Starting your first PC build is exciting! It’s a great way to learn about components and customization.
Starting your first PC build is exciting! It’s a great way to learn about components and customization.
Hey everyone, I wanted to clarify my setup. I have a used Aliexpress machine from Mr9A Pro X99 motherboard and an Xeon E5-2690 CPU. The seller mentioned it needs DDR4 ECC RAM but said he’s tried others without success. After some searching with limited details on AliExpress parts, I’m worried about using non-ECC DDR4 RAM—could that harm the board or CPU?
Potential issues could arise, leading to possible damage. These Chinese "X99" boards (often C612) tend to exhibit odd BIOS behavior frequently due to reverse engineering efforts or board modifications. Although the CPU and hardware function without buffering and without ECC checks, it's unclear whether the board manufacturer invested in ensuring proper non-ECC operation. While I usually anticipate the opposite—where the board actually enables ECC properly—I’d be willing to try if non-ECC DDR4 is available. If you’re using unregistered DDR4 ECC, it should work with unregistered non-ECC RAM, which is typically more affordable on platforms like eBay. Unless your friend insists on unbuffered ECC for cost reasons, it’s safer to opt for registered DIMMs instead of risking compatibility.
Thank you very much for the detailed clarification. It makes a big difference. Especially with items from unique brands.