Non-ECC / ECC

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What is the thought of the group. My wife is using a Dell 8200 that uses RDRAM PC-800 non-ecc. I was given 2 sticks of ECC RAM (512 ea) Could they work in her system? Would it hurt to try?

Any opinions would be appreciated.

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I would doubt they would work.
Usually ECC and non ECC RAM are not compatible. In fact, the requirements for RAM are very strict in that you can’t mix various types of memory, be they ECC or not.

You could, of course, check with Dell tech support to verify this but don’t get your hopes up.

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You do not mention wether this is a Notebook or Desktop.

Goto here for Notebook Dell 8200 specifications.

Goto here for Desktop Dell 8200 specifications.

Based on your comment, I presume you are talking about a Desktop Dell 8200, in which case you can use EITHER non-ECC or ECC RDRAM PC800 memory sticks (64-, 128-, 256-, 512-MB).

You will have to use them in pairs.

HTH

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PLEASE NOTE: IN GENERAL Bob is 1000% correct ! ! !

Dell Desktop 8200 can use either non-ECC or ECC …

BUT MUST BE USED IN PAIRS. I would also NOT suggest putting a set of ECC in one set of slots and non-ECC in another set of slots. Although theoretically this will work provided they are ALL RDRAM PC800, even Dell Technicians don’t recommend this.

In other words, pick your poison (ECC or non-ECC) and stick with it ….

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If the ECC RAM is RDRAM (not SDRAM, DIMM, DDR) and you have the same or less memory in the 8200 I’d swap the memory. ECC RAM gives you some added protection against memory failure. Also, RDRAM is expensive so if you can more for go for it.

Joe

--Joe

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