Monday, May 21, 2007
Desktop and notebook computers may need to adopt error-correcting code (ECC) memory to combat rising system crashes from single-bit memory errors, according to a confidential white paper written by Microsoft Corp. The software giant raised the issue in a panel discussion on memory at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference here although it admits its data on system failures is still inconclusive.
For about four years Microsoft has been collecting data through its Online Crash Analysis (OCA) tool that reports system crashes to a Microsoft Web site. About 18 months ago it began sharing OCA data and the white paper with systems and chip makers. According to one source, the report said single-bit error rates in DRAM are now among the top ten causes of systems failures.
Microsoft admits the data is still inconclusive because OCA does not provide enough detail about the types of systems that crash and the memory they use. As it tries to improve the tool, Microsoft is asking OEMs to help provide more data and to consider ECC memory in desktops and notebooks.
Today ECC memory is widely used in PC servers. But so far desktop, notebook and many chip makers have resisted the move because it would add costs in the form of extra DRAM chips on a module and upgraded memory controllers in chip sets.
Some system maker in the audience at the WinHEC panel expressed support for a move to ECC, but DRAM makers on the panel were still skeptical.
By: DocMemory
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