RAM type questionable on my Mobo?

[paddywag]

I purchased an Abit KT7a MB last Jul and an individual posted on a BBS I frequent...advised getting this board. I did and I like it fine. But he also gave a link to a good price for some RAM that I followed and purchased. I was under the impression that he had the same board but after a question I posted today he explained that he didn't have my same board but did like the reviews about it and the RAM link was supposed to have been for non-parity but instead as it turned out, it was for ECC type. I did not know at the time that my board doesn't support ECC as I only bought the componets and my Son put it together for me. I assumed what he had recommended was valid for my board. Today I ordered another stick but after reading my manual more today, I discovered this information. So my question is: The machine is running...is there any real harm in continuing to use this type RAM or is it important to change it to non-parity? I would appreciate a quick reply because if it would be really harmful in time or not giving me proper performance, I want to be able to cancel my new order. I had also thought the fittings for the slots would be different for the two types and wonder if this is true, how it was still able to be used? Thank you very much.

 

[r0tt3n1]

As long as the motherboard recognizes the memory and uses it there should be no harm in using the ECC memory. It will just be used in a non-ECC mode, which again, shouldnt affect anything. Both ECC and non-ECC types of SDRAM use the same packaging, they fit in the same slot. If it has been running fine so far, dont sweat it..........

 

[Bartman39]

The ram will work fine its ECC funtion is just disabled... Kindof and overkill but is ok none the less...

 

[paddywag]

Thank you very much guys...really appreciate your replies. Too bad I'm not getting the full benefit of RAM but live and learn Good Hunting!