A system includes a memory controller, a buffer, a first channel to couple the memory controller to the buffer, and a second channel to couple the buffer to a memory. The first channel and second channel are to transmit a codeword including a plurality of symbols. A symbol is formed from a plurality of bursts based on data access of the memory. The memory controller is to identify a memory error based on a corrupted symbol pattern of the codeword. The memory controller is to discriminate between a chip failure, a first pin failure of the first channel, and a second pin failure of the second channel, as being a type of the memory error, according to the corrupted symbol pattern.