Official Sony VAIO AW Series 18.4" Owners thread

The R3072Y2 is not for an other modell? while we have currently R1054Y2 as newest for AW11Z/B and what is when later comes an another bios update from sony for example R1064Y2 can i update it then again ?I think it will be version conflict or no? I am affraid it will be then never upgradeable or downgradeable is that possible?

 

I have updated 307 as well that is the same .. no differences
so are u gonna buy those utilities from ami ?

 

Have you succesfully updated the R307... bios and have you now slic 2.1 bios? please check it

Here is a program for that .: http://forums.mydigitallife.info/showthread.php?t=6925

 

gonna check
slic : why do i need it for ?
can i use 2.3 ? there is 2.3 latest

 

Here is the current but patched bios R1054Y2 with Slic 2.1 for win 7 tested under win vista x86 working.:
http://rapidshare.com/files/300567009/R1054Y2.wph.html
ugradeable downgradeable

 

<style class='Hidden'>Just thought I'd hang with you guys because there is no CS thread for me to hang in</style>

 

what is thaat ???

 

I just downloaded slic 2.3
it say slic is 2.1 version

 

what is the significance of slic 2.1?

 

Some Cow or Bull banned Evoss-x ...

 

guys don't waste your time with damak. I've spent the last few days explaining all this to him again and again via email and PM and Now he's asking here again.

 

Hi there,

I just registered here in order to get some informations from You, guys...

A friend got a "AW11S/B" laptop a few weeks ago and he has some questions about it but, as he doesn't speak english, I write for him.

1.) The memory modules (2x2GB) that came with the computer are from Qimonda (reference : HYS64T256020EDL-2.5C2) and he'd like to change them to get 8GB (2x4GB) instead of 4GB but, as Qimonda is out of business since many months, please can You tell me please what brand of memory is now using S0ny in its new "AW" series laptops ?

He'd also like to add a second HDD to his VAI0... I read the previous pages of this thread and I found some very useful tips but, before to let him know, I need more informations about it...

2.) Are the following part names and numbers correct ? :

M780 HDD BRACKET SUB ASSY / X-2320-154-1

M780 SATA HDD 2 FPC / 1-730-230-11

3.) Are the screws, to mount the HDD on the bracket and fix it in the HDD bay, supplied with ?

4.) Do the screws (two, I guess) to attach the connector to the chassis come with the flexible printed connector ?

Last thing, from the previous posts from Evoss-X (Peter-X, is that You ?) and Mujja, set a RAID system seem to not be possible even with these parts, but I thought :

Are there some "AW" models with "two HDDs" (so with these parts installed) set in RAID, or, can only the "two SSDs" models be configured in RAID ?

I ask You that because its maybe the cable type that enables (or not) the setting in the BI0S' advanced menu...

So, the only way to get a RAID would be to use the double connector shown on this picture posted by Evoss-X (the left one, not the right one...) and two SSDs.


Its name and reference number should be : M780 SSD FPC / 1-730-231-11

But, to be able to connect and use both SSDs with this double connector, the HDD bracket should probably be replaced by the SDD one (M780 SSD CHASSIS SUB ASSY / X-2320-155-1), I don't know...

I'm probably wrong so if someone knows something about that...

That's all (for the moment)...

Thanks in advance for your answers !

See You,
minux

PS: @damak
The SL!C is not updated because You're using the same BI0S version... Just some ideas :
- Try to downgrade it before to flash it again (that one probably won't work)
- Try to force the flashing process.
- Wait for a new version (that maybe never comes out) patched with SL!C 2.I...
- or use the R3O72Y2 version as Icy told You previously.
- Ask for help on the forum where You found the file, some guys are very kind !
- Buy W7 !

 

Hi Guys!

I have vaio VGN-AW11Z. It's started bothering me recently.

The temperature of GPU (nvidia 9600) is about 90C while watching hd movies.

Also when I play games (ie TeamFortress2 on recommended settings and 1024x768) the temperature is over 95C after 5-10 minutes play and game starting lagging and droping FPS from 75 to 30-40.

Do you have the same heat?
May be I need bring it to service?
Can you recommend any diagnostic soft for nvidia to test it?

Thank you all in advance. Very appreciate it!
Max.

