Sony FW series disassembly

Anybody have a link or PDF on the disassembly of the FW series? Too soon?

Edit: I own an FW VGN450J/B

 

If you're just trying to swap out a hard drive or an optical drive, the US support site has the instructions with visuals linked off of its support page for your model: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-documents.pl?mdl=VGNFW450JB

Be advised, though, that Sony may not honor the warranty on any change to the configuration which has not been authorized by them or installed by a Sony authorized tech (as in Best Buy's Geek Squad, Sony's own service onsite by QualX or at a Sony Depot).

Check first before reaching for the screwdriver -- Sony keeps detailed records of what that original config was and if it goes in for repair down the line and is different, that may be the end of your warranty.

 

Thanks for the info. I was actually contemplating upgrading the CPU. I work in IT and I am not new to disassembling laptops, just never disassembled this one. I am aware that it would negate my warranty, but I wanted to see how difficult the FW would be to tear down.

 

Well, then, you may have to wait a bit or strike out on your own because you have the newest series of FW. The interior of each of the refreshes has changed a bit -- for instance, I was told by a Sony Level II tech that the FW190 and FW390 use the same keyboard (which I dispute, BTW) but that they are wired in completely differently. And, of course, not all of the FW series can take 8 GB of RAM, either, etc.

If you search the NBR, I believe someone has posted images of opening an earlier FW series model.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for all your help. I suppose I'll just keep an eye out.

Edit: What are the chances that the processor is soldered on? Intel core 2 T6500 2.1 GHz.

 

See post 29 by NikoMatsu at this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=317635&page=3

This person disassembled an FW290 and offered to give feedback. Send him a message and ask if the CPU was soldered on. My guess is yes....

Good luck!

 

in the "official fw thread" in post 1190 and then a few post after there are pictures of an opened up fw if that could help

 

I knew I had seen that somewhere! Thanks to thn nila mou!

Here's the direct link to the page: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=278446&page=119 And the poster, Raps, indicates that one can change the CPU and that he has more pictures, shareable on request. His point about the BIOS is interesting because I have read somewhere that Sony has them locked.

Good luck! Let us know what happens on your end....

 

no prob,glad i could help.

02BLACKTAWS6, if you disassebly it, pls provide us some more info+pics for future reference.
And does anyone know up to what cpus do the bios and chipset support? and what options there are for future upgrade?
for example those quad core 44w?

 

Wow, thanks guys. Really good info there. If I decide to tear it down, I will be sure to post pics, etc. I just have to save some $ and do a little more homework on which processor to go with.

 

I've been wanting to open mine up so I can clean out the dust. After seeing those pictures though, it makes me a little scared. It looks like the screen had to remove...which I have never done before. My only experience is disassembling a G4 Powerbook. It was quite tedious for someone inexperienced like me...and I was always scared that I would ruin something. Does anyone know of a more detailed, step-by-step disassembly process?

 

HELP - I have a VGN-FW378JB with a cracked screen. I'm having trouble getting off the bezel to replace it. I can't get to the bottom 2 screws . . . seems like I'll have to remove the top. Anyone have a service manual or any suggestions?

 

Hey,

To remove the bezel you have to unscrew the lid from the base. What I did was I removed the speaker grill ( screws are underneath the battery and a few to the side) then I removed the speakers to get to the hinge screws and theres three screws on each side and you can then remove the lid.

If you need any help just let me know.

 

If you go to sony's support site, there is a phone number for parts and accessories. You can order the service manual. In the US it is only $10.

 

Hi chris,

Thinking of replacing my lcd. But i first I need to get the part no/manufacturer's id of lcd to check availability of lcd on an lcd online parts webstore.

Question 1: Will I be able to get that info ( i.e. is infor viewable ) by just opening the top two screws ( top left edge and top right edge ) and partially detaching the screen bezel?

Question 2: How do you partially detach the screen bezel? By just brute force prying it from the lid cover? or is there other trickery involved

Question 3: When partially opened as above, will I be able to see whether the screen is one lamp or 2 lamps backlit.

I am trying to avoid complete disassembly if possible

 

Disregard, The link I provided was for the FZ not the FW

 

See posting number 1190 at http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=278446&page=119 for multiple photos of a disassembled FW. And Raps indicated he is availble via private message on the forum for further info.

I understand that each FW series is tweaked a bit; for example, a SONY tech once told me that the keyboard in a FW3 is harder to work with than in the original FW series.

Good luck!