The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Sony SZ ram upgrade...

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by AnM3, Mar 10, 2006.

  1. AnM3

    AnM3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I am getting the Sony SZ18 model from Hong Kong and it has 512mb of ram stock. I want to order another 512 or 1gig ram from newegg. I am just wondering which model I should get. Also, should I get a 533 or 667 ram? Thanks.
     
  2. ostack

    ostack Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    344
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I would order 2x512 667 modules, and replace the one it comes with. Or get 2x1G 667 while you're in there anyway. In a dual channel set-up, it is best to have identical ram modules.

    Did you order it with a single 512 module, or is it possible it will come with 2x256?
     
  3. AnM3

    AnM3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I am not sure if it's 1 X 512 or 2 X 256...hope it's 1 X 512...

    so you think that I should order 2 512 in the speed of 667? Do you have any suggestions of which ones I should get? Like which exact models? ANd roughly how much they would be?

    Also, does your rams really run at 667? How come Sony gives us 533 rams stock?
     
  4. AnM3

    AnM3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I just checked the Sonystyle.com.hk site and found out that the SZ18 comes with 1 X 512. Is it really true that I should get matching pair of rams for the core dual to run faster?

    Does anyone on this forum who upgraded rams want to sell me one of their 512 ram so I can match my other sony 512? :) Or maybe I should just grab a pair of:

    CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Notebook Memory Model VS512SDS667D2 - Retail

    Anyone know how good these rams are? Also, does newegg.com ships to Canada?
     
  5. AnM3

    AnM3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    How hard is it to upgrade the ram in the SZ? DO I have to take apart the whole laptop in order to reach the rams?? Or do I just have to oepn a slot at the bottom of the laptop to pop the rams into the SZ? Gotta find out before I order from newegg.
     
  6. Mark²

    Mark² Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    58
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
     
  7. AnM3

    AnM3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Thanks Mark... I am still thinking :)

    How hard is it to yank the rams out? Can you please describe briefly the process? I would only get the ram if it doesn't take too much sweat.
     
  8. dlwoodjr

    dlwoodjr Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    73
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Well, 1st disconnect all power and batteries. Touch the case to equalize your static potential. Then you unscrew the 2 screws from the cover plate on the bottom and gently pry up (you won't have to pry much as they seem to come up with the screws)... It is the plate in the middle (about 2 inches below the dock connector). There is a piece of plastic covering the 2 SODIMMS. From there you need to release the 2 metal tabs that keep each memory module secured and they will tilt up until about 45 degrees. Do NOT force them. Now pull straight out while at the angle. Remember to replace with the new module being put in at the same angle. Reverse all other steps and voila!!! You are done. Reboot and F2 into the BIOS to make sure they are recognized properly.

    P.S. I have 2x512MB DDR2 modules that came out when I upgraded to 2GB... Anyone interested?

    Don
     
  9. AnM3

    AnM3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Oo, so all I need to access is that compartment at the bottom of the notebook? I don't have to unplug the keyboard and stuffs? That's nice to hear!! How much are you going to sell those 512's for? I only need one 512 if I am getting the stock sony ones...
     
  10. dlwoodjr

    dlwoodjr Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    73
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Make an offer. Where are u at?

    Don
     
  11. Bossy573

    Bossy573 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    11
    Messages:
    223
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Just ordered the Mushkin 2X1GB dual channel from Mushkin from Newegg. I heard the performance jump wasn't significant with 667mhz memory so I went the cheaper route. Maybe I'll get lucky anyway and get a couple of 667 dimms marked as 533 as has happened with this particular memory.
     
  12. AnM3

    AnM3 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    41
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I am in Vancouver and I only need 1 stick of 512...

    Bossy, so the diff. between 533 and 667 is not that big?

    Is 1 gig of ram really that insufficient for you guys? :p Everyone's getting 2 gig!!
     
  13. Bossy573

    Bossy573 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    11
    Messages:
    223
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    That is what I read. I've seen some benchmarks comparing the 2 as well and there is no noticable jump. Then again, I've never compared both myself so that is all hearsay.....