ECC RAM: Can I use the most reliable RAM in my PC?

Enterprise-class computer hardware can be very boring, but some of it can be really exciting. There is one particular feature that has long been commonly used in servers and workstations that users of consumer hardware have seen with envy. ECC RAM. can i use

table of contents

• What is ECC RAM?
•  Can I use ECC RAM in my PC?
•  Why isn't everyone using ECC RAM?

What is ECC RAM?

First, we need to clarify what ECC RAM is. Our computers are constantly transferring data to and from RAM, and most of the time it's a simple process. But of course, not everything goes perfectly. Occasionally, a bug slips through and crashes your PC. Memory errors can be caused by anything, including cosmic rays (no kidding). This is where ECC memory comes into play.

Critical ECC RAM. DIMM and SODIMM ECC RAM modules, 9 chips each. Central

ECC stands for Error Correction Code, and in the context of RAM, ECC RAM is a type of computer memory with an extra chip that can actually detect whenever there is an error (such as an error) in the memory. Time until it actually wreaks havoc. Most ECC memories use a code that can correct single-bit errors and detect but not correct double-bit errors (SEC-DED). It is typically used in systems where stability is an absolute priority and data corruption is unacceptable. B. Certain types of servers and workstations.

ECC memory can prevent most memory-related crashes on PCs that support it, but for some reason, the RAM that most people use on their personal computer is not his ECC. why is that?

Can he use ECC RAM in the PC?

The answer to that is a little complicated. It's unlikely that the RAM you have on your PC is his ECC, but some consumer hardware does support his ECC memory. However, at the time of writing, it's a toss up.

ECC memory is "unofficially" supported by AMD chips. This means it's not an advertised feature, but it's not like the chip makers are closing the door either. If you want to use ECC memory on your AMD computer, you'll need to find a motherboard that supports ECC memory.

Intel chips will also support his ECC memory on a small number of chips as of 2021. However, finding his ECC-enabled motherboards for Intel consumer chips can be much more difficult. Unlike AMD, which requires motherboard manufacturers to implement his ECC support, Intel limits his ECC memory usage on its main motherboard chipset. 

This means that if you're using an Intel CPU and want to use his ECC memory with it, you'll need to look for an enterprise-class motherboard. Still, you won't find ECC RAM not intended or sold for server or enterprise use. It seems strange. If ECC memory is basically much more stable RAM,

why doesn't everyone use his ECC memory?

Why doesn't anyone use his ECC RAM Kingston FURY Beast DDR4 RGB Special Edition memory in gaming PCs

Justin Duino / How-to Geek

ECC memory has some drawbacks. Considering the error correction process, ECC RAM is typically slightly slower than regular RAM, 2% to 5% slower. The added features also mean that ECC RAM is 10% to 20% more expensive than standard RAM. Also, it may not be worth the effort to buy ECC RAM and an ECC compatible system if your current CPU supports it (somewhat). Not only is RAM more expensive, you'll likely spend more on your motherboard to get ECC RAM.

It probably doesn't even need that much to be a feature to seek out. Remember the last time your computer crashed due to memory corruption? Consumer RAM is now very stable and errors are very rare. This is different from a server or enterprise computer. Downtime can be very catastrophic for servers and enterprise computers.

Some people have argued that ECC should be in the consumer's mind, and to be fair, we disagree. Linux kernel creator Linus Torvalds has criticized Intel for stifling the industry and not supporting his ECC in the consumer part, which could bring a lot of benefits in the consumer space. famous for saying that While this may be true, you shouldn't go the ECC route unless mainstream consumer RAM, motherboards, and CPUs actually support it.