{"id":12162,"date":"2021-07-03T12:26:31","date_gmt":"2021-07-03T10:26:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/g100.us\/?p=12162"},"modified":"2021-11-08T13:07:33","modified_gmt":"2021-11-08T12:07:33","slug":"do-you-need-ecc-memory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/g100.us\/do-you-need-ecc-memory\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you need ECC Memory (RAM) for your PC &#038; Workloads?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_39 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668440e48a766\" class=\"cssicon\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668440e48a766\" class=\"cssiconcheckbox\">1<\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-668440e48a766\" checked><nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 \"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/do-you-need-ecc-memory\/#What_is_ECC_Memory\" title=\"What is ECC Memory?\">What is ECC Memory?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/do-you-need-ecc-memory\/#The_Need_for_Error_Correction_in_Servers_and_Workstations\" title=\"The Need for Error Correction in Servers and Workstations\">The Need for Error Correction in Servers and Workstations<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/do-you-need-ecc-memory\/#Which_Platforms_Support_ECC_Memory\" title=\"Which Platforms Support ECC Memory?\">Which Platforms Support ECC Memory?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/do-you-need-ecc-memory\/#The_Downsides_of_Using_ECC_Memory\" title=\"The Downsides of Using ECC Memory\">The Downsides of Using ECC Memory<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/do-you-need-ecc-memory\/#Wrapping_Things_Up_-_Do_You_Need_ECC_Memory\" title=\"Wrapping Things Up \u2013 Do You Need ECC Memory?\">Wrapping Things Up \u2013 Do You Need ECC Memory?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/do-you-need-ecc-memory\/#Over_to_you\" title=\"Over to you\">Over to you<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Well, it depends.<\/p>\n<p>Are you looking for memory that has access to higher speeds and is compatible with more platforms? Or are you looking for endurance memory that can work 24\/7, catch more errors, but sacrifices a bit of speed to do it?<\/p>\n<p>RAM (Random Access Memory) modules are a crucial part of every system, but not all modules are the same. Aside from the capacity, frequency, and latency, the modules can either be Error-Correcting Code (ECC) modules, or non-ECC modules.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019t correct such errors.<\/p>\n<p>Think of non-ECC memory as your speed-oriented memory, while ECC is your endurance \/ reliability memory.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Since not all platforms support ECC memory, and not every system needs it, let\u2019s discuss what ECC memory is, how it works, and whether you need it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_ECC_Memory\"><\/span><strong>What is ECC Memory?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To understand how the Error-Correcting Code (ECC) works, first you need to understand what a single-bit error is. Because that\u2019s the major problem that ECC was made to handle.<\/p>\n<p>A single-bit error is when a single bit (a binary 0 or 1) within a data within the RAM is changed to the opposite value accidentally.<\/p>\n<p>This kind of error is tiny, and a computer may not recognize it as incorrect automatically, which can lead to many problems.<\/p>\n<p>You can think of single-bit errors like metaphorical weeds in your lawn. Your lawn is your memory, and the ECC part of your memory is the choice of herbicide that\u2019s available.<\/p>\n<p>Non-ECC memory won\u2019t take out any of the \u201cweeds.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>ECC will annihilate all weeds, but a bit slower.<\/p>\n<p>Single-bit errors can occur because of magnetic or electrical interference inside the computer, which is present in every system as background radiation.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12404\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work.jpg\" alt=\"How does ECC memory work\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12404 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"How does ECC memory work\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/How-does-ECC-memory-work.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>Voltage stress, temperature variation, impact shock, or even data being read or written in a different way than originally intended can also lead to a single-bit error.<\/p>\n<p>ECC memory will take care of these errors and fix them before they turn into a bigger problem.<\/p>\n<p>ECC memory is very similar to non-ECC memory. The biggest difference between the two is that ECC memory usually has a bit of extra memory dedicated solely to making sure that the <em>actual <\/em>memory doesn\u2019t crash and burn if something bad happens.<\/p>\n<p>ECC is basically just a little chip on a normal stick of RAM that makes sure that every bit of data that goes in and out is exactly what they\u2019re supposed to be.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12401\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-and-non-ECC-DIMMs.jpg\" alt=\"ECC and non ECC DIMMs\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-and-non-ECC-DIMMs.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-and-non-ECC-DIMMs-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-and-non-ECC-DIMMs-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-and-non-ECC-DIMMs-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12401 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201000%201000%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"ECC and non ECC DIMMs\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201000%201000%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-and-non-ECC-DIMMs.