How to replace the SSD in Vaio VPCZ11 and VPCZ12 with non-Sony SSD

That's an expensive SSD

But yeah, I'd take an Intel over Crucial any day.

 

Does anyone know how I can get the cable "#A1781464A" in europe for my vpc-z13?

 

Has anyone tried upgrading with the OCZ Nocti mSATA SSD? I'm curious if 2 of them would fit in the original Sony HD caddy.

Newegg.ca - OCZ Nocti Series NOC-MSATA-120G mSATA 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

 

Ah thanks for pointing that out.

Are the intel 320's better then the OCZ Vertex 2's?

 

Nvm. Post I responded to was removed by a mod. ??

 

Partially out of boredom and partially because I no longer require a large amount of storage space on my Z, I decided to mess around with my storage setup.

I've moved my two faithful C300's into a SATA III RAID 0 setup on another computer and bought an Intel 320 160gb. While it's not the flashiest SSD on the block, the SATAII limitation on the Z really makes buying SATAIII drives kind of pointless, not that we really have many options out there anyway in the 1.8" SSD world (as far as I've seen, the C300 really is the only SATAIII 1.8" drive out there, no?)

Although based on their older controller, the 320 actually beats out my C300's (in non-raid) by just a hair.

Also, having one single SSD vs 2 SSD's should give me a whooping 3-5 more minutes of battery life




Also, concerning the included decal sticker. Yay or nay?

 

^ Yay, but across the trackpad !

 

Either that, or on your car's bumper; hard to say which would be classier.

 

OK, I have a question..

How do you remove the case from the Intel X18-M series SSDs?

I've been trying to get the casing off for the past hour but it's not budging at all.

 

pry0, what's your SSD setup look like? Stock samsung/toshiba's or something aftermarket?

 

Stock 4x128GB Samsung drives. 0 Bad blocks, no errors yet. Factory new transfer rates.

 

I recently upgraded from my stock 64gb x2 (raid0) to one Intel 320 160gb drive ( Newegg.com - Intel 320 Series SSDSA1NW160G301 1.8" 160GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Internal SSD), and then a week later added a second to get a 300gb raid0 array. I was getting sick of only having 128gb, and I did not want to remove the dvd-drive and replace it with another drive as I find having it very convenient.

Here are the comparisons of before/after the various changes (write back cache enabled throughout all tests)


Then finally, after performing most of the tweaks in this guide Sean's Windows 7 Install & Optimization Guide for SSDs & HDDs(note: I only performed these tweaks for this final benchmark, I also disabled c states in BIOS)


Also note that CrystalDiskMark tends to be fairly inconsistent, I probably could have used a better benchmark. Though, it was the one I went through with before removing the stock drives so I stuck with it for consistency.

 

I don't think I see anything in the guide that would have increased (read) speeds that much. Did disabling c-states by itself make much of the difference?

 

Disabling C-States makes a huge difference.

look at his unmodified single 160gb benchmarks

here's mine where all i did was disable c-state

 

Good afternoon, who can prompt - how to connect in VPC Z1 SSD from VPC-Z2 (MZRPA512HMFU-000SO). Both there and there RAID 0, on in SSD from VPC-Z2 socket ZIF on 29 pin, and in VPC Z1 on 25 pin.

 

Source for your pinout info?

29pin -> 25pin = incompatible? I guess so. Would require ribbon cable modification.

 

Yes that that sockets differ on number of contacts and so it is clear, all question in that is whether is укого the description of use of contacts of these sockets in SSD Samsung, or someone saw a cable connecting SSD and Motherboard in model VPCZ21 if they are identical on number of contacts, that is chance that the question can be solved simple replacement of a connecting cable between Motherboard VPCZ1 and SSD

 

I've read through this superb thread and digested as much as I can, wondering if someone can confirm if I'm on the ball here:

1) I have a Z11 with two Samsung SSDs, therefore I need the ZIF/microSATA cable from the Z12/Z13 to upgrade? Is it this one or this?

2) So long as the casing is removed, will any 1.8 inch SSD will fit?

