New SSD for my Vaio

Hi

I want to buy a SSD for a pretty new Sony Vaio Z. Can someone give me a quick idea of which I should look at? Want at least 60 GB, but would of course like more. Want it to be fast, but generate minimal heat and sound, plus weigh least possible

Thanks!!!

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the Vaio Z support dual 1.8" SSDs?

If this is correct it is both highly limiting and a great benefit.

Assuming this is true you will be UNABLE to use this vast majority of SSD and HDD upgrades as they tend to be in the 2.5" form factor. Your best options will be the Intel x-18M and the Samsung 1.8" series.

I am also assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that your Vaio Z will come equipped with a 1.8" hard drive (most likely quite slow). If this is the case, my recommendation would be to use BOTH an SSD and HDD in parallel. A small SSD can hold your OS and main programs. The HDD can serve as bulk storage for content like media files.

I would recommend the Samsung 1.8" SLC SSD. I use the 64GB version of this in my x200 Tablet and it is fast, stable, and generates extremely little heat/noise. Please see the SSD effects link in my sig.

Unfortunately, the 64GB model has been de-activated at Newegg, but they have the 32GB model for $115. 32GB should be adequate for your OS and applications as long as you use the HDD or SD card for storing large media files.

Again, these statements are based upon the assumption that your Vaio Z has DUAL 1.8" bays. If this is untrue, you should probably consider a different drive option (e.g. the Intel x-25M, OCZ Vertex, Samsung 64GB MLC, or the soon to be released high performace Samsung SSDs).

 

Ok, thanks. I must admit I don't know what my laptop supports, but will look into it! If it does hold dual, the double solution sounds nice (I need someone to install it for me, but shouldn't be too hard to find around)

 

Okay, I have looked and looked - but I can't find out what kind of drive, i.e. 1.8" or 2.5", it has. It is a VGN-Z540 - anyone can help me?

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=315001

By default, you've only got space for one drive in there, and it seems to be space for a standard 2.5" SATA drive. So you can use any 2.5" SATA SSD. I'd recommend Intel, Samsung, Mtron, and any drive with an Indilinx controller; just stay away from anything with a JMicron controller.

 

Okay, thanks for your help - I was just told by a support guy at sony that it is not possible to install a SSD - is that true?? I have a VGN-Z540!

 

That's BS. Maybe some last-gen solid state drives had minor compatibility issues, but I haven't heard of a more recent SSD failing to work in anything. If you can take regular SATA drives, you can take regular SATA solid state drives.

 

It is possible but it voids warranty. Maybe that's what he meant.

As for your choice, Intel makes some very good SSds and I read OCZ Vertex is a cheap alternative.

 

If a 2.5" SATA drive is standard then I second this recommendation. You can get the Intel x-25M, any Samsung (including rebadged models sold by OCZ/G-SKill), most MTron SSDs, and the new Indilinx models (e.g. OCZ vertex). You should avoid the JMicron models (e.g. OCZ Core/Apex/Solid, Patriot Warp, and most of the other cheap SSDs).

Maybe Sony's warranty policy is worse than other OEMs, but you can usually upgrade a HDD/SSD without voiding any warranties. The only catch would be that any new drive you buy would be covered by the manufacturer of the drive rather than the laptop.

 

Yes Sony's warranty policy is worse. Replacing the hard drive voids warranty on the Z series.

It makes sense as well because it isn't very easy.

 

Ok thanks, that's what I thought too - he told me "they have configured it so it cannot take a SSD, you should have gotten a Z590" - I ordered a VGN-Z540 instead of Z590 as it enabled me to get a faster processor. So if I find a good SSD and someone who can help me install it, it should cause no problems? And you are 100% sure it is 2.5"? I thought so too, but haven't found a place it is written, and this douchebag supporter told me it was 1.8"

 

Yes you can use any 2.5" SATA SSD in the Sony Z. No problem.

If you've got the money, have a look at Intel SSDs.