Memory

[NickTech]

Hi All,
I have been getting bogged down with details regardig different types of memory for not so new Dell machine.

can anyone explain the difference between parity and non-parity memory?

Also anyone heard of ECC Configuration what is this?!?

Thanks in advnace.

Nick

 

[pmonett]

Not an expert, but it seems to me that parity memory has an integrated error checking mechanism that makes it more reliable (although regular RAM is not that unreliable, else nobody would have a useable PC).
You can find a good overview of memory technology here.
ECC stands for Error Checking and Correcting, and I think that it is even more reliable than parity RAM, but more expensive too. This page has an in-depth view on parity and ECC memory.

Pascal.

 

[cdogg]

You don't need parity RAM (also referred to as ECC) for a home PC. The primary use for that type of RAM is in enterprise servers where timing and reliability is critical. ECC RAM adds an extra bit when processing data to help avoid situations like those random "memory dumps" you see in Windows. A google search will give you a wealth of information on the subject.


~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind";
[tab][tab]- Aristotle
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884