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-and-non-ECC-DIMMs-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-and-non-ECC-DIMMs-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-and-non-ECC-DIMMs-768x768.jpg 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-and-non-ECC-DIMMs.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>What it does is that it creates an encrypted piece of code from the data being written into the main memory and stores that code in the extra bit of memory I told you about.<\/p>\n<p>When the data stored in the main memory needs to be accessed, it then creates a new code and checks that piece of code against the code that was previously generated.<\/p>\n<p>If it finds that they\u2019re both the same, and that the data has not been tampered with in any way, it allows the data to be read.<\/p>\n<p>But if it finds that the new code differs from the stored code, it tries to fix the issue by decrypting the code to find exactly where the problem lies.<\/p>\n<p>And if it can\u2019t, it at the very least makes sure that you know that something has gone wrong instead of silently continuing to work.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s similar to comparing MD5 hashes when downloading a program to make sure that what you downloaded was what you actually wanted and not a different rogue undercover file.<\/p>\n<p>This is how ECC becomes slightly slower\u2014because it has to create those extra codes\u2014but a more efficient option to take care of your metaphorical lawn.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intelligentmemory.com\/support\/faq\/ecc-dram\/how-often-do-ecc-correctable-single-bit-errors-occur-and-how-about-double-multi-bit-errors.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">According to Intelligent Memory<\/a>, the chances of such an error occurring are one single-bit error every 14 to 40 hours, per Gigabit (125 MBs) of RAM.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Need_for_Error_Correction_in_Servers_and_Workstations\"><\/span><strong>The Need for Error Correction in Servers and Workstations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In a system used for everyday browsing and gaming, error correction isn\u2019t a necessity. However, the stakes are higher in the world of servers and professional workstations.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re running a business that specializes in finance, a single-bit error can lead to a server crash that could potentially wipe transactions from your server.<\/p>\n<p>Such a memory error can also lead to a data transcription error, which could lead to misplacing a decimal or changing a number.<\/p>\n<p>This is obviously detrimental to the integrity and trustworthiness of businesses. If you went to purchase your cat a new toy and ended up paying $100.00 instead of $10.00, that would be quite tragic.<\/p>\n<p>If you visited your doctor and the bill came out to $56,987, instead of $59.45, you\u2019re an American or just became the victim of an ECC-related computer error, or both. And you\u2019d most likely never use their services again.<\/p>\n<p>Not to mention the terrible day you\u2019d have after getting a bill that size for a mere checkup.<\/p>\n<p>When caching an airflow simulation on an airplane\u2019s wing, you don\u2019t want memory errors messing up, because there are lives at stake.<\/p>\n<p>Wasted time investment is another thing that ECC Memory can prevent. If you\u2019re rendering high-res, complex images or training a deep learning model, having to start over after weeks of processing, because of some memory errors, is a huge waste of time and money for your business.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12405\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory.jpg\" alt=\"Who uses ECC memory\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12405 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Who uses ECC memory\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/Who-uses-ECC-memory.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>ECC memory is a necessity in the medical industry too. With patient care, the accuracy of records is critical, and a single-bit error can lead to a wrong diagnosis, which could be fatal. The choice in memory can make or break a business\u2019s records and reputation.<\/p>\n<p>Without ECC memory, not only is there a chance of errors like this happening, but you also won\u2019t know they happened until someone reviews the data and finds a mistake. And sometimes, that can be too late.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure you double-check the receipt on that cat toy.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Platforms_Support_ECC_Memory\"><\/span><strong>Which Platforms Support ECC Memory?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the server world, both Intel\u2019s Xeon CPUs and AMD\u2019s Epyc server lineups support ECC memory. Note that for you to use ECC memory, both the processor and the motherboard you\u2019re using will need to support ECC memory.<\/p>\n<p>Remember the lawn and herbicide analogy? Think of your processor and motherboard as the tools you use to work efficiently with ECC. You need the proper tools to spread herbicide where you want it in your lawn.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12402\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware.jpg\" alt=\"ECC Memory - Compatible Hardware\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12402 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"ECC Memory - Compatible Hardware\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-Memory-Compatible-Hardware.