ECC

[Fisheagle]

I have posted this question before but I am still not sure of the answer.

Can I use ECC DDR SDRAM in a mobo that does not support ECC. I don't care about the functionality of the ECC capability all I want to know is if the ECC memory will function as Non-Parity in a mobo that does not support ECC.

Why you ask would I want to do such a thing... let me explain:

I have alread purchased two sticks of 256MB PC2100 unbuffered/non-parity DDR-SDRAM from Crucial ($103 each w/free shipping... how could I not buy it at that price)

But I read somewhere that the AMD 760MP chipset will require ECC memory.

I bought the memory for a "Dualie" set up, when the AMD 760 MP is available.

I already have an RMA from Crucial to replace the Non-Parity with ECC.

My question is:
Will ECC memory work in a mobo that does not support ECC. If I exhange the Non-Parity memory for the ECC will I have to purchase a mobo that supports ECC or will I be able to use the ECC in a mobo that does not support ECC.

Of course I realize that if a mobo does not support ECC then I will not benefit by having that advanced capability in the memory. That's OK! All I want to know is will I be able to use ECC memory in a mobo that does not support.

i.e. Should I exchange the non-parity memory for ECC memory or stay with the former?

I know that the ECC is suposed to be a bit slower and is a bit more expensive but that's OK too.

Sorry about the convoluted nature of this post but my limited brain seams to be having trouble ecplaining my delemma.

Please advise
Thanks

------------------
Tomorrow will be here yesterday!

[tjaymadison]

Short answer = No! First off, the little circuit board is notched differently, so the two types are physically incompatible and not interchangeable. In single-CPU desktop systems ECC is handled by the BIOS/chipset. The best advice is the old standby -- Read the manual! Or check the FAQ's at the mobo mfr's web site. Use The PC Guide for some background. If you had done a search on "ECC", you would have found this. Happy Hunting!

------------------
"When I nod my head, hit it with the hammer."
-- (Moe, holding nail, to Curly, holding hammer)

[Fisheagle]

Thanks for responding.

I read the following at your "this" place.

"Parity memory will usually work in a non-parity system; the extra parity bits are ignored. However, non-parity memory will not work in a parity system."

I am still confused

------------------
Tomorrow will be here yesterday!

[tjaymadison]

ECC, parity and buffering are completely different and separate concepts/features, and although they may be used together in various combinations, they are not equivalent. For some background references, go here, or for the "full monty" go here. I still say the manual and/or mfr FAQ's are the final authority, but you seem reluctant to investigate them. To "idiot-proof" the whole process, go here.

------------------
"When I nod my head, hit it with the hammer."
-- (Moe, holding nail, to Curly, holding hammer)

[Fisheagle]

Thanks again,

There are no Socket A Dual CPU (AMD 760MP) mobos yet so I can't check.

My problem is that I want to take advantage of extremely low prices and no shipping charges for DDR memory at Crucial.

I am trying to figure out in advance what would probably be the best bet for use in a furture dual mobo, ECC or Non-Parity?

I am only asking you to see into the future so I understand your frustration with me.

Your patience is probably wearing thin, so I will understand if I don't get a response.

See Ya!



------------------
Tomorrow will be here yesterday!

[Randy_tx]

If you think DDR prices are low a Crucial right now.......wait about 3-6 weeks when the bottom falls out of the price for that memory...I wouldnt worry about RAM prices down the road.......they will stay low as long a demand is low.....which it will be for at least 4 more months...IMO.

------------------
Will XP save Me ?

[bassvax]

Delete me...please
------------------
One of these days I'm gonna cut you into little pieces...

[This message has been edited by bassvax (edited 04-28-2001).]

[Fisheagle]

Thanks Randy-tx,

256MB PC2100 unbuffered/non-parity DDR-SDRAM from Crucial for $103 each w/free shipping! It's hard (scary) to believe it will get cheaper than this.

------------------
Tomorrow will be here yesterday!

[Fisheagle]

I justt got this answer from Corsair.

Enjoy.
http://forumboard.net/1279/messages/2130.html

------------------
Tomorrow will be here yesterday!

[Fisheagle]

Hey! Bassvax,

What's all that about??????

------------------
Tomorrow will be here yesterday!

[bassvax]

It's a request to the forum moderator to delete my post.

------------------
One of these days I'm gonna cut you into little pieces...

[Fisheagle]

Why?

------------------
Tomorrow will be here yesterday!