Hi, pllowenstein.

Dell usually uses non ECC RDRAM In it's computers and ECC RDRAM in it's servers.


Bev.

In my Dell Dimension 8100, Dell has installed 2X128MB RD RAM(PC-800) with ECC(with parity). It's very expensive. Recently I have installed 2 more 256MB RD RAMs in other 2 empty slots and those are non-ECC RDRAMs(with no-parity). ECC RD RAMs are 3 times expensive than non-ECC RAMs in Australia...This is fr yr info..

Pushpa de Silva
Dimension 8100 running on 1.7GHz
Tag DQPW31S
pushpas@hotmail.com

You can tell what kind of RDRAM you have by entering the setup. It seems there is no set ram that Dell installs. For instance, my 8100 cam with 600MHz ECC.

Couple of things to be aware of...
You computer will always run at the lowest common denominator. This means it will run at non-ECC if non-ECC is installed and also at the slowest speed of the memories installed. So, unless you are willing to scrap what Dell installed, make sure you know what is in there before you buy something that your computer will not take advantage of.

Secondly, if you are looking for new ram, the common theme on these boards is that the Dell 8100 doesn't run well on "value" ram which is what you typically get for the cheapest prices at places like googlegear.com. I recommend starting at a place like kingston.com and use their excellent memory configurator.

Lastly, if you are using ME, there are problem with upgrading past 512 MB because it can't handle it. It's an Operation system problem, not a hardware problem.

Thanks for the information, but is there someway to determine if the RDRAM is ECC or non-ECC?

Thanks for the information. My Dell has 256mg RDRAM (PC-800), but I wonder how you tell if it is ECC or non-ECC? I am assuming, and hoping as it is cheaper, that it is non-ECC.



Message Edited on 04/10/02 04:02PM by pllowenstein