Viking PC13332X72-CL3 256MB PC133 ECC CL3 DIMM Memory

Rating:
Summary: Do You Need ECC?
Review: ECC checks for errors, which is vital for servers/worksations and of the sort. ECC Ram really isn't a buy for a desktop, tends to run slower than the Non Parity, Non ECC PC133 SDRAM.

Do you have ECC Ram? To find out count the number of Black chips on one side of the memory, then divide by 3. If the quotient is a multiple of 3, then you have ECC Ram. Most cases, its 9 / 3 = 3 and you have ECC ram. Most Home Desktops usually do not carry the ECC feature, with only 8 Black chips. It is the 9th black chip that causes the bottleneck in the ram as it checks for errors, making sort of a "Traffic Jam" in the memory, thus reducing speed. This memory module is also Backward Compatible, which means you can run it on a 133, 100, or 66Mhz Bus, given the correct slot.

I would reccomend that you "Match" your ram for optimal performance. CAS Latency also plays a factor. The lower the number, the faster it performs when you click. It is also best that you match the latency. To check, there should be writing on the black chips on the memory you have in your system now. Don't be afraid to take it out, it clips right back in quite easily. The memory I am reviewing has a CAS Latency of 3. (3-3-3.) If that matchs your ECC Ram CAS Latency, you really don't have to give a second thought about it. This would be a reccomended buy only and only if you have ECC PC 133, even better if your old module carried the 3 CAS Latency. If not, Amazon carries a similar module, Non ECC for a reasonable and competitive price.