 

What do you have the AW sitting on? Are the fans at the bottom unobstructed?

 

It is raised on special tubes, so there is a lot of space at the bottom between the note and table.

BTW, even while there is nothing runing (only windows), the bottom left is quite hot and diagnostic soft gives me 65C for GPU.

Do you have similar heat?

 

I'm not sure if this is helpful info or not, but my Geforce 9650GT on my Asus laptop is at 66c under full load (running Folding at Home on it, so it's really stressed out).

That's in a climate controlled room.

That may or may not be relevant though because I'm pretty sure the 9650GT is a 55nm part, and the 9600GT you've got may be a 65nm part, and it running hotter like that may be 100% fine and normal.

 

it is not normal for the GPU to hit those temperatures when simply watching a movie.

call Sony.

 

minux_MDL
Hi just been released from cell
Yeah It might iniciate to RAID run but might not even that normal sata hdd cable will
and yeah if u want sata ssd here :
http://www.nexttronics.com/catalog/sony/1/173023111.htm
made by foxconn no sony ..

 

Interesting ...
http://newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=page&id=7&chapter=0

 

Hello again,

Glad to read that ! And thanks a lot for your answer...

So the cable model isn't important and my friend should be able to set a RAID system with one or the other... But that's not sure ! So he should probably wait until someone find a good way to really activate a RAID on this machine, what do You think ?

Thanks for the information about Foxconn, I didn't know they provide some spare parts to S0ny...
But to use this double connector, my friend must also order the SDD chassis to put two SSDs in one bay (instead of only one with the regular HDD chassis), right ?

Sorry to ask You that, but do You have some informations about my other questions (original memory brand, screws supplied or not...) ?

Thanks again Evoss-X !

Ciao,
minux

 

is that the triple connector? with 2 plugs on one side (for 2 SSD drives) and 1 plug on the other (for a standard HDD)?

 

Hi Mujja, I'm not sure how to PM you. But, I've no luck with Costco or its concierge service to get the upgrade kit. Now, I've gotten to a 2nd level Sony support. I'll let you know how it goes. So far, the first level chat support tells me that AW180Y purchased new in 9/15/2009 from Costco is not eligible. SHOCKING, but when I told them it's going back to Costco if it's true and asked her to produce a list of eligible AWs for upgrades, she transferred me to 2nd level support.

 

Do you mean the GPU is 65C idle and 95C under load?

My AW GPU is 45C idle and 65C under load (3D benchmark programs) at 21C room temperature.
My CPU is 32C idle and 57C under load.

 

sometimes I think these people who have "techical support" jobs are really people who have "spin an deflection" jobs. because they're anything but supportive to their customers, and by and large, they have no clue about the products their companies sell enough to actually be of help.

 

Hi again You all,

If I well understand, there isn't a double connector but a triple connector...

There are, in fact, three types of cables, is that right ?

1.) M780 SATA HDD 1 FPC
One connector (?), and would it come with "AWs" that have only one standard HDD ?

2.) M780 SATA HDD 2 FPC
One connector (?), and would it come with "AWs" that have two regular HDDs installed ? Is the 1st HDD attached with the previous cable, and the 2nd HDD with this one ?

3.) M780 SSD FPC
Three connectors (?), and only supplied with "AWs" that have two SSDs and one HDD. So, one cable for three disk ?

I thought the "three disk" models (two SSDs and one HDD) had two cables (the first one and the third one)...

I'm a bit lost with all these references

Hope someone could help us...

Bye,
minux

 

Hi once again,

You're right... I think the same but with only one difference : I will change "sometimes" to "every times"

See you soon,
minux

 

Per Sony: AW180Y is not eligible for free upgrade. Here's a transcript of that conversation. Oh boy...

Melanie_ > The Windows 7 Operating System is supported in your Computer Model

Me > this is sounding repetitive, but... Is the AW180Y eligible for the free windows 7 upgrade?? (this was advertised via Costco.com)

Melanie_ > However, the Computer is not eligible for the free Windows 7 Upgrade kit.

Melanie_ > It is required to use a retail version Disc to install the Windows 7 Operating System in the Computer and then install the drivers available for the Computer form the Sony Support website.

Me > i see

Me > Will the windows 7 OS retail disc be sent to me??

