Find 4 GB sticks of DDR3 ECC

[adampower]

I would like to build a home server with ecc ram. However, model numbers, manufacturers, most resellers, etc. seem to make it as difficult as possible to figure out which module is ECC and which is non ECC.

Here is the spec from my proposed mobo. Looking at ASUS M4A78LT-M LE mATX

2 x DIMM, Max. 8 GB, DDR3 1800(O.C.)/1600(O.C.)/1333/1066 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory

Please help me find a 4GB stick (or two) of DDR3 ECC ram which is actually sold at NCIX, Newegg, or wherever.



thanks,
Adam

 

[jaquith]

It really depends upon what CPU you have, Athlon 64/Athlon 64 FX/Athlon 64 X2/Opteron/754-pin Sempron etc support it and then you got the ECC + Un-buffered limitation vs registered ECC RAM. Never mix ECC and non-ECC.

ECC RAM {left column check ECC} http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=M4A78LT-M%20LE

 

[adampower]

Thanks for the link. I hadn't thought of purchasing directly from Crucial but that might just be the easiest way to go. Prices are similar to what I see on other sites but my frustration comes from matching mobo and ram and then finding the identical sticks for sale. It seems ASUS has a limited number of 'approved' sticks and none of the part numbers seem to match up when I search retail sites.

I haven't purchased anything yet but I'm leaning towards an ATHLON II 160u AD160UEAK13GQ Which is based on the Regor core? I plan on running a zfs file system based on freeBSD which does not seem cpu intensive. However, I may upgrade this processor if it turns out that it limits gigabit file transfers. Most important for zfs is ram... I think.

Will this mobo/cpu combo make use of the ECC ram? I mean to say will it error check?

However, this mobo will not boot on REGISTERED ecc.. correct?

 

[jaquith]

You cannot use the registered-ECC that is correct. The QVL lists are both outdated and very limited. I've found not mixing RAM to be a smarter move, but since you've purchased nothing yet a non issue.

Supposedly, the Athlon II family supports ECC. Good luck finding that out on AMD's site. However, Forums are NOT official guarantees. And AMD's tech documents 'blow.'

So if it were 'me' I would contact AMD -> http://www.amd.com/us/aboutamd/contact-us/Pages/contact-us.aspx

---
Info I could find, no ECC info listed!
Specs - http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/AMD-Athlon%20II%20160u%20-%20AD160UEAK13GQ.html

Overview - http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/
160U - http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/TYPE-Athlon%20II.html

AMD - http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/processors/athlon-ii-x2/Pages/AMD-athlon-ii-x2-processor-model-numbers-feature-comparison.aspx

AMD 160U - http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/processors/athlon-ii-x2/Pages/amd-athlon-ii-pib.aspx

 

[adampower]

Wow, thanks jaquith! I really like that cpu-world you brought me to.

I'll send AMD an email about what I'm doing and see if I get any response, intelligent or otherwise. I will post it here.

I always thought the ecc function was related to the motherboard but it seems the line between northbridge, southbridge, memory controller, and cpu is getting increasingly blurred. So there is good reason to contact AMD.

Price on the chip is $33.51 so the worst case scenario is that I require a more powerful replacement. Also, I've never tried to unlock a core so this might be a little fun too. However, I don't know if I can check whether ECC is working, or working correctly, so I would like a note from AMD, or even ASUS, saying that it WILL work with my chosen hardware. ECC is important to me as there is no sense writing corrupt data to a 'SAFE' file system such as ZFS. I plan to generate TB of video, photos, saved movies for the HTPC, etc. as my kids have this amazing ability to watch the same things over and over and over...

 

[adampower]

Best answer selected by adampower.

 

[jaquith]

Depends on the CPU, the newer CPUs are all IMC {Integrated Memory Controller}; memory controller is on the CPU; before, you're correct. IMC -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_controller It very simple to activate a core assuming the CPU is one that has a dormant core like the 3-core.

CPU-Z will identify ECC and other info - http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
Use Memtest to test & identify RAM and properties - create a bootable CD/DVD {ISO/zip file} - http://www.memtest.org/

CPU-Z note the grayed-out right column for ECC info:

Memtest note the ECC message:

vs

 

[adampower]

Thanks jaquith. I plan to run memtest and test my hardware through and through. I promise to keep you posted.

 

[adampower]

Response from AMD is positive... and straightforward.. Thanks Michael.

Dear Adam,

Your service request : SR #{ticketno:[8200403569]} has been reviewed and updated.

Response and Service Request History:

Thank you for contacting AMD. The AMD Athlon II 160u does support ECC memory. However, please be aware that the memory controller only supports unregistered/unbuffered DIMMs. So you would need to locate ECC unregistered/unbuffered memory and verify those sticks are compatible with your motherboard as well.

If you do have any other questions, please let me know.

-------------------

I'll hit 'buy now' and ask the wife to pick it up Thursday! I'm going to try this ram

http://www.a-power.com/product-19106

Kingston KVR1333D3E9SK2/8G ddr3 1333 ecc unbuffered.

 

[jaquith]

Well at least it is confirmed. I realize how important it is to get it right. I'm glad AMD confirmed and helped!

Good Luck!