Replacing HDD on Sony Vaio VGN-TZ37

I am a frequent traveller who needs a reliable and ultra-portable notebook. I have owned a Sony Vaio VGN-TZ37 for almost 18 months. While I like it very much, it is very slow to boot up (XP). For that reason, I decided to replace the notorious in-built HDD with a SDD. I have succeeded in replacing the original one with a Photofast G-Monster 1.8” ZIF SSD V 4 and am very happy with the result. The following is my experience.

When I decided to change to SSD, I did a lot of internet search and finally took 3 key decisions:
(1) Which SDD? – After a lot of search, I settled for G-Monster 1.8” ZIF SSD V 4. It is not the least expensive, but I am happy with the results.
(2) DIY? – A few repair shops could provide the service but they could not assure compatibility or system installation. I decided to do it myself which is a good decision because I had to re-open the case 3 times.
(3) Secret of opening the case – There are a few weblinks offer pictures and tips on the internet. They are essential for non-technical people like me.

Having gone through the process, the following are my suggestions and tips:
(1) Cloning the system – I cloned the whole HDD using Acronis True Image with the new SDD attached to a ZIF to SATAII adapter. For unknown reasons, my original ZIF to USB case did not work.
(2) Opening the case – As in relevant weblinks, the most difficult part is removing the power supply cover on the left. It took me almost 10 minutes. You need only to remove the cover on the left, not on both sides.
(3) Beware of loosening the cables inside – TZ37 has a very small case and the flat cables just fit. I had to re-open the case a few times because somehow I loosened the HDD cable (error msg: no system disk) and the connector with touch pad (error: touchpad does not work after 2 days). Hence, I suggest you try the system before putting back all screws.
(4) ZIF SSD facing down – The Photofast SSD is properly connected in the face-down position.

Outcome – I am very happy with the replacement, because:
(1) It is so much faster booting up. Now, it takes 55 seconds which is about half of the original.
(2) It is less prone to shock damage when I travel on the plane and in a rush.
(3) It consumes less power (runs longer on battery).

I am now happy with my TZ37 with a new SDD. It will accompany me in many of long flighs and trips.

 

What size PHOTOFAST SSD you got in ??
I still didn't figure out why you need to remove the the power supply cover(left).
Thanks for the info.

 

Hi,

I put in a 128G Photofast SSD which is same as the original HDD. The whole case (top & bottom halves) has to be dismantled to get access to the HDD. Some websites advise removing the hinges on both sides. But one website shows that the top and bottom halves can be splitted open by removing the cover of the hinge on the left. It worked for me.

 

I thought you would get better boot time < 55 secs but as you said you are happy that's what matters.
Have you run any BENCHMARKS as yet.
Are you on VISTA OR W7.

Fyg and info this is the PHOTOFAST thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...otofast-g-monster-v4-zif-ssd-user-review.html

 

Dear Zimbros,

Thanks for referring me to the Photofast thread. Generally speaking, I am happy with the Photofast SSD . I am now running on XP.

Concerning the boot up time, I have done the test several times and the average is 48 sec from pressing the power button to loading all applications. The following is the timing at different stages:

0 sec => switch on
6 sec => Vaio BIOS screen
11 sec => WinXP screen
30 sec => Login screen
48 sec => All applications loaded

Is there any advantage to upgrade to Win7? Does Win7 support all peripherals/accessories of TZ37?

Thanks for any advice.

 

sweet thx for the mini-review! my boss has an old TZ that he's basically abandoned, maybe I can convince him to try the V4 to breath some new life into the machine

 

Well not bad at all.I was going by your first post 55 s

To go from XP > W7 the only way is to perform a CLEAN INSTALL .But you should ask yourself > do I need it IMO

Please read post #97
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sony/341599-windows-7-sony-tz-10.html