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>In the mainstream platforms used today, most of Intel\u2019s processors (even some budget-oriented Celeron models) will support ECC memory, provided you use a <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/ram-motherboard-compatibility\/\">motherboard that is compatible with such memory<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>With AMD, all Ryzen processors support ECC memory with a compatible X570 chipset motherboard, whereas the B550 chipset doesn\u2019t support ECC memory with Ryzen 2000 processors. Ryzen processors with an integrated graphics card, or accelerated processing unit (APU), the 3000 G-Series, and 4000 G-Series will require you to use a PRO processor for ECC support.<\/p>\n<p>Here's an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.asus.com\/support\/FAQ\/1045186\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">overview Table from ASUS<\/a> showing Ryzen CPU ECC Memory Support:<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12163\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/06\/AMD-Ryzen-ECC-Memory-Support.jpg\" alt=\"AMD Ryzen ECC Memory Support\" width=\"741\" height=\"502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/06\/AMD-Ryzen-ECC-Memory-Support.jpg 741w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/06\/AMD-Ryzen-ECC-Memory-Support-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 741px) 100vw, 741px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12163 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20741%20502%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"AMD Ryzen ECC Memory Support\" width=\"741\" height=\"502\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20741%20502%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 741w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 741px) 100vw, 741px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/06\/AMD-Ryzen-ECC-Memory-Support.jpg 741w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/06\/AMD-Ryzen-ECC-Memory-Support-300x203.jpg 300w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/06\/AMD-Ryzen-ECC-Memory-Support.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Downsides_of_Using_ECC_Memory\"><\/span><strong>The Downsides of Using ECC Memory<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most common issue with ECC memory is compatibility. Even though most modern platforms support it, you must make sure that the specific processor and motherboard combination works with ECC memory.<\/p>\n<p>This is less of a problem in the server world, where ECC memory is commonly used. So server hardware usually supports ECC by default.<\/p>\n<p>Pricing is also different.<\/p>\n<p>With ECC memory modules being more expensive than non-ECC modules due to the added functionality. Depending on the capacity you\u2019re buying, the price difference is about 10-20%.<\/p>\n<p>There is also a slight performance hit, because of the additional time that ECC memory takes to check for any errors. <a href=\"https:\/\/eu.crucial.com\/support\/articles-faq-memory\/ecc-vs-non-ecc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">According to Corsair<\/a>, you can expect a hit of about 2%.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrapping_Things_Up_-_Do_You_Need_ECC_Memory\"><\/span><strong>Wrapping Things Up \u2013 Do You Need ECC Memory?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/server-guide\/\">building a professional workstation or a server<\/a> that needs to run 24\/7, ECC memory is a must.<\/p>\n<p>To go without ECC in this scenario would be like using a greyhound to pull your wagon when what you really need is a sturdy workhorse.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12403\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose.jpg\" alt=\"ECC vs non ECC - which to choose\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12403 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"ECC vs non ECC - which to choose\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2021\/07\/ECC-vs-non-ECC-which-to-choose.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>Both the price difference and performance hit are worth it when you consider that you won\u2019t have to worry about the possibility of a single-bit error causing you headaches.<\/p>\n<p>You wouldn\u2019t want to double-check every receipt to make sure it was correct, right? Extend the same courtesy to your clients and customers.<\/p>\n<p>But if all you\u2019re doing is playing games and using your computer for other non-critical work, you most likely don\u2019t need ECC and would leave performance on the table if you went for it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Over_to_you\"><\/span>Over to you<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Have you used ECC memory before? What was your experience? Are you planning on using it in your next workstation? Let us know in the <a href=\"#comments\">comments<\/a>, or on our <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/forum\/\">forum<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Well, it depends. Are you looking for memory that has access to higher speeds and is compatible with more platforms? Or are you looking for endurance memory that can work 24\/7, catch more errors, but sacrifices a bit of speed to do it? RAM (Random Access Memory) modules are a crucial part of every system,...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2343,"featured_media":12167,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[74],"tags":[120],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12162"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2343"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12162"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12162\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19055,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12162\/revisions\/19055"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12167"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}