Is ECC RAM worth the extra money?

Question

I run fairly intensive 2D graphics apps and work with very large file sizes. The ECC RAM costs $70 to $100 bucks more in the computer I am looking to buy. Is it necessary? What kind of speed increase would it equal, if any?

Answer 1

My MB requires ECC memory. If you have a choice then I suggest skipping it and buying regular memory.

For your application which is a non-server app there would be no reason to buy it.

Remember that 32 bit OS can only 'see' 4GB of memory. More then that and your wasting money.

Answer 2

ECC RAM is "error correcting code" memory, which contains a special bit that will help correct errors in your memory automatically.  You will actually see some performance decrease, and never an increase because a little extra time is devoted to these error correctors instead of the system.  I would read the following article and see if you feel that it is necessary.  I personally say no, as ECC is used primarily in data-sensitive server applications where protecting data is critical.  For what you want to do, the quantity of memory is more important than having ECC.

Answer 3

ecc is more for server mb's