On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 10:20:18 GMT, Mark M
wrote:

CBFalconer wrote:

Nothing uses parity checking today - that requires writing
individual 9 bit bytes. Expanded to a 64 bit wide word (for
the various Pentia etc.) the parity or ECC bits both fit in an
extra 8 bits, i.e. a 72 bit wide word. If todays systems have
no ECC they have no checking of any form. ECC is actually no
harder to handle on wide words.

Memory configurations that can use parity can use ECC, the
reverse is not true.

Exception - some embedded systems with smaller memory paths
may use parity.


Does the motherboard have to support ECC?

Or can you always put a stick of ECC memeory where there had been
non-ECC memory before?

For ECC to work, the motherboard has to support it. If you put ECC in a
motherboard that doesn't support ECC, it will usually operate just fine,
but with no Error correction.

JT