Official Sony VAIO AW Series 18.4" Owners thread

Sony AW Raid 0 with 2 partitions is possible?

Hello!

I would like to ask for some help, since I was checking the pages of this post, but seems that I was not able to found any info about this.

I just bought a AW-290, that comes with 2x320Gb in Raid 0 config, but I would like to know if is possible to set up a Raid 0 config by using 2 partitions (as example 100 gb of each HD) to make a Raid 0 configuration, and the rest of the disk with several partitions for other uses or OS installs (other Linux variants). All the info seems to covers about make the Raid 0 with the whole 2 disks for one big partition, but no info about if Raid 0 with partial partitions on every disk are possible.

The other question that I have (since I didnt receive my noetbook yet) is, How many hard disks coull be installed in the AW, because some screenshoot of a bios screen seems talking about disk #3, so I wonder if is possible to maintain the 2x320Gb hard drives installed (but NOT in Raid 0) as data disks with several partitions and also install another SSD for main OS, for get speed in load main OS in the system.

Please excuse if my questions are silly, but I am new to this hardware and didnt know it well by now.

Thanks for attention and any help would be gratefull.

Best Regards!

 

I have a Sony VAIO AW11Z/B Series 18.4" -2.54 Ghz(Intel Core 2 Duo T9400) and NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT bought in December 2008. Do you think it is possible to upgrade the processor and the video card ?

If yes what are the options and what are you recommending ?

Thank you for your response...

Best regards,

 

I ran multiple partitions on a single RAID 0 volume for over a year..no probs. Sony restore utility only allows two partitions on the volume sooo...if you want more you have to use a third party utility to partition it. For example if you're doing a clean install the Vista install disk will allow you to set up desired partitions before installing the OS. Ports/bays only available for 2 hard drives or on some machines (AW180Y/Q and some CTO's) 2 SSD's using micro SATA connectors and one HD. ALSO using RAID config requires that your machine have the RAID enabled BIOS...many do not. I am not aware of any one finding a way to install a RAID bios in a non-RAID machine.
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AW 190 CTO T9900, 2x320GB WD Raid 0, 9600M GT, 8GB DDR2, LED RGB

 

Forget upgrading the video card..chip and memory soldered to the mobo.

Processor upgrade is very doable if you are comfortable opening the case, working with SMALL parts and using thermal paste to attach heat sink to the processor. Also thoroughly clean out the cooling system while you are in there! I upgraded my processor to a [email protected]. What you will want depends on what your main uses are.
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AW 190 CTO T9900, 2x320GB WD Raid 0, 9600M GT, 8GB DDR2, LED RGB

 

Hi just got a cracking deal on a aw11s! just took it apart to see what i need to do some upgrades, can anyone point me in the right direction to get a hard drive in the right bay, only have one conection and the standard 400gb atm in the left, which cable do i need to buy, im from the uk, thanks.

 

Thinking of getting an AW-290 model and then install Windows 7 on it. Is that easily done since I'm not a computer expert? Also, did anyone have any trouble running any programs on it after the new windows install? This laptop has Vista 64 bit on it. How willl the 64 bit Windows 7 I install differ from regular Windows? Is it better color quality?

 

If i had the aw290 model in windows vista 64 bit and want to upgrade to won 7, which home version do you suggest? Get upgrade veesion or the full version?

 

I would recommend the full version. When I tried to upgrade, there was a bug and I ended up doing a full install. Luckily I had the full version.

 

hi i have aw11/s and I have all three SATA Cables I might sell on of these

 

I've never had a Sony before and have only had this one for 2 days, but what does the AV button do? I know it starts up cd/dvd or internet immediately, but what's the point if my computer is already on and I can just click on an icon on my desktop? I tried using the AV button when the computer was turned off to see if it boots up immediately, but it doesn't do anything when power is off though.

 

The AV button just popups a bar on the top with Audio/Video Options (Media player, Audio, Skype etc). I haven't used it once...

 

Few additional questions on this laptop:

- Just wondering, are the keys for this keyboard supposed to be backlit?
- Does anyone even use the fingerprint sensor? I can't seem to find a use for it. Heck, I even disabled the windows password requirement when turning on computer
- Has anyone use the TV tuner function? Sounds like a snazzy idea, but I can't seem to find any ports to plug whatever required cables are needed, and I can't find the software required to actually watch tv on the computer
- Does the top left portion of your computer get really hot in just a short time?

 

- No there is no backlit on the AW series.
- Yes I do. The most useful application is UPEK Protector Suite, to store passwords, and login to windows. Very helpful!
- The port to connect the antenna is on the top right of the latop. It requires a small adaptor that should have been included with your laptop.
- Yes it does . It is normal..

