Regular RAM, ECC RAM, ECC Register RAM - What's the difference? Please help.

[deadlock]

Hi folks,

I've decided I need a RAM upgrade. After checking up on prices here in the UK, I've noticed that RAM is cheap but there are all sorts of types, and the price differences are tremendous. In one case, 128MB ECC Register costs more that 256MB plain-jane PC133.

What is the difference in these types of RAM (regular, ECC, and ECC Reg)?? And does it reallllly matter?? Do the prices justify the additional pain on the pocket?

Thanks in advance.

 

[deadlock]

Come on guys, I know you can help!

 

[Mookow]

Get regular (ie, unbuffered, non-ECC) PC133. Registered RAM is for servers/large modules. ECC is unnecessary for regular use, and usually incurs a small performance penalty

 

[RSI]

ECC stands for Error Control Check I believe. Mostly used for servers. If you're buying ram, I suggest save your money and go for regular PC133 or PC-whatever you need ram without ECC. 🙂

 

[Mookow]

I think its Error Checking and Correction

 

[RSI]

Oh yeah, you're probably right.

 

[Mookow]

In either event, we agree that it isnt necessary for anything other than servers.

 

[kombatmud]

I always thought it was Error Correction and Control.
Anyways, don't get ECC unless you're running a server, or have a motherboard that requires it like mine (Supermicro 370DE6)

 

[Mookow]

Link
Read it and weep! Actually, I'm not one of those people who gets anal about needing to know what a acronym stands for, just knowing what it actually means in real world terms is enough.