Sony Vaio Z i5/i7 (VPCZ1) Official Owners Thread Part 2

Anyone have a CableCARD tuner? I can't get my HDHomeRun Prime to work with WMC and the laptop's internal display -- it plays for about 5 seconds before saying "Video driver error: The video playback device does not support playback of protected content." External displays and the HDHomeRun QuickTV viewer both work fine. See this thread for more details: Silicondust :: View topic - "Display driver error" when using laptop internal

edit: seems this problem is specific to one channel and should be fixed by installing the CableCARD.

edit2: nope, still having this problem on copy-protected channels with CableCARD installed, anyone dealt with this before?

 

Um, the ZIF cable is only for the SSD drives.
The SSD upgrade is super easy if you have the microSATA cable. I don't think any of the Z upgrades are very hard. I've set out to upgrade every possible thing.

 

I have a year old Z12 that is suddenly showing top-to-bottom rainbow lines down the middle of the built in LCD screen. However it runs an external monitor just fine with no evidence of the rainbow lines.

Someone has told me that this is likely a problem with the connector than runs from motherboard to the LCD panel having become loose.

Anyone heard of anything like this problem before - or have any ideas about how to dissasemble and fix it?

Thanks

 

Can you take a picture so we know exactly the effect you're talking about? I sometimes get something that could be described similarly when I come out of hibernation, but it's easily cleared up by just opening a window. I think this also only happens on the Intel GPU.

 

What is the difference between, z11 vs z12 z13 ?

Just the important stuff is worth knowing...thanks!

 

From what I can tell, Z11 with SSDs use a cable with a ZIF or LIF connector and Z12+ has a mSATA connector. All models do not use the 'standard' 2.5" SATA drives that other larger laptops use. I wouldn't think of upgrading the SSDs without a fair bit of difficulty and expense. (though you can get rid of the optical drive and purchase an adaptor to chuck an additional standard 2.5" SATA hard drive in there)

Between Z12 and the Z13, the Z13's GPU core is slightly lower clocked 475-> 450MHz.

There are probably other things that I have missed.

I think you best look out for SSD size, screen resolution and CPU differences.


A little question from me to other VPCZ1 owners: Which Thermal Control Strategy do you have set in VAIO Control Center? Also, is it possible to overclock the CPU in this thing?

 

Why is it considered such a big deal that the Z11 SSDs use a ZIF connector vs. the mSata connector used by the 12 and 13s? Are ZiF connectors particularly difficult to find or use?

 

It's because Z uses custom ribbon to connect drives to the motherboard. If you replace SSDs with ZIF to SSDs with mSATA you also need to buy an appropriate ribbon (depending on the number of SSDs you are connecting) from SONY parts shop. You need to know the correct part number.

 

Exactly,
ZIF = you can only install the custom ORM Samsung drives that are only available from Sony or perhaps working pulls from eBay
microSATA = You can install one or two stripped drives like the Intel X18 or Crucial C300

If you got stuck with the ZIF/LIF model you can get the microSATA cable. It is overpriced but not too bad compared to the $1K worth of aftermarket SSD that you are going to need to hook up to it.

If you want to embark on this mission... forget the C300, I like the Intel Drives much better, they are faster where it counts (4K writes). You can really feel the difference.

 

I want to upgrade my Z to 8GB RAM. What RAM would you recommend? (I'd rather pay a bit extra for some decent memory).

I was thinking of this:

http://www.corsair.com/cm3x8gsdkit1066.html

 

^ yeah based on the specs that pair of memory modules will work.
however...do not buy from that Corsair website, but from other stores (it's 3 times more expensive on their website).
(i'm using something else.)
bye

 

Hi if you're from the USA, get your RAM here: Amazon.com: Corsair 4 GB DDR3 Laptop Memory CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9: Electronics

$24 for a stick of the corsair RAM, then $48 for 2, but personally (being a slickdealer) I wouldn't pay more than $40 for a set of 2x4GB RAM.

you can try this: http://www.frys.com/product/6544743

that's $35 for an 8GB set of 1600mhz RAM from Patriot... sure, your Z can only use 1066mhz RAM, but that means it'll clock down and give you a faster timing, $40 rebate, but patriot comes through (according to the people on slickdeals, whom i trust... most of the time)

 

vaio.phil & Achusaysblessyou, thanks for the advice guys!

