ECC stands for Error Correcting Code. It is also referred to as parity memory. ECC is more advanced than non-parity because it can detect both multiple-bit errors and single-bit errors; while non-parity memory only detects single-bit errors. ECC is typically found in higher-end PC’s and file servers where data integrity is key.

At the 64-bit word level, parity-checking and ECC require the same number of extra bits. In general, ECC increases the reliability of any computing or telecommunications system (or part of a system) without adding much cost. Reed-Solomon codes are commonly implemented; they're able to detect and restore "erased" bits as well as incorrect bits.