Question about rambus memory

[wingnut2003]

Hello, i have a gateway with rambus memory. I see on advertisements for it that you can get ecc or non-ecc, what does the ecc stand for? I am looking to put more ram in my system, but i want to know if it matters about the ecc thing. thanks

[Piccoro]

ECC stands for Error Checking and Correction.
It uses parity.
There is a parity bit that stands for if the value of the data is even or odd and the data value has to match the parity bit. If it doesnt then there was an error in the memory.
It is used in servers and workstations because of the need for data integrity but otherwise non-ECC is used (Business/Home Desktop systems). No real need for it. Plus it is slower and more expensive.
Not sure but your motherboard has to support it I believe.

[wingnut2003]

Thanks piccoro, most likely my machine uses the non-ecc. i have noticed that there is a huge price difference between the two, i just wish i didn't have to use it. too exspensive.