SZ120 CPU Upgrade

It currently has a T2400 (1.83 GHz) Core Duo, is it possible to upgrade to a Core-2-Duo? Will it be a difficult job, with BIOS upgrade etc.?

I wanted to do this so that it can take on the full Vista version (not just the basic).

Thanks in advance!

 

You can upgrade to a Core 2 Duo, but you probably need a BIOS upgrade.

However, you can run Vista Ultimate with the processor you currently own.

 

Yes, you can upgrade, as gautam3 has said. It will probably require a BIOS upgrade, however. Upgrading a processer isn't too difficult if you know what you are doing. First, you will have to remove the panel, and then the cooling. Then replace the actual processer. After installing the new processor, you will need to apply some thermal paste. The better thermal paste you apply, the more efficient the cooling of the processer will be. Then fit the cooling system back into place, and replace the panel. That should be it. Make sure, however, you do the BIOS (if needed) installation before the processer upgrade.

 

Thanks guys! Although I've done some other upgrades before, I haven't really upgraded a CPU, so I know very little about BIOS.

So this might seems like a silly question, but how do you do a BIOS update and where can I lay hands on those "updates"?

Thanks again!

 

You should be able to find the upgrades on the Sony website. You can get two types of upgrades. One type is where you have to install the BIOS from a floppy and install it from there. The other is through Windows. These ones through Windows are normally easier. I must point out, that the correct BIOS MUST be chosen. If you flash it incorrectly, then the whole notebook can be unrecoerable, and a new motherboard will have to be installed. Read the instructions on the Sony page carefully, and make sure you understand them before proceeding. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks Zero! The correct BIOS refers to the one matching my VAIO model number, right? eg. SZ120 P/B

And do I update the BIOS BEFORE I proceed the CPU upgrade?

Cheers!!

 

Yes, if the model number matches then that should be the one. Also, yes you must update the old BIOS with the new one, before the processor installation. If you did it afterward, the notebook may not start up, or it would recognise the processor incorrectly.