Chipsets and ECC memory
I just closed out a question about memory and the 915 chipset. Now I realize I have another question.
How much would I have to change on my PowerSpec 7110 to be able to install ECC memory? I.e. since the 915 chipset doesn't support ECC, can the chipset be changed? If so, what does that involve? Is it just a replacable component or is it so integral to the otherboard that it isn't practical to consider?
Ron Hicks
How much would I have to change on my PowerSpec 7110 to be able to install ECC memory? I.e. since the 915 chipset doesn't support ECC, can the chipset be changed? If so, what does that involve? Is it just a replacable component or is it so integral to the otherboard that it isn't practical to consider?
Ron Hicks
Gary Case
It would require a new motherboard.
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I should correct a statement in the above comment: "... In reality, one can indeed change the Chipset ..." ==> NO !! Not in ANY realistic way. Modern motherboards are multi-layered printed circuit boards with very complex circuit schematics, and to change the topology of the circuit wiring to accomodate a different chipset is simply not possible. There is NO realistic way to change the chipset on a board -- that's essentially a complete redesign !!
... even if one was to resort to physical wiring between IC sockets for the new chipset, modern chipsets work at such high frequencies and have such critical reactive tolerances that the wires alone would keep the system from functioning properly !!
... even if one was to resort to physical wiring between IC sockets for the new chipset, modern chipsets work at such high frequencies and have such critical reactive tolerances that the wires alone would keep the system from functioning properly !!
ASKER
Thanks. Now I know what I have to do, if I decide to do anything at all. Two more servers with ECC memory and swap the SATA drives in my current boxes for the drives that come with the new ones so as to avoid the whole reinstallation of Windows 2k3, apps, home directories, and Exchange, etc.
Not quite so simply: new servers with a different chipset will require a new installation of Windows 2003. If you stay with a SIMILAR chipset (e.g. an Intel 925 or 945) you MAY be able to just do as you said, and boot the old drives -- Windows will find a lot of new devices, etc., but MAY work okay (I've done this when going from an 865 to 875 chipset and vice-versa and it worked; but haven't tried it with 915/925). If it works, then you'll just need to re-activate Windows (easy) and all should be well.
... but in general New Chipset ==> New Install
... but in general New Chipset ==> New Install
ASKER
Ouch. Thanks. I think I would never have suspected that. Ron