A computer system for correction of errors in a memory array includes an
error correction algorithm and a memory. The error correction algorithm
is capable of correcting errors up to a first bit error rate in a
correctable group of memory cells having a standard size. The memory is
operative to store a first set of ECC bits having information
corresponding to a first group of memory cells having a first size larger
than the standard size, and to store a second set of ECC bits having
information corresponding to a second group of memory cells having a
second size smaller than said first size and being a portion of said
first group. The error correction algorithm is operative to correct
errors in the second group based on the second set of ECC bits if a
failure occurs in correction of the first group based on the first set of
ECC bits.