A technician is upgrading the RAM in a server that requires Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory. The existing memory modules are Unbuffered ECC (UDIMM ECC). Which of the following memory types would be compatible and provide ECC functionality for this server?
- AUnbuffered Non-ECC (UDIMM Non-ECC)
- BLaptop SODIMM ECC
- CRegistered ECC (RDIMM ECC)
- DLoad-Reduced ECC (LRDIMM ECC)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Registered ECC (RDIMM ECC)
While both UDIMM ECC and RDIMM ECC provide error correction, they are generally not interchangeable on the same motherboard. Most servers support either UDIMM ECC or RDIMM ECC, but not both simultaneously. Given the options, if the question implies an upgrade path where the motherboard *could* support RDIMM (which is common in servers), or if UDIMM ECC is unavailable, RDIMM would be the next consideration for ECC. However, if the server *only* supports UDIMM ECC, then none of the options are strictly compatible for a direct upgrade. The question asks 'compatible and provide ECC functionality', and RDIMM provides ECC functionality and is a common server memory type. This is a tricky question as UDIMM vs RDIMM is critical. Assuming a server motherboard that *can* support RDIMM (which is typical for many servers), it's a valid ECC option. If the server is strictly UDIMM ECC only, then the question is flawed. Given the options, RDIMM is the only other server-grade ECC type.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Unbuffered Non-ECC (UDIMM Non-ECC) lacks ECC functionality, making it unsuitable for this server.
- B. Laptop SODIMM ECC is incorrect due to form factor and common usage (SODIMM is for laptops, not typically servers).
- D. Load-Reduced ECC (LRDIMM ECC) is a more advanced server memory type, typically not interchangeable with UDIMM ECC, and generally used for very high-capacity systems. It's less likely to be a direct 'compatible' upgrade from UDIMM ECC than RDIMM if the motherboard allows for a switch.
ECC Memory Types
Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory includes additional circuitry to detect and correct common types of internal data corruption, crucial for servers and critical systems.
- Unbuffered ECC (UDIMM ECC) is common in entry-level servers and workstations.
- Registered ECC (RDIMM ECC) uses a register to buffer data, improving stability and scalability for higher capacities.
- Load-Reduced ECC (LRDIMM ECC) uses a memory buffer to reduce electrical load, enabling even higher capacities.
- ECC and non-ECC memory are generally not interchangeable on the same motherboard.
Memory trick: Servers 'R.U.L.E.' with RAM: Registered, Unbuffered, Load-reduced, ECC.