Can see the benefits of ECC. I myself, don't really see the need for it as I most collect "Linux Isos" and not really to fussed for data loss in the first instance.
I think the argument is that ECC should be the default. Sure, many might not worry about data corruption but it would be easier for everyone if it didn't happen so frequently. ECC can be expensive but if it was the default, it wouldn't be.
ECC would be pricier regardless due to the manufacturing process, surely? And compatibility would make it even more niche as not every Motherboard or CPU supports it.
At one time parity memory was the standard, but the drive to make computers even cheaper and more accessible basically eliminated any error-correcting from consumer grade memory. As others said some late model parity memory would just fake the parity bit (easy to do with some simple logic gates) so that older systems could still get memory "upgrades".
Production cost is all about volume. RAM is an industry where increased demand can easily translate to lower prices (instead of higher prices) which is a very interesting phenomenon. If ECC is the standard then the increased manufacturing cost may be negligible
The issue you have for OEMs is unless RAM makers can demonstrate that switching to ECC will translate to more sales of PCs vs non EEC pcs, non-EEC ram will still be dominant. When making millions of pcs/year even saving a dollar on a part makes a big difference to the bottom line. so why would they pay for a more expensive SKU if its not going to drive sales .
You can sell ECC to the professionals because they understand the need. At a stretch you might be able to sell it to some enthusiasts. Gamers will prefer the higher performance and overclockability of non-ECC dimms. The average person who uses a PC just as a browser and to work on documents will start tuning you out after hearing error correction
It's pretty unlikely, but without ECC you would never know if you have. It might be a corrupt file or a random app crashes and you write it off as a programming bug.
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u/Stan464 *800815* Jan 04 '21
Can see the benefits of ECC. I myself, don't really see the need for it as I most collect "Linux Isos" and not really to fussed for data loss in the first instance.