Sony Vaio Z : 4GB vs. 8GB Memory?

Here is another discussion:

My configuration is with 4GB single slot right now. Considering that an extra 4GB single 1066 DDR3 aftermarket DIMM would cost me about $170, what would I gain by upgrading it to 8GB in total?

 

-$130... I forget which of these threads on this forum I read, but Zoinks and a few others tested and confirmed that this Vaio Z will take a third-party RAM module, I personally will upgrade my own RAM... Hopefully the CTOs are really 1x4 gb modules and not 2x2 gb modules... even when I had three reps confirm that it is 1x4 gb module... (then again, one of them told me that the i7 was a quad core processor... O.O)

 

my CTO was 1x4gb. Purchased another 4gb stick off newegg and worked w/o a hitch.

 

My CTO came with a 1x4GB module. I purchased a Mushkin 4GB stick from NewEgg and it has worked flawlessly so far.

I need the extra RAM because I have a lot of VMs open for my work.

 

MJFlash did some good legwork in this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=471079&page=4

I purchased that ram to bring myself to 8GB. I am very happy with the results.

As far as whether it helps. I suppose if you monitor Taskmanager and watch your memory usage you can determine for yourself. Also, my understanding is that Windows does make good use of that memory for caching and such.

 

I can wholeheartedly recommend Mushkin. They make no memory, but are "binners". They test the memory thoroughly, and only sell it at a speed for which it actually works, unlike the manufacturers who often have variable quality. When you buy Mushkin, you can be rather certain that it will work at or above the specs they give, for any length of time.
I have a server here, for example, which has run overclocked 24/7 since 2001 -- that's NINE years -- without any memory problems whatsoever. The little extra you pay is well worth it.

 

To original poster: it will gain you 4GB more RAM Whether you need it is up to you. Do you use application that might benefit from it? Some would mention working with huge files in Photoshop, for instance, but Photoshop uses its own virtual memory manager and may not utilize a lot of RAM. 3D application use bucket rendering to split render job into smaller pieces (huge textures require a lot of RAM though). Hosting many VSTi in DAW application with large sound banks might take RAM but there are few 64-bit DAW applications and VSTi (Native Instruments comes to mind). Running several virtual machines is the best excuse to get 8GB of RAM.

Also, putting a second 4GB DIMM will put RAM into dual-channel mode, which is slightly (you won't really notice it without tests) faster than single-channel.

 

The big use I had for upgrading to 8gb is I like to reserve 2-3GB for my VM to run. With 4GB only you can't really do that effectively.

 

Hm that helps a lot.
I might need to run different VMs simultaneously.
I will opt for 8gb.
Thanks!

 

Which one did you buy? Thx

 

Mine is a Canadian Z11, 2x 2GB

 

My Z12 came with 2x2GB Samsung M471B5273BH1-CF8. After looking here and there I found that there are actually two types of memory chips - the original ones (that came with laptop) are smaller chips, 8 of them on each side (total 16 chips per memory module), but there is another memory that is using slightly bigger chips, but they are only 8 per memory module (4 on each side).

So, now I am wondering what is the memory consumption/heat generated by 32 memory chips vs just 16 if we go with bigger ones? Does anybody use these memory modules with 8 chips on it? If so, can you please post what brand/model it is? I already ordered G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 but I can cancel my order and get CORSAIR 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 instead... Does the size and number of memory chips really makes a difference in this case?

 

Why the frown? That's dual channel.

 

For the old Z (VGN), you pretty much have to use the higher density chips (i.e. those with only four chips on each side) to get 8 GB working.
If I understand it correctly, the new Z (VPC) is less picky.

Personally, I do software development and VMware, but run the VMs remotely, so the amount of local memory doesn't mean much. For compiling, I gain more by going to lower latency RAM than more RAM, so I use 2x2 GB of 5-5-5-15 RAM.

 

I'm running Newegg.com - Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model 996644. The picture shows 4 per side but the package actually comes with 8 per side. Running on a z690 with the 5031 bios and all working perfectly.

I had bought a cheaper unit previously - also pictured as 4 chips though it came as 8 and did not work. Bios picked it up as 8g, though system crashed every 30 seconds. Mem testing didn't suggest anything was wrong however.

 

Can't find 4GB DDR3 1066 with latency lower than 7-7-7-20... Also, most 4GB memory modules in online stores, including these coming with US CTO Z1290X, are these with 16 chips per stick.

 

Crucial (and Micron, Crucial's sister company) and Kingston are the only companies that I'm aware that mass produce 4gb memory with 4 chips per side. As such, they are not too easy to find and if you do, you're looking at about US$150 for one.

And, I thought you couldn't get 4GB DD3 SODIMM with latencies lower than 7-7-7-20?

 

I ordered Crucial CT2KIT51264BC1067 8GB 204-PIN PC3-8500 SODIMM DDR3 (4GBx2) that is using 4 chips per side according the photos found on NewEgg. It is 7-7-7-20, Micron chips.



I'll let you know how it work on my Z1290X CTO once I receive and test it. I was trying to check compatibility using Crucial's online tool but couldn't find my laptop model in their list.

 

You can't, which was my point -- I chose to go with 2x2 GB instead to get the lower latency, because for me, that would be more beneficial.

 

Sony has traditionally used 4GB MICRON RAMs in their machines (starting with the VGN-Z). I remember reading somewhere that the earlier versions of the VPC-Z came with MICRON RAM cards as well, until a few months into sale they started coming with other brands with 8x chips per side.

The VGN-Z, from the user-trials done here on the forums, only likes the 4x chip RAM cards. It will read about 6GB of 8GB, using two 8-chip cards with some BIOS hacking. If there is only one 8x chip 4GB card installed however (with any other card that is NOT 4GB), it will read that card without issue. In addition, the ELPIDA RAM sticks that the older VGN-Z came with, the 2GB cards had 8x chips per side. It was able to read two of those cards without issues.

The VPC-Z on the otherhand, should be fine with any brand, even with third party parts as mentioned earlier, regardless of chip-count.

People should note that the VGN-Z came with RAMs running at 1066MHz.
The new Zs come with 1333MHz (pretty sure they run at that speed as well).

I know that the VGN-Z is capable of running the 1333MHz cards, though not sure if it will utilise that increased clock speed.

Now, the pricing.
Samsung Korea's bulk pricing shows that a 8-chip, 4GB PC3-8500 is about US$97, and the 4GB PC3-10600 being around US$93 (yeah, it's cheaper than the 8500).

.....If anyone is able to point me to a well-reputed international seller selling new 8GB Crucial RAM packs on the cheap, I'll be forever thankful ^_^.....