Yes, ECC RAM can function in a desktop setup if properly installed and configured.
Yes, ECC RAM can function in a desktop setup if properly installed and configured.
I'm checking if upgrading to RAM would fit your current system. Your i7 5930k runs on an ASUS x99 Deluxe board. I'm curious if ECC RAM could work here, even though it's not officially supported. I also noticed a lot of server RAM on eBay and saw some info online about ECC compatibility.
Unregistered/unbuffered ECC RAM functions, while registered/buffered ECC RAM does not. As long as the ECC RAM remains unregistered or unbuffered, it should operate properly, though you won't access the ECC capabilities since the 5930K lacks ECC support. To determine if your RAM is registered or buffered, check the part number—Google should provide the information.
Checking most of what I saw on Ebay confirms it's registered, which means the price for RAM isn't that low.
It's worth noting that the X99 platform works with registered ECC processors using Xeon chips. While most boards don't officially support it, I've successfully used it on three different boards.
To verify this from a functional perspective, check the system behavior directly rather than relying solely on BIOS/OS documentation.
It can be verified via ECC injection, though availability varies by CPU and chipset. The Pro version of memtest86 incorporates this feature. Generally, it introduces artificial memory errors to ensure proper operation.
I'm using an X99 Deluxe II with 64GB Samsung 2400 ECC and a budget Xeon 1660V3 overclocked. Your 59MHz processor won't fit ECC memory since it's turned off for that chip. ECC compatibility is generally adaptable on this board but doesn't function with some newer components. Check the QVL listings from Asus or Puget PC to see which modules and configurations are supported. This board is solid, but you'll need a Xeon V3 for overclocking or a V4 if you have a 2xxx chip with more cores. Best of luck!