Replacing Sony Vaio Z SSD RAID

Hello,

I have a Sony Z (core 2 2.4GHz) - probably about 3 or 4 years old that had a spindle drive and I replaced it with an SSD drive.

I have another Sony Z (first gen i7) that is about 2 or 3 years old that has a RAID SSD (from sony). It needs reformatting soon.

My older laptop boots up much faster than my newer laptop ever did and I was I was thinking about replacing the SSDs in my newer sony z laptop. Can I replace it with a standard SSD? I've never taken this one apart and don't want to until I know what my game plan is.

I'll be happy to provide further information.

Thanks

 

No, you can't replace the SSDs in your i7 Z but you can add your 2.5" SSD with a caddy that replaces the optical drive. If you want your i7 Z to boot faster, delete your RAID array (backup first, all data will be deleted). This will remove the cursor blinks at boot and will reduce the boot time by about 15-30 seconds (depending on SSD configuration, YMMV).

 

Thanks - that is a tough decision but I appreciate the info! By any chance did you do this?

If you have any info on these things I'd love to pick your brain.

1 - a recommended caddy?

2 - how do I delete the array - just remove it in the bios?

 

Do the new Sony Z's have the special SSDs as well or can I put in my choice of standard ssds?

 

1 - There is a caddy made by newmodeus for 2.5" HDD/SSD. Quite easy to retrofit. As already mentioned, you will lose your DVD drive though. http://forum.notebookreview.com/son...laptop-newmodeus-hdd-caddy-review-photos.html
Search the forum.

2 - Go into BIOS setup (press F2 when the VAIO logo appears after turning on the laptop)
Then set RAID configuration to show (from hide)
Exit and save, press Ctrl+I when prompted. Detele the array in the RAID configuration utility (all data will be lost). You will then have two seperate 64GB drives available. Reinstall your operating system.

As of the 2010 Z series, all Z's do have proprietary sub-1.8" form factor SSDs with proprietary connectors. In 2011 or 2012 Z's you can only use Sony's original SSDs. No aftermarket SSD fits inside, no ODD, so no caddy retrofit.

Please search in the VAIO forum. What you want to do was all done multiple times before by other Z owners. There are many threads with different types of SSD upgrades, including pictures, step-by-step guides etc.

 

I thought the Z2 SSD Array is an equal sandwich design like in the Z1... In the Z1 you can replace the SSD by buying two 1,8 SSDS and put them out of their case. Is this no more possible on Z2 and Z3?

 

No it is not. There are differences both at the cable and the SSD stack side:

Z1:

• two SSD boards stacked
• mSATA ribbon cables from Z12/Z13 are available - these enable users to hook up aftermarket SSDs
• Result: Two stripped 1.8" SSDs stacked on each other with kapton tape between them can be hooked up (virtually plug-and-play)

Z2/Z3:

• Stock models come with only one double-sided SSD board (very thin body, there is no space for two boards)
• sony-proprietary ZIF connector, no mSATA ribbon cable available
• No plug-and-play aftermarket upgrade possible. Single stripped 1.8" SSD could be hooked up if user solders SSD's SATA pins to the motherboard. Hackers-only solution.

 

Thanks for all the info. I really like the Z series but I consider the proprietary SSDs their biggest flaw.

 

On the new Z3 can you purchase the internal Samsung SSDs online? I have not found a source nor for the internal battery either? If I understand correctly it will swap in without too much hassle b/c it has the same Ziff style connector right?

Thanks