3) How can I set-up the SSDs? I'd like to be able to keep the RAID 0 128GB for Windows and apps and add a single non-RAID 240GB+ SSD for storage. I opened my Z up and it looks like there's room on top of the Samsungs: imgur: the simple image sharer

Thank you amazingly informed people of NBR

 

(1) You currently have a single ended LIF cable in your Z1 attached to a single LIF board which has two 64GB SSDs on it.

(2) You need the double ended LIF cable (FPC-209) if you want to install another LIF SSD board into your Z1. The LIF SSD boards seem to be specific to the Sony Vaio Z1.

If you want to install "any 1.8 inch SSD" by removing their casing, you need the A1781464A FPC-217 cable which has two microSATA connectors on it.
I'm not sure which 1.8" SATA SSDs fit though.

(3) If you want to do 3) you would need the double ended LIF cable mentioned in (1) but you can't just install any caseless 1.8" SSD with the one that you currently have. You would have to source a 256GB or 2x128GB Samsung LIF board that is specific to the Vaio Z1. If you want to install the standard 1.8" mSATA drives, you need to remove your current 128GB/2x64GB SSD board.
(You can only have either the LIF cable or mSATA cable installed.)

For me, I purchased a double ended LIF cable. However, the LIF SSDs are kind of hard to find. I purchased a 1x128GB LIF board on eBay, but I couldn't find anything else.

I'd recommend you purchase the double ended mSATA cable and you will have a bit more freedom in selection with the 1.8" microSATA SSDs. Not to mention, most microSATA SSDs will be newer and faster models than the LIF Samsung SSDs that were released with the Vaio Z1.

edit: Oops, *cough*... Yeah, I should have written microsata, not msata above.

 

msata and microsata are not interchangeable, two different inputs. You do need the double microsata cable to make your life easier since you have a Z1. A1781464A.

It appears any 1.8" microsata will work. I've used Crucial C300's and Intel 320's. Not sure what's more readily available in the UK, but here in the USA the best readily available 1.8" now appears to be Intel's 320. There's also the Kingston V+ series, but I'd rather go with the 320. If you want to go with the V+ though, I have a spare 1.8" that I can strip to double check that it fits, but I don't see why any 1.8" wouldn't fit after being stripped. Micron makes a C400 1.8" but I haven't seen it available anywhere, that would likely be the most advanced 1.8" out there currently.

Like namaiki said, you'd have to ditch your OEM drive. You'd likely easily be able to sell it though to help cover the cost of upgrading to aftermarket 1.8's. You can't have both your OEM (LIF) and aftermarket (microsata) unless you decide to get a 2.5" SSD and replace your optical drive with an ultrabay.

 

That comprehensively answers my queries, cheers guys! Now it just boils down to cost and reliability since I find the performance from the stock Samsung SSDs is already pretty good. Eventually, I will either:

- Buy a double-ended LIF cable and a Samsung (I wonder if Toshiba boards from Z12/Z13 work too?) 256GB LIF board, keeping the 128GB already installed. If I looked at the correct part, then this would be about $55 for the LIF cable (add $49 for delivery to UK!) from sparepartswarehouse.com. LIF boards do seem to be as rare as hen's teeth, the cheapest I've found is on eBay for $350. Total: roughly $460.

- Go with namaiki's advice and get a double-ended microSATA cable and two 1.8'' SSDs which will probably cost a lot more than the first option. An Intel 320 160GB 1.8in goes for about £230 here ($360) though probably cheaper on eBay. I suppose I would get greater reliability, performance and TRIM support with this route.

Guess I'll be reporting back at some time in the future...

 

I believe that those are microSATA, not LIF.

 

^^^^ correct the Z12/13 drives won't work with the stock Z11 cable.

 

Derp, I completely failed to put two and two together there

 

Hi,

I have a Vaio VPCZ116GG from Japan with 2x64GB SSD Samsung and I would like to upgrade these original SSD with 2x128GB same case as Best Foot Forward I guess.

I wonder if the configuration is fit for my Z1
- A1781464A FPC-217 cable (2 microSATA connectors)
- two 1.8" SSD with at least 128GB by SSD.
If it is not correct then please let me know:

Thank you in advance.

Is microSATA or mSATA for the cable I'm not sure, can you confirm it?