 

No problem, we're here to help

 

Hi guys,

A new and excited Vaio Z 1290 owner!! Bought a refurbished one from Sony store for $1400, I thought it was a steal! No problems so far.

I was wondering what would be the recommended upgrades/accessories/configurations that people would recommend?

Personally, I am also thinking of upgrading the RAM to 8Gb, perhaps a mobile broadband w GPS or a SSD expresscard. Any configuration tweaks to share? I'm not into hardcore changing of SSD, modding my bios (in case it bricks).

 

Got a broken screen on my trusty Z12, anyone know if a good source for replacement LCD and maybe a picture guide to doing it?

 

Sorry if I sound dense, but what is so hard about getting the correct part number for a microsata cable and how expensive is expensive when, as you say, the upgrade would cost at least $800 anyway. Any idea where to source the microsata cables?

 

Just managed to buy a brand new Z13M9E/B, and I love it Did a clean install with the newest Intel Raid drivers etc, Windows detects the drive as an SSD perfectly and everything works hyperfast!

Absolutely loving it. And because I managed to get it at a Sony Center (and brand new, even though I did get some nice discounts) I still have the full 2 years pick-up and return warranty, yay

The display is absolutely amazing, I feel like I want to hug that color spectrum and never let go of it ever! Only downside is the speakers, they really don't go loud and at their loudest they have quite some distortion. But oh well, the line out is just fine and I have proper speakers so that doesn't really matter.

 

Then search is your friend. If somebody else does it for you you'll never know for sure how hard it is ;-)

 

Part #
A-1781-464-A COMPL PWB FPC-217(SSD_TOS) (S)

It is easy to find this kind of stuff
Download the service manual
This part is number 520 in the diagram on page 10
Once you find a part in the diagram open the spreadsheet attachment on that page, then match the diagram number to the part number in the spreadsheet. This is also helpful because you can cross reference your model number as well.


Related links
A-1781-464-A - Sony Laptop Miscellaneous Parts
https://www.servicesplus.sel.sony.com/(S(jivrh055c30a0045lc0dzb45))/sony-part-number-A1781464A.aspx
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/511578-how-replace-ssd-vaio-vpcz11-vpcz12-non-sony-ssd-13.html

I agree but he knows that someone will do it for him.

 

Did anybody ever figure out why Sony calls the graphics card a GeForce GT 330M instead of a GeForce GT 325M?

 

CC, I don't know which emotion is stronger: gratitude or hurt. It's true, I've been blessed by people on the Sony forum - perhaps the most by you - with all the help you offer just for the asking, including this, which is far more than I expected. I was only following up on your earlier comments suggesting the different cables for the Z11 SSDs made the upgrade particularly difficult. All I really wanted to confirm that getting new cables was all that was more involved. (And, in fairness, I'd already tried the two sources you linked and neither had the microsata cable needed (actually, the Sony site was "under maintenance.")

So, like, thanks again for your helpfulness, but please don't provide it if you think I am just to lazy to do my own research. Tables were turned on this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/608676-how-do-i-get-us-keyboard-german-market-z1.html . Well, now I'm being ridiculously defensive; guess you touched a nerve there. "Pay it forward" is a concept I believe in, if you catch my meaning.

Anyway, finally got some good SSD tweaks done and left my Z118GX in BIOS for two nights and got some GC done, and now am getting 550/450 sequential read/write on my 384GB RAID0 array, so no more interest in pursuing this project. Again, thanks for going the extra mile, as you always do. Another +1 for you from me.

 

I think the answer is: because they can! Even if a down-clocked Gt330M is essentially what a GT325M is, because they bought the better GPU and "adjusted" it due to "thermal restrictions" they get to market the better sounding card. It ain't honest, but it's legal. I've heard of a few other makers doing similar things with GPUs. Ironically, I've heard you can o/c the card in the Z to standard GT330M specs and it runs fine and cooling is plenty adequate. Fo gigure.

