[agapon]

This does not seem to be true in practice. I use ECC on my systems and they are configured to log any ECC error. And I see ECC erros almost never. Mostly ECC errors start appearing on very old systems when something in hardware becomes bad because of the age (even if just oxidized contacts). I am not sure if I've ever seen a truly random ECC error.

[jeffbee]

What do you mean by "very old"? This study, which is the only comprehensive public data of which I am aware, says that onset of DRAM errors occurs after 10-18 months.

https://storage.googleapis.com/pub-tools-public-publication-...

[LargoLasskhyfv]

I've read such studies with great interest, and i prefer ECC whenever possible, but i think these don't necessarily apply to desktops, at least partially.

I think the environment in racks for nodes in whichever formfactor in racks is toxic. Be it EMF interference, power distribution issues, vibrations, and/or temperature. You don't have that in a single system at home, when it is built in a good way, and has stable power. Or at least to a lesser degree.

[agapon]

Very old -- like 10+ years old.