 

FPC-217 that's the correct cable to connect 2 microSATA 1.8" SSDs. You have to remove the case off each 1.8" SSD for them to fit inside the laptop.

If you don't mind losing your CD/DVD drive, you can remove that and install a standard 2.5" SATA drive in a caddy.

 

Thank you,
@namaiki, you mean once I have 2 1.8" SSD with FPC-217 I can add one more SSD in the slot where the DVD drive installed?

 

If you purchase a hard disk optibay caddy (9.5mm height; there are some specifically made for the VPCZ1), you remove the DVD burner and you can replace it with any standard 2.5" SATA hard disk. It could be an SSD drive, or it could be any rotating hard disk like 750GB, or 1TB.

To do this, you don't need the FPC-217 cable, but you won't have an in-built DVD drive anymore.

You could use this one: http://www.newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=335

There are also slightly cheaper versions available on eBay or similar.

 

I went for the HDD in optical bay, upgrading the SSDs is crazily expensive for over 256GB. Generic 2.5'' caddy on eBay cost me £10, significantly cheaper than Newmodeus especially with UK shipping and a Samsung 750GB M8 HDD £60, what a fantastically cheap and great upgrade. It took some elbow grease and a hacksaw to get the caddy flush in the notebook but it fits perfectly. The face plate takes a surprising amount of force to remove from the optical drive but persevere.

What drives are you going to use if you upgrade? I looked at pairing Intel 320 Series 300GB 1.8'' drives but that would've cost more than what I paid for the notebook. I'd be interested in your results if you make the jump

 

Thanks,
I would like to change 2x64GB SSD by 2x128GB for Windows 7 (with 128GB is too small) at least depending on the cost:
- cable A1781464A FPC-217 costs $56
- 2x128GB $169 if MicroSATA $279 if mSATA I have a doubt when I see my 2x64GB SSD Samsung MMCRE28G They are similar to mSATA see the links below:

microSATA
MyDigitalSSD 128GB Bullet Proof 1.8 Inch microSATA SSD | My Digital Discount

mSATA:
MyDigitalSSD 256GB 50mm BP3 Bullet Proof 3 mSATA 6G SSD | My Digital Discount

Before shopping I need to be sure the correct one. Namaiki please advice.

 

I replace the DVD by SSD without any problems.
Meanwhile I try to create a Raid0 with 3 SSD:
2x64GB
1x256GB
The BIOS Intel(R) ROM 9.5.0.1037 gave me only 178.9GB

 

It's the same type as this one: MyDigitalSSD 128GB Bullet Proof 1.8 Inch microSATA SSD | My Digital Discount


If you want to RAID, the drives need to be the same size, otherwise it will be the size of the smallest drive times the number of drives. In your current case: 3x64GB=192GB.

If you buy the above, you will have 3x128GB=384GB.

 

If I were you, I would create a 2x64 RAID and leave the larger SSD untouched so you get 128+256GB. If you create a single array among all 3 SSDs, you waste lots of space.

 

I want to have 2x128GB RAID and 256GB for my data because of Windows 7 + software 128GB is not big enough.

I will let you know when I do this configuration: of course if I have money and the required hardware

Thank you.

 

For those of you want an idea of how disabling c-states in your hacked Z1 BIOS affects performance (or really, any intel based laptop). I no longer have my stock 128gb RAID0 samsung setup to test out, but I do have a couple of different drives.

I haven't put enough effort to see how battery life is affected by disabling C-states, don't really care at the moment as the Z1 is currently serving auxiliary desktop duty and doesn't leave it's docking station since that new hot SVZ has come to steal my love, that tramp

Intel 320 160gb with C-States enabled

Intel 320 160gb with CS disabled



Crucial C300 128gb CS enabled


and now disabled



Huge difference in 4k on the C300!

 

Hi all – my first post so go easy on me. I’m trying to work out how to upgrade the SSD in my wife’s Vaio laptop. The model number is VPCZ114GX/S so I’m assuming this is a Z11 model. I checked the spec of the laptop and it has two 64GB SSDs. I don’t want to replace the optical drive so that option is not an option lol. Then I just checked the price of two Intel 120GB SSDs which would come to $400 plus tax, which is more than I can spend on it.

