How similar are the Sz2 and SZ6?

Hi. I'm looking for an SZ6 mainly for its better graphics compared to the previous sz.

I've got access to a faulty sz2 with a motherboard fault. How feasable is it to replace the motherboard with one from the SZ6?

 

I believe the motherboards are different...

 

Yeah they're different, but is the rest of the computer compatible with both?

As they are both sz series, I'm hoping sony left everything to dow tih the case exactly the same, adn only improved the motherboard (graphic and cpu).

So al the connections to everything else in the laptop should be in the same place and so the motherboard will be a straight swap.

 

The case is not the same. The SZ1-5 is smaller and weighs 3.65lbs and the SZ6-7 weighs 3.95lbs.
This is the motherboard for the SZ6-7


This is the motherboard for the SZ1-5


They actually look pretty different so i would say that it would not even fit right.

 

Motherboard and all other components are almost same, but all connectors are different. You can't put SZ6 motherboard in SZ2 because some connectors are not match.

 

If you flip one of both, they are match.

 

You are looking at the mobo's from different sides (that's why you can see the CPU socket in one).

THe two motherbaords are MBX-147 (for SZ 1 and 2):




and MBX-170.



The smaller casing will most likely be due to the surrounding plastics being replaces by carbon fiber (thinner, and also accounts for weight different) and not actually the motherboard itself. They look nearly identical in terms of shape (and have exactly hte same holes for the screws).

Which connections would be different? I thought the only thing that changed in the sz series was they switched to a better graphics chip in the sz6, and other than that it was just cpu changes. all used the same lcd. and hardidsks, ram and cd drive shouldn't be an issue as that uses standards. and the battery is unlikely to have changed.

 

I thought the old battery wouldn't fit and batteries were upgraded with progression...

 

anyone know about the battery? the pins seem to be in the same place, so if it's the case that stopped them from being used then it won't be an isue as i can use the sz1 battery in the sz1 case.

 

How about the cooling in the older models, is that the same? I would guess that models with better graphics require more cooling (more heatsinks or bigger/faster fan). Would be a shame to replace everything and have it run too hot on the first day and frying some chips.

 

Well the sz2 also had discreet graphics so there is a dedicated heatsink for that as well. and I've had a look on ebay and the graphics heatsinks for the sz2 and sz6 look identical.

 

I am going to show you which connector is different.

MBX-147 of SZ1xx to SZ4xx


MBX-170 of SZ6xx to SZ7xx