Linux: HowTo Identify Server ECC Memory Modules

ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory is a type of RAM (Random Access Memory) that is used in servers and other high-end computing systems. It is designed to detect and correct errors that can occur during data transfer, which makes it less prone to data corruption and system crashes.

To identify ECC memory modules on a Linux system, you can use a few different methods:

1. Check the system's BIOS or EFI settings: Many systems provide an option in the BIOS or EFI settings to enable or disable ECC memory support. You can check the system's BIOS or EFI settings to see if ECC memory is enabled.

2. Check the system's hardware documentation: If you have the system's hardware documentation, it should include information on whether the system uses ECC memory.

3. Use the dmesg command: The dmesg command displays system messages, including information about hardware components. You can use it to check for messages related to ECC memory. For example, you can use the following command:

dmesg | grep -i "ecc"

This will search the output of dmesg for any lines that contain the word "ecc". If the system has ECC memory, you should see messages related to it.

4. Use the dmidecode command: The dmidecode command can be used to display detailed information about the system's hardware components, including the type of memory installed. You can use it to check for ECC memory by running the following command:

sudo dmidecode -t memory | grep -i "ecc"

This will search the output of dmidecode for any lines that contain the word "ecc". If the system has ECC memory, you should see information about it in the output.

5. Check the memory module labels: ECC memory modules often have a label or sticker on them that indicates that they are ECC modules. You can check the labels on the memory modules to see if they are labeled as ECC.

Note that not all systems support ECC memory, and even if a system does support it, it may not be enabled by default. Additionally, some systems may not provide a way to easily identify whether ECC memory is being used. In these cases, you may need to consult the system's documentation or contact the manufacturer for more information.