 

What software or program do I need to use in order to watch or record TV from my computer? My laptop comes with a TV tuner, but no software to go with it. Thanks.

 

Windows Media Center. You should have it on your laptop.

 

Hy peoples , i have a big problem...

my sony vaio aw335j/h iss very³³³ hot!!
my hands burns on the area of video card ...

Im only in msn messenger and my resolution is 1680x945 ...
but my temperatures
CPU : 54C
Motherboard : 54C
VGA : 65C
HD : 34C

its annoying a lot ... hahaha!

sorry for my english

 

It depends on what you are doing. The video card is on the right side. It shouldn't get very hot there. It should get hot on the top left side mainly.
But if you run graphic intensive applicationsoranything that put stress on the CPU will also increase the temperature on the graphics. 54 is ok for the CPU with a 30% load (45-50 for 5-10% load). 65 for the VGA is not too much but under normal windows use it should be about 55-60.

 

What a coincidence. I logged on tonight to ask specifically about the top left part getting very hot. My old laptop had a hinge thing to life the back of the laptop up to let out flow. This laptop does not have that hinge. Do you have any recs on what I can use to raise the back of the laptop from my table a little, just to let the air flow better?

 

I'm noticing that when I type on this computer, the cursor tends to jump unexpectedly and place itself randomly right in the middle of the sentence I already typed, thus messing my typing up. I have an old corded optical mouse that had no problems with my old computer.

Also, if a program window is not opened to full size and I drag it to move it over a little, it will tend to maximize to full size. These 2 problems are annoying me quite a bit. Thanks.

 

Hi everybody!

I need to replace the keyboard on my Sony AW VGN-AW170Y. I have purchased an original French keyboard and it is ready to be installed (I mean almost see below).

I have searched for the service manual all over the internet to no avail.

There are many screws on the back of the machine and I am afraid to mess-up the whole replacement thing.

Could anybody help with either the service manual or advice (photos) about which screws I should remove?

Thanks a lot.
Pierre.

 

Ah please let me know how much you want, i just need to put 1 more hard drive in my aw11s, let me know if your willing to sell to uk, thanks!

 

Hello I am in the uk and I am selling SATA FPC and it is DOUBLE mini SATA so you can have two mini SSDs or HDDs

 

hi thats great, i can organise funds for tuesday, how much are you wanting for the cable?

 

check this link
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270630284263&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

 

thanks, ah im not sure if this is the cable i need, im wanting to put a 640gb 2.5" sata hard drive in the second bay, will this cable your selling do the job?

 

no it's 2x 1.8''

 

thanks for the ebay link and quick replies but there is no way i have the budget for that amount just for a cable. Cheers anyway

 

You have three options.
1. Clean up fan and air vent area.
2. Buy laptop cooler and blow air to the notebook.
3. Adjust(lower) CPU voltage.

I had same problem.
I try No.3 and lower the CPU temp.
See this guide for How to do.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...arket-upgrades/235824-undervolting-guide.html

Good Luck!

 

I am also thinking to add SSD but parts are too expensive. You can buy parts from here.
https://servicesales.sel.sony.com/ecom/accessories/web/index.jsp

 

How about this.
2 pieces Mobile Devices Cooling Ball For Notebook, iPad, Netbook, Color Will Vary - Meritline.com

 

@HTC
@Focca

I 've got even that single FPC but I need this one ..

 

So de we know for definate that the aw series does not support quad core processors? I was thinking of getting one for Battlefield Bad company 2 or will a t9900 be fine with a 32 player Bad company 2 match?

 

you MIGHT install X9100 try

 

ill give it a try, if you still have cable at the end of the month i might be able to buy it!

 

Do you want to buy T9800 ? because I wanna T9900
or actually if that X9100 will work I want it as well

 

And what do you think of QX9300 ?

 

id rather have a quad core to make battlefield bad company 2 run like butter in a 32 player match, but its a lot of cash to risk, if i knew it worked on the aw11s id rob my Gran to get it!!

 

id rob my Gran to get it!!

)))))))))))))))

 

THANK YOU!!!! I was going insane with all the beeping.

 

He definitely has MORE than 3 options. #1 option would be to buy a good thermal paste (Arctic Silver MX-3, for instance) and apply to CPU and GPU. It's an easy job and last time I did that I went from 95C for both CPU and GPU to around 50 and 55, respectively.

Right now on my lap VGN-AW190 (2.53GHZ) is running at 58 GPU, 48 and 49 CPU cores.

