[SOLVED] What is Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory?

[chenjohn274]

What is Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory? How will I know if the RAM has that specification?

 

[punkncat]

Because it will be specified that it isn't or isn't.

Most typical RAM is non ECC. Most "server" class RAM is.

 

[jimmysmitty]

ECC is error correcting RAM. It has an additional bit in order to make sure the data is correct. It typically also means the memory is slower than non ECC RAM.

Buffered RAM also serves a similar purpose in data integrity. Its typically slower.

Both add cost to the memory and are usually used in workstations, servers and HPC applications.

Most consumer RAM is non-ECC and non-buffered. It will usually state if it is or is not on the product description.

 

[chenjohn274]

ECC is error correcting RAM. It has an additional bit in order to make sure the data is correct. It typically also means the memory is slower than non ECC RAM.

Buffered RAM also serves a similar purpose in data integrity. Its typically slower.

Both add cost to the memory and are usually used in workstations, servers and HPC applications.

Most consumer RAM is non-ECC and non-buffered. It will usually state if it is or is not on the product description.

Hi, Thankyou for replying. Regarding this product:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RM39V5F/ref=psdc_172500_t2_B0134EW7G8 what is that PC4-28800 number? Is it the higher, the better?

 

[jimmysmitty]

Correct the higher the better but its also going to depend on what your CPU and motherboard support. But to break it down:

PC4 - Basically the same as DDR4

28800 - the amount of bits transferred per second

Most CPUs and boards will instead rely on the frequency for support, for example most current Intel CPUs support up to DDR4 2666MHz while most current AMD chips (3rd gen Ryzen) will support up to DDR4 3200.

 

[chenjohn274]

Correct the higher the better but its also going to depend on what your CPU and motherboard support. But to break it down:

PC4 - Basically the same as DDR4

28800 - the amount of bits transferred per second

Most CPUs and boards will instead rely on the frequency for support, for example most current Intel CPUs support up to DDR4 2666MHz while most current AMD chips (3rd gen Ryzen) will support up to DDR4 3200.

So the MHz number matters more than the PC4 number?!

 

[Darkbreeze]

Correct the higher the better but its also going to depend on what your CPU and motherboard support. But to break it down:

PC4 - Basically the same as DDR4

28800 - the amount of bits transferred per second

Most CPUs and boards will instead rely on the frequency for support, for example most current Intel CPUs support up to DDR4 2666MHz while most current AMD chips (3rd gen Ryzen) will support up to DDR4 3200.

Natively. Those are the numbers for NATIVE support. When using XMP or manually overclocking, they may support much faster memory kits depending on the specifications of the motherboard and chipset. The CPU is rarely the limiting factor except as it pertains to the native, default memory speed support. I know you know that, but am just clarifying for the sake of others.

Both Intel and AMD platforms currently support much faster memory speeds on the premium chipsets.

 

[chenjohn274]

Natively. Those are the numbers for NATIVE support. When using XMP or manually overclocking, they may support much faster memory kits depending on the specifications of the motherboard and chipset. The CPU is rarely the limiting factor except as it pertains to the native, default memory speed support. I know you know that, but am just clarifying for the sake of others.

Both Intel and AMD platforms currently support much faster memory speeds on the premium chipsets.

I am so lost as to what you just said. Please clarify 😵

 

[Darkbreeze]

Please read ALL of these, and you should then know a lot more than you know now. If you have more questions afterwards, I'm sure one of us will be happy to clarify further. They are pretty easily understood so even a layman shouldn't have trouble picking up on the concepts offered. For the most part, in areas where DDR3 is stated because it is an older article, you can just as well apply the concepts to DDR4 so long as you understand that the two are different.

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-faq,4154.html

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ddr-dram-myths,4155.html#p1

Everything You Need To Know About DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 Memories | Hardware Secrets

www.hardwaresecrets.com

And my memory guide, which deals more with configuration and testing.

How To - Troubleshooting problems with PC memory (RAM) and XMP profile configurations

In the beginning, there was......BIOS Before you go ANY further, go to the manufacturer product page for your specific motherboard model AND revision. Revision is an important aspect because for any given motherboard there may be more than one version of that model which will be identified...

forums.tomshardware.com

But to answer your main question about what I posted previously, current Intel platforms generally support memory speeds up to 2666mhz, by default. That means they will automatically detect and run at those speeds. AMD current Gen platforms will generally do so up to 3200mhz by default.

Both platforms however can run faster memory kits if you enable the XMP, A-XMP or D.O.C.P profiles in the BIOS, IF the motherboard is a motherboard based on a chipset that allows support past a certain speed. Not all of them do. Generally, AMD does on all it's boards but some boards will only supports certain speeds. This is generally listed on the motherboard product page specifications.

Intel generally only supports faster than the default speed on it's unlocked chipsets for the most part, which are the Z series motherboards. The rest of them, the business chipsets, the budget chipsets like the B series boards and the H series boards, only support up to whatever the default maximum is for that CPU with no XMP profile capability if it is past that default speed.

 

[SkyNetRising]

So the MHz number matters more than the PC4 number?!

It's the same thing. PC4 number is 8x times ram frequency.

See here
DDR4 3600 (Pc4-28800)

28800 = 8 x 3600.