RAM?

[FIRE_WIRE 0]

Ok i just need to know the difference between the two? Which one am i most likely to have and what is better?

[Dark Ranger 0]

PC DIMMs use 3.3V DRAM and come in two major classifications: Buffered and Unbuffered. Buffered PC DIMMs come with ECC (Error Correction Code) chips onboard, and Unbuffered PC DIMMs may come with or without ECC chips.

The difference between buffered & unbuffered memory is this:

Buffered modules contain a buffer to help the chipset cope with the large electrical load required for large amounts of memory transfers. The buffer electrically isolates the memory from the controller to minimize the load that the chipset sees. However, unbuffered modules are the most common. In unbuffered memory, the chipset controller deals directly with the memory. There is nothing between the chipset and the memory as they communicate.

Registered modules are unbuffered modules containing a register which delays all information transferred to the module by one clock cycle. This is usually done on modules with a large amount of memory to help ensure that the data is properly handled. The design of the computer's memory controller dictates which type of RAM must be used and buffered and unbuffered RAM cannot be mixed. Most buffered and registered modules also have ECC and are used in high-performance systems, where it is important that the data is properly handled.

I'm assuming you have a prefab system yes? Two things you can do:

1. Call your Support Hotline to find out which type your PC uses

2. Consult your documentation that came with your computer for Make and Model of your Motherboard, or, some PC companies (like Gateway), keep your account on file. Therefore, you can search for your PC with your Serial number or the like. It will usually list the motherboard there. Then search for it on the Manufactures website to obtain the correct memory type for your board. (if you have an ASUS board for example, go to ASUS's site and search your Model for info)

My guess is that you use Unbuffered. As far as what is better, it depends entirely on what your motherboard takes. You cannot mix the two or use Buffered on an Unbuffered board. Buffered is technically better performance wise, albiet more expensive. Just be sure you get a board that can use Buffered (with or without ECC) if that is the way you want to go.

Hope this helps ya

[Stinger 0]

I'll say a couple things, ECC is almost never ever used by the Ram. It may be used by it once or twice a month or less, according to tests and studies done. And your system if its prefab has unbuffered, no doubt at all. Prefab companys are cheap and they dont give a rats, unless you have a prefab intended for server use then you can assume you have unbuffered.