DDR3 v.s DDR2 RAM for Sony Z?

When configuring the Sony Z there is the option to have:

4 GB DDR3-SDRAM (DDR3-1066) or 4 GB DDR2-SDRAM (DDR3-800)
http://www.notebook.de/sony-vaio-vgn-z-serie-g-842/

Does the DDR3 RAM offer real life improvement of performance of the Sony Z?
If so, how much?

And is the DDR3 SDRAM really running at 1066MHz?

 

DDR3, at least in desktops, has shown minimal performance increases that do not justify the high cost. I assume the same goes for notebooks.

 

Thanks. I added another question: will the DDR3 RAM in Sony Z really run at 1066Mhz?

 

Some people say that DDR3 consumes less power than DDR2.
I don't know if it's true, but maybe someone could test this

 

I believe the DDR3 will run at that speed. But the PC6400 with CL5 vs CL7 (I have seen as 6&8 on desktop) and a FSB running faster than the RAM might make it perform better than the 1066Mhz RAM. I would not be surprised but well until I see benchmarks I can not be certain. Tough choice.

 

That's something I've read. notebook DDR3 is 1.5V and notebook DDR2 is 1.8V. Since W= V squared / R, this represents a 30% saving if the resistance and frequency are the same. I did a crude test a few days back which suggested that a 533MHz 1GB SODIMM used about 0.5W. 30% of that x 2 modules is only 0.3W, so not much difference in the context of 10W to 30W overall power consumption.

John

 

You're not going to be doing anything that realizes the performance potential of DDR3. Save your money and get the cheaper of the two.

 

And the potencial battery savings are minimal at best right now as well. You would be much much better served buying a spare battery with your money rather than DDR3.

 

Well I think you are right but what I'd like to know is: Is there any application at all that benefits from DDR3?

If so, what applications and how much do they benefit?

 

Any more input on the question: Is the SDRAM DDR3 in the Z really running at 1066Mhz?

I know that when some companies offered 800Mhz RAM for Santarosa is wat still running at 667Mhz.

 

Sony US only sells the VAIO Z with DDR3 RAM, they also say that the RAM runs at 1066Mhz:

Sony Germany says it is equipped with DDR2 RAM but also runs at 1066Mhz.

My opinion: your reseller wants to earn some money. The DDR2 RAM he sells is, according to him, PC2-5300, aka DDR2-667 running at 667Mhz, far from the stated 1066Mhz.
In my opinion the Z series is designed to run with DDR3, and should run with DDR3, maybe you can buy the DDR2 version, sell the sticks and upgrade it to DDR3 self.
Then you can also compare the power consumption difference and speed difference and report it us.
If the speed and power consumption difference is negligible, send the DDR3 RAM sticks back, because of incompatibility and kepp the DDR2 sticks.

 

DDR2 and DDR3 are not compatible! So above post? Well not helpful in anyway. DDR2 tops out at 800Mhz DDR3 starts at 800Mhhz. I believe it will run at speed but having not touched not going to give incorrect advice.

 

I'm sorry, powerpack is right, they are incompatible.

But then it's interesting to know why Sony Germany says, that the Vaio Z uses DDR2 ram.
And how the shop is able to sell the Sony Z with DDR2 or DDR3 ram.

Well, I think, PhilFlow, you have to contact the shop to clarify this.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I'll wait for Sony Europe to offer this laptop and see what specs they state.

 

New information in this PDF file http://forum.notebookreview.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21294

It seems both DDR2 and DDR3 is PC-8500 and runs at 1066Mhz.

 

I'm not convinced by that datasheet.

While it says DDR2 SDRAM under VGN-Z540EBB, it also says the RAM type is 3GB PC3-8500 (2GBx1 + 1GBx1). Which is exactly the same description as the RAM for the next two models on the sheet. Doesn't PC3 mean DDR3?

I can find no trace of any memory manufacturer offering DDR2 1066MHz. Although this wouldn't be the first time that Sony has come up with a special product, it's not going to be cheaper than a standard solution.

John

 

Check the JEDEC memory standards. I dont think they would make a DDR2 1066mhz

 

flip is correct DDR2 tops out at 800Mhz PC6400. But phil that is why I am not going to tell you yet 1066Mhz runs at speed? Wiki says the platform can use 1333Mhz but well from Santa Rosa we know what that means and I have seen PCMW's advertising 1333Mhz. Makes me less than fond of them. I do not see how memory can run faster than FSB and all?

 

DDR2 in a standard (JEDEC) configuration can top out at 1066 MHz but I haven't seen any SODIMMs at that speed yet but with the rise of gaming notebooks I don't imagine that it is far off (but DDR3 get the spoils of that war).
From a theoretical standpoint DDR3 will run cooler due to the lower voltage as well but I am sure the actual implementation of the notebook design lays a factor in it too.
Don't forget that DDR2 SODIMMs are 200pin and DDR3 SODIMMs are 204 pin and are keyed separately to boot.

 

I've seen some manufacturers offering overclocked PC-6400 @ 1066mz.
Only in desktops however. And if I recall, minimal performance gains.

 

I'm beginning to thing it's just a mistake on Sony Europe. DDR2 and DDR3 are not compatible so it's strange that Sony would make a versions of their laptop for Europe and another the rest of the world just to screw the EU over. Sony UK also lists it as 1066MHz which would indicate DDR3

 

I think so too.

 

There's an interesting comment at the Inquirer about the DDR2 / DDR3 issue. It seems that the extra bandwidth of DDR3 helps integrated graphics.

John

 

It seems it was a mistake from Sony. Sony Z does come with DDR3.

Sony UK website has been updated.

 

John, Thanks for the Article ... pretty interesting.

G!

 

I have wondered almost same question as I would like to buy Sony Z-series laptop with DDR3-1066 memory but Sony specs are so inconsistent that I don't know is there DD3 or DDR2 memory. I haven't seen any DDR2 SO-DIMM with 1066Mhz......Is it even possible with DDR2

 

Check that out. At least in USA there are some Z-models with DDR3 and some with DDR2

http://www.advizia.com/v41/Comparis...-Z540EBB|VGN-Z570N/B|VGN-Z550N/B|VGN-Z530N/B|

 

I am afraid that z- series PC8600 model with 320GB HDD model comes always with DDR2 memory.

And look this:

http://www.techradar.com/products/c.../sony-vaio-vgn-sr19vn-428132/review?artc_pg=1

"Slow memory

That the SR19 failed to improve on older laptops is not necessarily a surprise – as Intel's impressive performance claims are based on machines using the latest DDR3 memory. The Sony features slower and cheaper DDR2 RAM, which goes some way to explaining the shortfall in performance.

There's no denying the smaller chipset's efficiency when it comes to ventilation, however."

 

As far as I know DDR3 offers no significant improvement over DDR2.

 

It would be interesting to see some Sandra memory bandwidth results for notebook DDR3 RAM and some PC6400 RAM. Whether any benchmark improvement shown by DDR3 is then reflected in real life is another matter.

DDR3 may have slightly lower power consumption.

John