Can I use ECC Memory on Dell Dimension 9100?

Question

I bought 2x512M PC2-5300 DDR2 667 ECC Memory from Ebay, but they cannot be used on my Dell Dimension 9100, I think it's because the i945 motherboard does not support ECC Memory. what can I do to Change the ECC Memory to non-ECC Memory, or to make the i945 motherboard support ECC Memory?

Answer 1

Nope. re-sell the ECC memory to someone who can use it, then go to http://www.crucial.com and use their memory configurator to get what you NEED.

Answer 2

According to the owner's manual, it doesn't state whether ECC or non-ECC is supported. Actually, it says only to "ensure that you do not mix ECC and non-ECC memory" (under Memory heading).

That said though, I'm having a similar issue trying to install two hynix 1GB PC2-3200 sticks to my existing 2x 512MB PC2-4200s. According to the manual, this configuration should be fine, although all four sticks would be running at the slower speed (3200). I do not know if the hynix sticks are ECC or not, but my Dell 9100 won't except them no matter what configuration I use: all 4 sticks, matched pairs to connectors; just the new PC2-3200s by themselves; even using just a single PC2-3200 won't work. I get the diagnostic lights 1 and 3 (bad memory configuration or compatibility error) along with the corresponding beep code.

It would be kind of nice if the Dell manual had things a bit more clear.

edit:
OK, figured mine out. My original 512 sticks (also by hynix - 512MB 1Rx8 PC2-4200U-444-11-A1) are non-ECC and my new PC2-3200s are registered ECC. So that would explain why the two pairs could not go together, but still doesn't explain why the PC2-3200 ECC pair couldn't be installed by themselves.

Answer 3

Umm, you can't force either to change unless you know how to manufacture either one by hand, LOL!

It's time to put the modules back up on eBay if your board doesn't support ECC. This time around, double-check your manual first. Then go to http://www.pricewatch.com to find the best prices. Stay away from generic brands and go with name brands like Corsair, Crucial, OCZ, Micron, Kingston, or Samsung.

Answer 4

there is especially plenty a 50/50 threat of it working. it is not *meant* to artwork, yet each and every so often it *does*. surely, the perfect thank you to be sure would be to bypass forward and attempt it out. If it does not artwork, returning it would be no subject - merely tell them it did no longer artwork on your motherboard.