Any problem w/mixing ECC & non-ECC memory?

[OuTpaTienT]

Just like the title says, is there any hang-ups with mixing ECC & non-ECC memory types. I have a machine here at work with 128mb non-ECC SDRAM and just added two 32mb modules of ECC SDRAM. Seems to be ok, but I don't know if any conflicts would be subtle or major. The motherboard's ECC setting in the BIOS is set to auto.

I just assume it would use all the ram as non-ECC instead of trying to manage two different types of memory. My question is, is this fine to do?

[randy48]

I'm no expert on memory, but I know ECC is a little slower, so you may notice about a 1 or 2 nano-second slow down in your processes Other than that, it should work alright!

[Nighthawk]

It also depends on your chipset. I know some chipsets at one time didn't support it. Also, another issue is whether your chipset supports per-bank ECC, where you can mix ECC and regular. If it doesn't, you would have to run all ECC.

[RobRich]

I would recommend setting the ECC bios option to disable, this way ECC checking is definitely disabled. When operating in non-ECC mode, ECC ram should prove stable while mixed with standard memory. Some older chipsets set the ECC option automatically, and as Nighthak noted, may not work withour proper per-bank ECC addressing.

Robert Richmond

[OuTpaTienT]

Thanks. Thought I come back and let ya know I was indeed getting random memory errors with the ECC setting in the BIOS set to AUTO. When I disabled ECC checking the system became rock stable.

[Roy]

Thanks, OuT!

This Thread is a great example of how we all benefit when someone cares enough to share what has been learned.

[captpete]

I thought Error Checking and Correction (ECC) was more reliable than non-ECC SDRAM? I know it is more expensive. I wonder why you would get memory errors with it enabled?

[Barney]

Because he was using non-ECC ram with the ECC. This enabled ECC for all memory banks (when set on auto), causing memory errors.

Ronald

[This message has been edited by Barney (edited 02-02-2001).]

[c3p0]

OuTpaTienT,

I'm not an expert on this subject either. However, I am running both ECC and Non-ECC Ram in my system as we speak. The only thing I had to do was disable ECC in the BIOS. If I don't, I get all kinds of errors and hang-ups. Other than that, I don't notice any difference. Hopes this helps a little.