ECC RAM - Reliability Memory for Critical Applications
ECC Memory
For many critical applications, especially in the server and workstation sectors, ECC memory is an indispensable component for a truly reliable system. While a single bit error (soft error) in the memory of a gaming PC, for example, rarely has fatal consequences, such an error is intolerable in a file server. Therefore, ECC memory is commonly used. Some consumer motherboards support ECC, but not all do.
Preventing Corrupted Data and Crashes
ECC memory enables the system to correct individual "flipped" bits—such as a 1 where a 0 should be, or vice versa—and detect two faulty bits per 64-bit data word. This allows for automatic correction of 1-bit errors and detection of the much rarer 2-bit errors. As a result, the affected program can be terminated in a controlled manner instead of continuing to operate with erroneous data. Causes of such errors include the ageing of memory cells over time and ionizing radiation, which occurs to a small extent everywhere.