What does this ECC memory mean?

[Scorpio 72472]

Hello, 

https://www.startech.com.bd/gigabyte-b450-aorus-elite-amd-motherboard

 

What do the memory slot options mean on this board? What's ECC and non-ECC and unbuffered ECC. 

I'm very confused about these options

 

And which one would be recommend for gaming? (1x8gb 3200 mhz stick)

[Jurrunio]

All you need to know is that ECC is a function you don't use and can be turned off on systems that doesnt support it, while buffered memory is so different to unbuffered memory that consumer AM4 boards cannot use them at all.

[SupaKomputa]

For gaming don't worry about it, you don't need it. ECC is for server applications where data integrity is the utmost importance.

[Mira Yurizaki]

ECC memory is memory that has additional functionality to detect and correct errors. This is only a concern if reliability of that sort is absolutely critical, like in data centers and the like.

 

For gaming, it doesn't matter, but you should just stick with regular RAM.

[porina]

Short answer: buy non-ECC and don't worry about it.

 

Longer answer: Ryzen supports ECC which can detect/correct ram errors. Generally only used where such errors could have severe consequences. Ram also comes in buffered and unbuffered variations. Buffered ram is typically only used in server systems where you need a huge quantity, and is needed to help support that.

[Princess Luna]

6 minutes ago, M.Yurizaki said:

For gaming, it doesn't matter, but you should just stick with regular RAM.

It does matter but for the wrong reasons, remember ECC adds a whole extra "double checking step" which actually hinders gaming performance.

 

So common folk, stay away from it~

[Mira Yurizaki]

5 minutes ago, Princess Cadence said:

It does matter but for the wrong reasons, remember ECC adds a whole extra "double checking step" which actually hinders gaming performance.

 

So common folk, stay away from it~

I'd argue it's within a noise margin: https://www.techspot.com/article/845-ddr3-ram-vs-ecc-memory/

 

The only reason why the common folk should stay away from ECC is because what it's trying to prevent is an extremely infrequent occurrence and you're paying extra for that.

Edited December 5, 2018 by M.Yurizaki

[Princess Luna]

1 minute ago, M.Yurizaki said:

.

"Crucial has a statement on their knowledge base that ECC memory will decrease your computer's performance by about 2% compared to standard memory. "

 

Well nobody likes paying more for less hehe, even if it's a slow margin I think it has somewhat worth mentioning after all we see people paying considerable extra to get a lower timing memory kit that will at best provide these same "2%" improvements.

 

Either ways like the conclusion says, non-ECC non-buffered memory is what OP should look for and since he wants a Ryzen build dual channel and at least 3000mhz rated memory is advisable.