Hey all,
I've read some of the posts in the archive about ECC memory, but I still can't decide if it's important for my needs.
I use a computer strictly for music production (recording, editing, mastering, etc), and it puts A LOT of strain on a system. Short of real-time video editing, it is the most strenuous activity you can put a PC through.
We value fast processors, fast hard drives, gobs of memory, and stripped down BIOSes and OS's. High-end audio cards (eg, RME, MOTU, etc.) are finicky about hardware choices, so the smallest details are important in a successful rig.
I am torn between the Asus P4C800, Asus P4P800, and Intel D875PBZ. Both the Asus boards offer APIC (extended IRQ's), but the Intel board does not (at least from what I read).
<b>But the item that I keep coming back to is ECC memory capability.</b>
If this weren't a deciding factor, I would choose the P4P800 hands down. But I plan to start with 1 GB of DDR400 (2 x 512MB DIMMS), and eventually upgrade to 2 GB (4 x 512MB).
<b>So how important is ECC with large memory banks?</b>
I've polled my friends in this niche, but haven't gotten much of a response. My current rig (800 MHz PIII) has ECC memory, but it was an easy choice (440Bx supports it, and it was negligible cost).
Any feedback / insight is appreciated.
Wiggum
I've read some of the posts in the archive about ECC memory, but I still can't decide if it's important for my needs.
I use a computer strictly for music production (recording, editing, mastering, etc), and it puts A LOT of strain on a system. Short of real-time video editing, it is the most strenuous activity you can put a PC through.
We value fast processors, fast hard drives, gobs of memory, and stripped down BIOSes and OS's. High-end audio cards (eg, RME, MOTU, etc.) are finicky about hardware choices, so the smallest details are important in a successful rig.
I am torn between the Asus P4C800, Asus P4P800, and Intel D875PBZ. Both the Asus boards offer APIC (extended IRQ's), but the Intel board does not (at least from what I read).
<b>But the item that I keep coming back to is ECC memory capability.</b>
If this weren't a deciding factor, I would choose the P4P800 hands down. But I plan to start with 1 GB of DDR400 (2 x 512MB DIMMS), and eventually upgrade to 2 GB (4 x 512MB).
<b>So how important is ECC with large memory banks?</b>
I've polled my friends in this niche, but haven't gotten much of a response. My current rig (800 MHz PIII) has ECC memory, but it was an easy choice (440Bx supports it, and it was negligible cost).
Any feedback / insight is appreciated.
Wiggum