 

Mine is Sony VAIO AW Series.While i download after updating to window Windows-7 ultimate,through sony download taxi, my CD -Rom drive registry corrupted.I could not see any drive except 'C', in computer..So I could not correct it with theWindows-7 CD.In the restore point I could not see other than the present restore point.In device manager property it says as" cannot start this hardware device because its configuration information (in the registry) is incomplete or damaged. (Code 19)"So how to correct the corrupt registry?

 

This happend a couple of months ago, but I should post the following story for the benefit of others.

I was doing my regular driver update through the Sony site. The site only showed updates that were specific to my computer. One of them was a bios update. Now, I am quite aware that a bios update is a risky thing, but it said it would fix a flashing problem with the screen, so I went ahead. The update occured through Windows (quite unusual, as every bios update I had ever done on my computers in the past were done through DOS, but things do change). About half way through, BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH. I had that sinking feeling that is hard to describe, but lets just say it was somewhere between 'your car has been stolen, and the death of a loved one'. At that point, the machine was totally dead; no big VAIO when you turn on the machine. I had backups of course, but I have a bunch of mission critical software on this machine, which is not readily available on another machine. I also couldn't access a couple of recently updated files on my raid SSD (more trouble then it is worth i my opinion. For those thinking of upgrading, stick with a single fast hard drive). I just couldn't easily figure out how to pull the drive(s) and access the data. Getting data from the other drive, a 500GB HD, was a snap by comparison - just pull it and stick into the sata connector on a desktop. Anyway, I live in the Philippines and no service for this machine in the country, so I fly to Singapore to take in the Machine, and I fly back a week later to pick it up. A new motherboard (they claimed that there was no way to fix a bad bios) cost me $800 USD, plus $700 in airfare = one very pissed of dude. FYI, my model is VGN-AW190

 

^ you could of bought a new one from ebay for less?

 

I bought it for $4,300 from Sony (in the future, I certainly will avoid selecting all the upgrades when buying a laptop online). I paid for a bunch of stuff I never use, so yeah, I probably could have bought a similar unit with just what I need for less on ebay. But I had some critical stuff on the SSD, and I just didn't know how to get it off without without a working vaio with the raid driver. And living in the Philippines, fedex shipping plus exhorbitant customs fees would have made that option impractical.

And while I have now moved all important files off the SSD, does anyone know if there is a way to access the SSD data in such an event in case it ever happens again?

 

Really huge and too big for me

 

Yes, there is. It can be done on the same machine (with a working motherboard, of course) or on another AW with a motherboard that has an enhanced South Bridge controller (Intel ICH9M-E) - only with an enhanced controller will you be able to have RAID functionality. Not all AW series motherboards have the enhanced version of the controller.

What you do is simply install windows onto the 2.5" HDD (put a new one in, or install it into a partition created in the old one). This will allow you full access to files on the SSD RAID.

Here is an even easier solution without installing anything: Just boot off a CD with, say, Acronis, or Paragon, or any other backup/hard drive manager. These will allow you to access files on the RAID, which you can save onto an attached external USB drive.

Now that you have had your motherboard replaced, they have probably re-installed windows and your files that were on the SSDs maybe difficult to recover, since in the default set up windows is installed on the RAID, not the 2.5" HDD.

 

But all these solutions require that that you have a working AW computer. It seams to me that data on the HD is vunerable only to HD failure, while data on the SSD is vunerable to any hardware failure, whether it be the SSD, motherboard, video card, or other component. It was my impression when I bought the computer that important data should be kept on the SSD as it is "more reliabe" then a HD, but from a big picture standpoint, data on the HD is really more secure.

In the end, nothing was lost because they were able to install a new motherboard without reinstalling Windows on the SSD. I am just wondering what I would do if it ever happend again. My son needs a new computer, and I was thinking of getting him a used AW with raid on ebay so that I would have a spare in the future (but the raid units are not common). Then I could just move my drives to his computer in case of a problem in the future. It is a bit much of a computer for an 8 year old, but it would solve two problems with one computer.

 

I think you are confusing two things: 1) RAID0 vs a single dirive and 2) SSD vs HDD. RAID0 is always less than half as reliable as a single disk (be it SSD or HDD). SSDs (we are told) should statistically be more reliable than HDD: time and experience will shed more light on this.

The question of reliability, however, must include accessibility: so with RAID0 not only do you have more than double the chance of failure (of a single disk), but you also need similar hardware to restore data.

 

HT2, did you manage to get the second hard drive installed? How much of the laptop do you need to disassemble to get the (controller cable) for the second drive hooked up?
I am looking at doing the same thing. Just ordered the caddy for the second drive from sparepartswarehouse.

 

i m looking to buy cable for 2x2.5 ssd..Anyone selling?