ECC Tester FAQ

The ECC Tester doesn't appear to be injecting errors as expected?

  • Injection of errors is only possible when the machine is under load, they cannot be injected when the machine is idle. We recommend running BurnInTest or MemTest86 at the same time to ensure the system is under load when testing.

Can I inject errors into a system with non-ECC RAM?

  • It is not recommended. Error injection is possible, but this typically will crash machines that don't have ECC RAM.

Can the ECC Tester monitor voltages on the memory bus?

  • Yes, the ECC Tester can monitor voltages on the memory bus, even on systems without ECC RAM.

Can I program the 4 buttons on the ECC Tester?

  • The buttons on the ECC Tester can be configured to perform the same function, or to complete different functions. These functions include inserting a single error or a sequence of errors. If a button is programmed to generate a sequence of errors, then the user should set the number of pulses, duration and time gap. This can be done via the included software, ECCTest.

Will the ECC Tester fit under my heat sink?

  • It depends on if your CPU heat sink extends over the top of the RAM modules. Typically, the total height of the interposer + a RAM module is 65mm. Check to ensure that there is enough clearance inside your case and from the CPU heatsink as per the dimensions below.
  • ECC Tester Dimensions

Which DDR4 pins can be tested with the ECC Tester?

  • For memory integrity testing, the pins that can be corrupted include the DQ0 and DQ2 pins from the data signal, and the CB0 and CB2 pins from the check bit signal. For voltage measurement testing, the pins that can be monitored are the VDD, VPP, VREFCA, and VTT pins. The location of each of these pins on a DDR4 ram stick is shown in the image below.
  • ECC Tester DDR4 Pin Out

Will this work on DDR3 or DDR5?

  • No, the current model supports DDR4 only. We might have a DDR5 version in the future.

What are the command line options to program the ECC Tester?

  • The command line interface contains four options: Reading the current voltage levels on the memory bus, setting the type of error generated when a button is pressed, retrieving the settings of a button, and injecting a memory error.

How should ECC errors appear in Windows if working correctly?

  • The screenshot below shows how injected errors appear in Windows Event Viewer (in the System log).
  • ECC Tester with Cable Connected

What comes in the ECC Tester package?

    • ECC Tester Interposer
    • Low profile USB cable (thin enough to fit between most RAM modules)
    • Windows application software (download)
    • Command line software (download)
  • ECC Tester with Cable Connected