ECC RAM in regular workstation?

[king3pj]

We recently upgraded our server at work to Crucial 8GBx2 DDR3 1600MHz 1.35V ECC RAM. The RAM we replaced was identical except it was 4GBx2.

We now have a total of 16GB of RAM in the server and 8GB of RAM not being used. I could have left the extra 8GB in the server for a total of 24GB but I have read that you are usually better off sticking with identical RAM in all slots.

We also have several workstations connected to the server. Some of them only have 4GB of RAM. I do not know the exact motherboard but they are Dell Optiplex 3020 machines with 4GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM.

I was thinking of removing the 4GB stick from one of these machines and replacing it with the Crucial 4GBx2 ECC 1.35V RAM. I'm comfortable with building and I know that DDR3 1600 MHz RAM should be fine in these machines. The thing I don't know about is whether this ECC server memory is compatible with regular workstation motherboards.

If this is compatible I would use the 4GB stick I remove from the Dell Optiplex and put it in one of our identical model machines so this unused server memory could end up doubling 2 of our workstations' RAM.

 

[rgd1101]

http://topics-cdn.dell.com/pdf/optiplex-3020-desktop_Owner's%20Manual_en-us.pdf
under "Technical Specifications"
"up to 1600 MHz DDR3 Synch DRAM Non-ECC memory"

 

[king3pj]

I get a 404 error when I click your link but from the part you quoted it looks like ECC RAM is not supported.

 

[rgd1101]

I get a 404 error when I click your link but from the part you quoted it looks like ECC RAM is not supported.

Just google the dell and goto the dell product site. And yes it do NOT support ECC ram

 

[king3pj]

Thanks for the quick help. It's unfortunate that this RAM will go unused but at least I didn't waste time opening up machines.