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Error correcting code memory and parity

Bernie Klinder, Contributor

In an effort to minimize memory data corruption, memory manufacturers modified some chips to include an extra process (called parity) that checks the data for errors.

Error Correcting Code (ECC) not only checks the accuracy of the data, but attempts to correct the error as well. ECC memory is often recommended for use in servers and workstations with more than 1 GB of memory. However, in order to use Error Correcting Code, your motherboard must support it and you cannot mix ECC and non-ECC memory.

 

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Computer Memory for your Windows Environment

 Introduction
 Form Factors: Computer memory modules and pin configurations
 Computer memory types: Static RAM vs. Dynamic RAM
 Computer memory: DRAM types
 Computer Memory: Error Correcting Code and Parity

Learn how to spot potential memory problems before they happen and troubleshoot them when they do occur. Check out Bernie Klinder's "Troubleshooting Computer Memory" Learning Guide!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
 
Bernie Klinder, MVP, consultant
Bernie Klinder is a technology consultant for a number of Fortune 500 companies. He is also the founder and former editor of LabMice.net, a comprehensive resource index for IT professionals who support Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP/2003 and BackOffice products. For his contributions to the information technology community, Bernie was selected as an MVP (Most Valuable Professional) by Microsoft. Copyright 2004 TechTarget
 


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