Melanie_ > [ ], it is required to purchase the Windows 7 retail disc from any of the Computer retailers.

Me > Does the upgrade kit include the Win7OS?

Melanie_ > After that you can use the disc to install the Windows 7 Operating System in the Computer.

Melanie_ > Yes, the Upgrade Kit includes the Windows 7 Operating System.
Me > does this mean that costco is lying?

Me > I would like to show them a list from sony stating all eligible Vaios for the free upgrade

Melanie_ > [ ], as per the information available online, the Computer Model is not eligible for the free Windows 7 Upgrade kit.

me > You mean the lack of an option on the upgrade kit ordering page?

Melanie_ > [ ] , you can check for the eligibility of the Computer on the following website.

Melanie_ > When you receive the link, please click on it to open the page and let me know if you are able to view it.

Melanie_ > http://www.sony.com/windows7

Melanie_ > Are you able to view the page?

Me > yes, but not sure where to find the list

Me > do i have to specify model first?

Melanie_ > Please select the Computer Model from the list and then you should be able to view the page which provides you with the compatibility information.

Me > Been there. Yes AW180Y is compatible, but doesn't show a list of eligible models for free upgrade.

Me > I'll just take your word for it that the free upgrade is not eligible for the AW180Y.

Melanie_ > Yes, that's correct, [ ] .

Melanie_ > The VAIO VGN-AW180Y is compatible with the Windows 7 Operating System.
Me > And the only proof is that AW180Y is not included in the dropdown list on the ordering page? Correct?

Melanie_ > Yes, that's correct.

 

Hi Guys

You almost there
I explain ...
SATA HDD 1 FPC (flexible printed connector) is on the left
SATA HDD 2 FPC ( blablaabala.................) is on the right
SATA SSD FPC ( ) is ONLY on the right
arenyol - minux_MDL - that is not tripple but I know why did you think like that
There is one metal and both sata connectors are screwed on each side
so if you have SATA SSD FPC AW vaio purchased you will get that double sata ssd connector for ssds + sata hdd 1 on the left for one hdd there is not triple
you might see it on picture but there is hidden that sata hdd 1 fpc

 

Yes you are right it have

 

Dang, what with 160GB Intel SSDs being fairly decent priced, I'm REALLY wishing I had two drive bays in mine. Using that as my main drive, with media stuck on a second 320GB 7200RPM drive would be about as perfect as it gets for laptops today. But...160GB is just too small for my main PC.

 

Make 2x 160GB Intel

 

I have the 2 HDD model.

So what's going on is that I have 2 cables (one functioning as the right HDD cable, and one functioning as the left HDD cable). One cable and connector (908 on the diagram) would be directly replaced by the 2 SSD cable (905 on the diagram), giving me the possibility of 2 SSD's on one side, and one HDD on the other.

amirite?

If so, I'll be making that move next year. I'll get a 1TB 5400rpm HDD to use as my storage space, then raid a pair of 128GB (or larger) SDDs on the other side for all my apps.

ftw.

 

ajreynol
I can advise you when u will buy those 2x ssd you can disassemble cover on both ,that means u will make sdds so thin and you will be able to connect them
both with that ssd fpc ..
BUT
one thing bothering me ...
Thad SSD FPC is different connector , that power side of sata connector , there are two pins and then gap and on sata hdd there is on very left end if you look on pic

 

i see. difficult to do? expensive?

 

easy to do ..
bloody expensive ... altogether

 

Hi to all,

@Evoss-X
Many thanks for these informations and the detailed picture of different possibilities ! (please where did You get it ?)

About this different (double) connector of the SSD FPC, maybe the part #903 changes it to two "regular" SATA connectors :

One side of the #903 part has probably a double connector to link it to the SSD FPC and the other, where You attach your SSD(s), has two separate "standard" SATA connectors... I don't know...

It's maybe possible if we consider the fact of disassembling the/both cover(s) of the SSD(s) as stated by Evoss-X in his previous post...

Question : What is the #902 part ? A protective cover supplied with the SSD bracket (#903) or the SSD itself (after to be disassembled) ?

Last question, do the screws (#B3 and/or #B8) come with the HDD/SSD brackets (#906/#903) and HDD/SSD FPCs (#908/#905) ?

