ECC RAM for 3d workstations?

[Roger]

Is there really any benefit to using ECC RAM over regular RAM for an AM 3D workstation?   Or is non-ECC RAM perfectly fine?   

[Fuchur]

You really do not need ECC, but it will not harm of cause.
If you can get it for a reasonable price, use it, otherwise just get normal one.

Best regards
*Fuchur*

[robcat2075]

My understanding is that the motherboard has to be built for it and that it is not a plug-in swap for non-ECC

[Fuchur]

Of cause. Your MB should support it, your CPU should too and of cause the chipset needs to support it (but if your motherboard does it and the CPU can be run on it, that will say that anyway).
Build your PC to support it IF it is not much more expensive, otherwise: Just leave it out.
AMD has build in support for ECC for all CPUs on AM3 and higher (AM4 is current).

For intel not all are supporting it and you need to have a good look at the CPU you buy there if you want it.

Best regards
*Fuchur*

[robcat2075]

Somehow we get by without the error correcting, but how? If errors are as common as the Wikipedia article says our computers would be barely functional.

[Fuchur]

Software/controllers/OSes are in general  dealing with it. It is decreasing the performance a little because it has to be done, but it really is not that aparent to the end user.
As a normal user you are not going to notice it in general. If you are in scientific environment that might be much more important.

Best regards
*Fuchur*

[Roger]

So what you're saying is I shouldn't feel bad I'm just using regular RAM unless I need to start launching rockets into orbit. 

[Fuchur]

Perfectly summarized ;).

Best regards
*Fuchur*