 

Hmm, just wondering.. Which of the stickers on the palmrest did you guys take off? What about the one next to the hybrid graphics switch?

 

No stickers on mine (the palm rest ones are always the very first to go )

 

All my stickers are still on.

 

All of them removed completely.

 

I don't mind at all.

As with all of my posts I try to be very detailed about how I came by that info.
If it is a part question and manual related, I always link to the manual and explain how I found the part in the diagram and how to cross reference the part number. So while I am giving the answer away I am also showing others how to get the info.

 

CC, you are a true gift to Z owners!

 

Computer crashed...black screen...buzzing through speakers...So my computer has done this a few times, and I'm glad to see that I'm not alone
(here's the forum dedicated to the issue in case anyone is puzzled by the same bug:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/473103-strange-crash-z1190-12.html)

It almost always happens when I'm on YouTube or anything flash-based. So, what's the fix? I have a z12 btw.

The only real issue I've had otherwise (well beside the odd times the fan kicks into super high gear for no apparent reason)... Great laptop, but it does make me very uncomfortable when something goes wrong :S

 

Hi guys,

Any thoughts on the best use for the expresscard slot? USB3? SDD? mobile broadband/GPS?

Was slightly leaning towards the SSD, as the mobile broadband cards tend to protrude a little (due to its antenna).

 

Left with Windows 7, Intel, nVidia.

 

Thanks for the responses, guys. I guess I'll probably take off (from left to right) the Windows 7, Z Series, the rectangular "specifications" sticker and the Energy Star sticker since they're starting to get a bit rough from wear.

I'm using it for an eSATA card. Kind-of similar to USB3, I suppose. I personally wouldn't use it for an SSD card which wouldn't be useful to me since I've already got enough inbuilt storage and it seems like it would be a waste of power.

 

Good point re. the waste of power. How about USB3 vs eSATA?

 

USB3 seems to have a better future (more uses) and easier to use. The eSATA card that I've got requires me to put the computer into standby before I can plug/unplug. I don't imagine that any USB devices would have that same trouble, but that said I don't have a USB 3.0 card that I have tested.

Does anybody have a USB 3.0 card that they would recommend? I see a few mentions of an AKE card and others.

 

You can put an SSD inside the computer, don't waste your ExpressCard on that

How about eGPU?
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/598920-z1-vidock-gtx-570-ftw-z2-pmd-killer.html

 

I have a Startech ECUSB3S1 USB3 card and the good thing about this one is its a flush mounting one so I can leave it in when putting it in my case. It only has one port because it sits flush, but I dont really have more than one USB3 device plugged in so its not an issue for me.

Apart from sometimes popping out when I try to push a device in, it was a really good upgrade for my laptop and is much quicker than USB2. One thing to note is that it doesnt sit completely flush as it sticks out about 3mm which is about where the upper lip of the laptop sticks out, so its not really an issue. I would recomend this one if you are looking for a USB3 card that you want to leave in all the time.

 

Ehm, guys, how do I get the Realtek HD Audio Manager on my Z13? I can't seem to get it to open... Tried with the drivers from sonydigital-link.com and the latest realtek ones...

I'd like to split up the built-in speakers and the headphone jack to be able to control it properly. I've noticed my speakers still being on even when headphones are plugged in quite some times now...

 

Thanks CC for the advice. I'm happy with my nVidia 330 atm, since I will only be connecting only 1 monitor and play "less demanding" games like SC2 and Diablo (when it is out).

I'm actually contemplating both the Large Capacity Batt and the Docking station, there's some deals at the Vaio store, any thoughts on that? I see you have a Sony USB docking station CC, how is that working out?

 

Sounds like a good option! Any figures on the data transfer rates?