So, my question is whether I can buy one 120GB Intel drive and install it alongside one of the existing 64GB SSDs. I’d run the OS and programs on the 64GB SSD and keep data on the 120GB SSD. I’ve read the thread over and I’m afraid I can’t work out if this has been done, or can be done?

All ideas greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Simon

 

So, my question is whether I can buy one 120GB Intel drive and install it alongside one of the existing 64GB SSDs. I’d run the OS and programs on the 64GB SSD and keep data on the 120GB SSD. I’ve read the thread over and I’m afraid I can’t work out if this has been done, or can be done?


Not possible. The original Samsung SSDs in the Z11 are ZIF and the 1.8" Intel drives are microSATA (I think that is the name). You can have either ZIF SSDs or MicroSATA SSDs in there. If you want to install MicroSATA SSDs, you need to purchase a certain cable that has MicroSATA plugs on it. (refer to page one)

 

Won't work. Since you have a Z11, the only way to easily add another drive is to do what you don't want to do, which is remove the ODD and replace with drive and ultrabay.

If you want to go the pricey route, you're going to need a special cable.
https://www.servicesplus.sel.sony.com/sony-part-number-A1781464A.aspx#

after, you will need to move your stock drive(s) since it's likely 1 physical drive even though RST says 2x64. They use lif connections and the cable you need to purchase uses micro-sata. THEN, you need to buy a 1.8" SSD(s), 2.5" won't work.

 

too slow, i got ninja'd

 

You were more correct though. I called them "ZIF - zero insertion force" but I definitely do recall that some amount of force was required when locking the cables in..

 

Thanks namaiki and Qwaarjet. So what I think you're saying is because I have a Z11 if I want to upgrade the SSDs I need to replace the existing 2x64GBs with 2x120GBs using the expensive micro-sata cable as interface between the laptop and the new SSDs. Is that right?

Thanks again!

Simon

 

Yes, you need the microSATA cable unless you can find the LIF SSDs designed specially for the Z1. Also, you can install a single 256GB or similar/larger sized microSATA SSD if you can find one.

 

Cheers namaiki. 256GB SSDs are also ridiculously expensive. Have no idea why. I thought SSDs were just glorified solid state memory cards.

Simon

 

Hi,
I read quite a lot before asking, but I'm still not sure, it seems too good to be true.

I have a Z13 with 128gb (I assume it's a 64gb raid0).
Can I just replace those two disk by two Crucial M4 mSata ( CT128M4SSD3 - 128GB, mSATA Solid State Drive , from Crucial.com ) ??
Do I need to buy a mSata cable?
Do I need to do anything special to be able to use them?

It's just that it seems to simple for it to be a matter of plug and play.

Thanks, Raph.

 

Yes, too simple

those are mSATA, you need micro sata to be directly compatible which is found in 1.8" SSD's. Example: Newegg.com - Intel 320 Series SSDSA1NW160G301 1.8" 160GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Internal SSD
after, in order to fit, you'd still have to strip the drive of it's casing.


you could still use those mSATA drives, but you'd need an adapter such as:
Amazon.com: mSATA to SATA Adapter: Computers & Accessories

even with the adapter, it's a much better option than 1.8" drives which are overpriced.

 

That's the thing on this link CT128M4SSD3 - 128GB, mSATA Solid State Drive , from Crucial.com
Crucial recently released mSATA drive for a reasonable price and it's even without casing...
Are they compatible? Or am I missing something?

 

re-read my post. That crucial drive is msata, you need micro sata. They are not the same interface.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

Much simpler: yes buy that crucial drive but also buy the adapter I posted or else it will not connect to your Z.



Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

Sorry I simply tought that the "m" in mSATA stand for micro... so I didn't understand your first reply.

And I still don't understand, the adapter is from mSata to SATA, so I find myself with a SATA disk? not a micro SATA
suddenly things seems to get more complex...
And I don't really like the idea of using an adapter, I look for a 1.8 sdd

 

my bad, wrong adapter

Amazon.com: Micro SATA Cables - mSATA to Micro SATA Adapter: Electronics