need ECC RAM in your workstation. The benefit simply will not justify the price.
Can I use ECC RAM with non-ECC?
Not usually. There is a remote possibility that the ecc memory could run as just a standard unbuffered dimm (I have heard that sometimes ecc RAM can work on a non-ecc platform just without the error correcting), but that is unlikely to work. If the ECC is buffered or registered, there is no way it will work.
Do all motherboards support ECC RAM?
To save some time, in most cases only server-class and workstation-class motherboards support ECC RAM. Most desktop boards do not.
Can I use non ECC memory in a server?
Some motherboards accept either non-ECC or ECC memory, and will use the ECC functionality if you have ECC memory installed, so in that case, the answer is yes. Here is an example of a server/workstation motherboard that works this way .
Can I use ECC server RAM for a normal motherboard?
For example, you can use UDIMM ECC modules (ECC will not work on regular motherboards, but the RAM will still be usable) but not RDIMM registered modules which require a special chipset support. If your mother board will support it, then yes.
How do I know if my RAM is ECC or Non ECC?
For SDRAM or DDR memory, just count the number of small black chips on one side of your existing memory modules. If the number of chips is even then you have non-ECC. If the number of chips is odd then you have ECC.
Can you mix ECC and non-ECC RAM?
You should be able to mix ECC and non-ECC RDRAM, but all RAM will run as non-ECC. It is most probable that the RDRAM that originally shipped with your system is non-ECC, as it is cheaper Dell usually wants to keep the profit margin as high as possible.
Can I use an ECC memory in a non-ECC motherboard?
ECC RAM will work so long as it is unbuffered. If your CPU (Pentium, i3, and Xeons support) or motherboard doesn’t support ECC, your board will recognize it as non-ECC RAM and continue work as normal. CPU Cooler: be quiet! – PURE ROCK ECC RAM will work so long as it is unbuffered.
What does ECC memory stand for?
ECC RAM stands for “Error-correcting code – random access memory” or simply ECC memory. It is a type of computer data storage system that features error-correction capabilities.
Do I need ECC and registered memory?
It is usual for memory used in servers to be both registered , to allow many memory modules to be used without electrical problems, and ECC, for data integrity. Memory used in desktop computers is neither, for economy.