[SOLVED] Why is server memory (ECC) cheaper than non-ECC?

[ManOfArc]

The above question plus...
Will ECC RAM work with the FX-8350?

 

[velocityg4]

The major issue is registered or unbuffered. Registered memory generally won't work. Most of that cheap server memory is registered.

ECC unbuffered often works. It just switches to non-ECC mode. Not all motherboards will work with ECC though.

It is so cheap because the market is flooded. Most companies don't want a used server. As reliability is more important than cost. Bigger companies only run their servers a few years. Once they start getting retired. The used market gets loaded up with parts. Which is great for workstation owners looking for cheap upgrades.