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    Replacing LAPTOP MOTHERBOARD from another model? -SONY VAIO-

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Train951, Apr 24, 2010.

  1. Train951

    Train951 Newbie

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    I hate Sony.
    They don't have the part in stock because of 'discontinuation' not even only 2 years after purchasing this laptop.

    The notebook is a Vaio VGN-AR590
    The problem is a fried mobo

    I found a motherboard on eBay for the VGN-AR550, does anyone know if it'll work? The photos look identical to that of the 590.

    I called Sony tech support, and the guy sounded as if he had no idea about what the hell he was talking about and said the 550 and 590 are 'two different series so it will not work'

    What do you guys think?
     
    Train951, Apr 24, 2010
    #1
  2. Metsn

    Metsn Maiku Hama Yokohama

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    The point is what are the differences between A 550 and A 590? For instance in case of my Z it meant different resolution and memory size of GPU. While the MB from Z 550 would probably work on Z 590, you would surely sacrifice some power in PS or Games because of less memory (on soldered down GPU).

    I would guess it will work anyway.
     
    Metsn, Apr 24, 2010
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  3. Train951

    Train951 Newbie

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    -edit, found a source-
     
    Train951, Apr 24, 2010
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  4. Train951

    Train951 Newbie

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    The only place that listed them was the Sony Drivers website..

    Here are the specs..

    AR550E:
    [​IMG]

    AR590E:
    [​IMG]

    Is the mobo swap from a 550E to a 590E doable?
     
    Train951, Apr 24, 2010
    #4
  5. Metsn

    Metsn Maiku Hama Yokohama

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    Not an expert...but I doubt any Sony technician is here. As you can see the GPU is different. The question is, is it soldered down? If yes you would be stuck with lower GPU. It'll most probably work, but you'll lose some power.
     
    Metsn, Apr 25, 2010
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  6. Train951

    Train951 Newbie

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    Wouldn't mind losing a bit of performance, just want it to power on and function.
     
    Train951, Apr 25, 2010
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  7. Metsn

    Metsn Maiku Hama Yokohama

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    Well I'm quite sure no Sony technician will answer your question and I doubt someone did it before, so you'll have to try it out. Good luck, I believe it should work :)
     
    Metsn, Apr 25, 2010
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  8. Train951

    Train951 Newbie

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    Wish me luck on this $320 risk..
     
    Train951, Apr 25, 2010
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  9. Metsn

    Metsn Maiku Hama Yokohama

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    I do. Well I'll have to open my Z soon to find out why my GPU is reaching 110C. If I'll screw up I'll be in the same situation as you...while I guess the MB for Z is more pricey...
     
    Metsn, Apr 25, 2010
    #9
  10. crayonyes

    crayonyes Custom Title! WooHoooo !!

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    Not an expert. But you need to make sure the heatsinks for the gpu are in the same shape. If not, you'll need to replace the heatsink too.

    If the motherboards are the same in physical and the only difference is gpu, I think you can use it.
     
    crayonyes, Apr 25, 2010
    #10
  11. Psyloid

    Psyloid Notebook Evangelist

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    i think you can make it work, but only trying will tell fo shizzle
     
    Psyloid, Apr 25, 2010
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  12. Train951

    Train951 Newbie

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    Ok thanks for the info
     
    Train951, Apr 25, 2010
    #12