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    Intel 4500MHD max. memory? Why some 820mb, others higher?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by HRTex, Dec 18, 2008.

  1. HRTex

    HRTex Newbie

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    Is this set in stone? I noticed the SR130 has 820mb max. and the later SR290 has up to 1750mb max.

    What determines these numbers? If I get an SR130 can the allocated graphics memory be upped to the SR290 levels?

    Both would have the p8400 with 4500MHD, so why the difference?

    Thanks,
    Hugh
     
    HRTex, Dec 18, 2008
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  2. gengerald

    gengerald Technofile Extraordinaire

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    I believe it is dependent upon the RAM installed, since it is shared memory. As with my 8600M, the 'video' memory (aka virtual) increased when I upgraded to 3GB of ram.
     
    gengerald, Dec 18, 2008
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  3. joeskie

    joeskie Notebook Geek

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    ^ Exactly.
     
    joeskie, Dec 18, 2008
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  4. kohyeekan

    kohyeekan Notebook Consultant

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    It is not only RAM, it depends on the motherboard design. Sony only preset the maximum video memory according to RAM and I have contacted Sony that even if I upgrade the RAM, the maximum video memory is still fixed. Also, if you notice it, the maximum RAM that a laptop can take depends on models, although both using GM45. For example FW270 can have 8GB max, but FW170 can only have 4GB max. I think this is arbitrarily set by Sony in the BIOS and Sony is not willing to upgrade the BIOS sometimes just to make people buy for the latest product.
     
    kohyeekan, Dec 18, 2008
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  5. HRTex

    HRTex Newbie

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    In my research (and there isn't a lot out there), I read what you were saying about the max. memory being set by Sony in the BIOS.

    I can't understand that exactly, and I also wonder if you could just upgrade/flash your bios with one intended for an SR290 and get the higher amount of maximum graphics memory.

    As far as using the 'upgraded' bios from an SR290, I cannot think of one other feature of the early SR series with integrated video that would be different from the new SR290s (with integrated video) if you have the same chipset (i.e. P8400).

    If anybody has any thoughts on this I'd be very interested.

    Thanks,
    Hugh
     
    HRTex, Dec 19, 2008
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  6. gengerald

    gengerald Technofile Extraordinaire

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    Truthfully, the additional shard memory is not going to be helpful. I can understand if you want to tweak for more ram usage or for more ram to be recognized with different BIOS builds (be careful in doing so), but increasing your shared memory will be a waste.
     
    gengerald, Dec 19, 2008
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