Best Memory for Extended Data

Which memory is suitable for my system, either ECC or Non-ECC? Many users get confused while selecting the right memory for their system. There are certain technicalities that the user needs to be familiar with to be able to make the right choice while upgrading their system. Let’s dive into the technicalities and details of ECC and Non-ECC.

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What is ECC memory?

ECC memory is the computer data storage that is designed in a way that helps with detecting and correcting errors in case of data corruption. This memory is usually used for computer systems that deal with intensive workloads and heavy data processing. it further helps with ensuring that the system is capable of catering to such a large amount of data at once, decreasing the chances of errors and data corruption from the single-bit errors, where every unit of data is changed during the data transmission in case of any network, for instance, the single-bit error is when you send 1 as a sample data and the system receives it as 0.

Which Platforms Support ECC Memory?

In the server world, both Intel’s Xeon CPUs and AMD’s Epyc CPUs lineups support ECC memory. Note that for you to use ECC memory, both the processors and the motherboards you’re using will need to support ECC memory. In the mainstream platforms used today, most of Intel’s processors (even some budget-oriented Celeron models) will support ECC memory, provided you use a motherboard that is compatible with such memory. With AMD, all Ryzen processors support ECC memory with a compatible X570 chipset motherboard, whereas the B550 chipset doesn’t 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.

Non-ECC Memory

Adding Non-ECC memory to the ECC Memory system will result in disabling the error checking and correcting capability of memory modules. Non-ECC memory disables all the advanced features offered by ECC in the system. One of the main reasons for the failure of Non-ECC is incorrect size and speed and misc. Moreover, Non-ECC memory is faster as compared to ECC Memory. Also, this memory is comparatively cheaper. ECC memory is usually used for desktop PCs that do not have to deal with heavy workloads.

ECC vs NON-ECC Memory

The users are often confused between the ECC and Non-ECC Memory. there are many differences between the two. The differences can range from their functionality in different environments,  caches, speed, affordability, and more.

The ECC memory is known to be more reliable and stable, whereas Non-ECC memory has a higher risk of device failure. There are several reasons such as incorrect speed/size, reboot during the system, or memory errors. Further, ECC memory is slower than Non-ECC memory as it helps with identifying and correcting the errors in the system. Additionally, it is necessary to note that ECC memory is not compatible with every processor, although workstation and server motherboards require  ECC RAM, the desktop PCs can work without ECC or it disables the ECC functions.

As far as the speed is concerned, ECC memory is around 2% slower as compared to Non-ECC memory. The speed was determined after testing CPUs including Intel Core i7 4771 3.5GHz Quad Core 8MB versus Intel Xeon E3-1275 V3 3.5GHZ Quad-Core 8MB.

Moreover, as ECC memory is more complicated and consists of more chips, it makes them more expensive as compared to Non-ECC Memory. The price for the memory chip varies as per the size of the memory chip. The difference in the price of both the memory drives is around 10%-20%.

Difference Between ECC and Non-ECC Memory

ECC Memory	Non-ECC memory
Auto-detects memory errors and corrects it	Not capable of correcting errors but some are capable of detection
More expensive	Less expensive
2% disadvantage of performance	2% advantage of the performance
Recommended for the system with high-value data (Servers and workstations)	Recommended for standard use (Home system)

Therefore, the choice between the two can be made as per the requirement of the usage and processor. Also, it is necessary to ensure that the memory type is compatible with the other computer components such as motherboards.

Where can I order ECC and Non-ECC Memory?

Are you looking to extend your system’s storage? You can find a wide variety of ECC and Non-ECC memory in different interfaces and capacities in top brands including Kingston, Dell, Samsung, Crucial, Hynix and more in exclusive deals and discounts at memory4less.com.

In case you can’t find the right match for your system, please reach out to our memory experts to help you make the right choice.

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