Bye,
minux

PS : From the bottom right picture, the HDD is mounted on the right side with a #908 FPC but, on Evoss-X's picture, many posts above and from his computer, the HDD seems to be mounted on the left side (so, probably with a #907 FPC)... That's odd...

 

If the model has a month/day/year drop down it is eligibile I think, although the order page does not support my browser a few links in.

 

Ooooh Maiine Gooot Guyyys !!!!!!!
Loook At Thiiis what I have receiveeed aaaah I cant Belive
Just received today .. :wub: :cry: :rolleyes2: :tongue:
So I was right actually all these cables are made by Foxconn ...

 

Hey guys, I finally decided to check if Sony has some official Win 7 64-bit drivers for my AW290J and of course they do. So I downloaded some, particularly for the control utilities but they don`t want to get installed. Some give an error about requiring only Vista, although on the download page it says Microsoft® Windows ® 7 Ultimate 64-bit.
Any ideas?

 

Hi Guys,

I have Sony Vaio VGN-AW190 with single drive and I want to install a second drive. I have been reading the form but I think I am lost which sata cable do I need to install the second drive? (1-730-230-11 or the other one?)

Regards

 

Hi again there,

@Evoss-X
Very nice ... But did You install and try it with your second SSD ? If yes, do the RAID setting appear in the BIOS ?
And did You get the two screws to fix it ? Last one , did You buy it from NextTronics ?
Please forgive me for all these stupid questions

Do You have a "disassembly guide" for the "AW" series ? Or maybe a link to download one...

@scrat2009
If you want to add only one HDD/SSD you need these parts :
M780 SATA HDD 2 FPC / 1-730-230-11 (the cable You mentionned)
M780 HDD BRACKET SUB ASSY / X-2320-154-1 (HDD support)

If you want to add one or two SSD(s) (and keep your first HDD) then you need :
M780 SSD FPC / 1-730-231-11 (SSD "double connector" cable)
M780 SSD CHASSIS SUB ASSY / X-2320-155-1 (SSD support for one or two microSATA? solid state drive)

Evoss-X will probably confirm if I'm right or not...

Ciao,
minux

PS: Did some of You get memory modules from the Hynix brand in your laptops when You bought them ?

 

Hi Guys
I just sucessfully installed that FPC I used two screws from laptop taken from place, under hdds as u can see on last pic two screws missing
and unfortunatelly no RAID
I inserted that fujitsu (before external) to left gosh it's soo noisy ...
Actually I have used different vaio HDD caddy and it fits ..
I had only SSD in it before that was nice quiet ..
I'll buy second samsung ssd on christmas or after new year when prices will drop ...
And That Bloody RAID ... need to be sorted out .. aah

 

ajreynol

So do you have 2x 500GB in RAID right ?
And what performance do you have ? what hdds ?
Thnx

 

Hi again,

Thanks for having let us know... no luck with RAID (for now)...
Do You think the fact to have two different drives (HDD and SSD) could be the problem ?

Bye,
minux

 

hi and thank you very much for your quick reply
i will order those parts as you suggested

@scrat2009
If you want to add only one HDD/SSD you need these parts :
M780 SATA HDD 2 FPC / 1-730-230-11 (the cable You mentionned)
M780 HDD BRACKET SUB ASSY / X-2320-154-1 (HDD support)

If you want to add one or two SSD(s) (and keep your first HDD) then you need :
M780 SSD FPC / 1-730-231-11 (SSD "double connector" cable)
M780 SSD CHASSIS SUB ASSY / X-2320-155-1 (SSD support for one or two disassembled solid state drive)

 

Wait, some of you guys are making your own 320GB Intel drives?!?

That's ridicouliusly awesome!

 

One guy got this very nice !!! And have it in RAID ; SSD Awesomeness !!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96dWOEa4Djs

 

yep, that's what I have. check my sig for performance.

 

and we buy these parts from Sony or one of these other links posted over the last couple of pages?

 

Hello,

I think Evoss-X bought his cable from NextTronics, but I'm not sure...
My friend will buy his parts from Spare Parts Warehouse.

ajreynol, what was the default stripe size of the RAID with the Fujitsu HDDs when You bought your laptop (64KB or 128KB) ?

Bye,
minux