 

I have both the Z1 Docking station and an older VAIO USB dock.
The USB dock is cool if you just like to have a bunch of crap that says Sony on it. I got it for $40 and it is a USB hub plus it does sound, video and ethernet. I use the sound and the USB ports. The dock for the Z1 is great, it gives you four native (not hubbed) USB ports and an ethernet hub (gigabit) so you can piggy back another laptop off of it, it has DVI and VGA. I use the DVI to run my U3011 WQXGA monitor sometimes, other times I use the ViDock. I like docking, just drop the computer in and everything is connected, pull it off and you are ready to go. I am a huge fan of accessorizing, the extended battery is a must. I buy the extended battery for all of my VAIO computers, I probably don't need that much battery but it is better to be prepared.

I am pretty much just a big Sony Fanboy <--- had to put in fanboy because the forum censored me, I had written something a little more colorful

 

Never really done any transfer rate tests before, but just did a couple with what I had laying around using Crystal Disk Mark.

The first was with a USB3 Western Digital passport hard drive and the second one was with a USB3 CORSAIR flash Voyager USB stick. Did both tests through the Startech ECUSB3S1 USB3 expresscard obviously.

See attatched for the results.

Hope these figures help you out.

 

Thanks dude, the results look decent, though I was expecting something slightly higher. Way better than USB 2 though! Any idea if there is any expresscard thunderbolt adapter, or am I just being silly?

 

Thanks for the inputs CC, looks like the battery (VGP-BPL20) and the docking station (VGP-PRZ10) is a must have! Does docking station fit when it is equipped with the large capacity battery?

I really envy your Vaio Z with the mobile broadband chip, if I wanted mobile broadband, I would need to get those mobile broadband in expresscard form.

 

Same here ^^
All my electronics (within limits of what Sony makes) are Sony. I've always really liked them, their products are almost all seriously good quality. Only their laptops are slightly disappointing lately (which is why I went looking for a Z13).

I have:
- Sony DSC-W5
- Sony DSLR-A200
- Sony Walkman NW-A206
- Sony Walkman NWZ-X1000 (16GB)
- Sony MDR-EX300LP's
- Sony Ericsson Neo (and a G705 and a K320i and an Elm and an X8 )
- Sony Component HiFi system (my mom's)
- Sony TV (old CRT one)
- Sony Wireless BT earbuds

And no other non-Sony products. At all I just don't want them

 

^oooh you have a Sony Alpha too!!
hey we both need to get the new Sony tablet
bye

 

I hear ya, what's up with the new Vaio Z? No different from any ultrathin laptop when undocked.

 

Not silly, but definitely no way!

I agree that the USB 3 EC speeds are disappointing. I'm getting a bit better results than doesntexist (though using HD Tune; don't trust CDM anymore). Considering USB3 is theoretically 10X faster than USB2, and we are getting only about 2-2.5x native USB2 (I got 70 mb/s average sequential r/w), there is clearly a massive bottleneck, which I assume to be the Z1's pci-e bus. I am pretty certain the Z1's EC slots are pci-e, not USB, but I would love to hear from someone far more knowledgeable about this. What's interesting is that I'm getting the same speeds as Pyro did on his eSATA EC cards http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/513653-esata-vpc-z-s-y-series-esata-expresscard-review.html , which further suggests that they are both bottlenecked by the same bus, since normally USB3 is almost 2X eSata.

This is a bummer because it could become the thing that makes my Z1 feel ancient the fastest. Anyone: is 50-70 mb/s sequential r/w (not to mention 0.5 mb/s random 4k!) the best it will ever get for an external data transfer from the Z1?

 

Remember you still have the disk limits. Try to find benchmarks of the same disk on a 'real' USB3, and then compare those to the speeds you get with the ExpressCard.

In any case, the speed you can get over ExpressCard is still far far higher than what is currently possible with any sort of external drive. I personally think the speeds you get are pretty good for an external drive!

 

Costs a lot more if you have to buy a dock too (and the Z1 is already expensive enough), the keyboard is not very good and I really want an integrated solution. I'm a student and I'm constantly carrying things around since I'm going home on weekends, so I'd have to carry the dock with me too all the time and that's just annoying. The Z1 is far more interesting.