Xeon vs Core i7 for ECC memory: Only Xeon gives you real error correction

Intel locks ECC support to Xeon CPUs on consumer platforms—your i7-9700K’s memory controller lacks the circuitry, so ECC DIMMs just run as non-ECC. For actual error correction on that board, you need a Xeon E-2200 series like the E-2288G. Always check the CPU’s official specs; ECC support is listed separately.