Sony Vaio Z series - what is upgradeable post-purchase?

Hi all,

I'm considering buying a new Vaio Z series, and I'm trying to keep the initial price to a minimum whilst maximising what I need Sony to do at the factory.

So, what components are upgradeable?

Obvious ones:

- RAM
- HDD/SSD
- CPU
- GPU
- WWAN - can I add this at a later date should I find I need it?

From my research on here, I (think I) understand that the SSD isn't upgradeable due to a proprietary connector - what about buying a Z with a standard SATA drive? Does this use a standard SATA connector (and enable purchasing SSD drives aftermarket)?

Thanks,
Josh

 

Hi, Josh,

Quick answers:

- RAM: Yes.
- SSD/HDD: No, unless you remove your optical drive, and add a new standard SSD (and be capable of system mods).
- CPU: I don't know personally if it's socketed or not.
- GPU: No.
- WWAN: I believe so, but be capable of major unit disassembly, plus expect software challenges. Someone else will have to confirm whether the mini-PCI Express connector is populated on non-WWAN units to make this possible.

No "standard" SSD offered by Sony. Standard HDD offered in some countries without an optical drive. Add your country to your profile, or check your country's SonyStyle site to get a more definitive answer (not available in USA).

Regards,
Mark

 

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your useful reply.

With regards to the SSD situation; I am in the UK and they offer standard HDDs on models without optical drives (as you say), so my question was actually:

If I opted for a standard HDD on my Z without an optical drive, does anyone know if it would then use a standard SATA interface and as such be easily swappable with a new, separately purchased SATA SSD drive?

With regards to the WWAN - does that mean "Yes, people have done it but they had to spend some time figuring out the software" or "Yes people have done it but no one has quite figured out some of the software issues just yet"?

Many thanks again!
Josh

 

Hi, Josh!

Starting with a standard HDD, swapping in a standard SSD will be quite straightforward, other than the disassembly part (the connectors will match). On the WWAN, I haven't yet heard of anyone who has done this, so I include the software concern (particularly how/whether it will integrate with Sony's bundled software). Others will have to chime in for more details.

Good Luck!
Mark

 

I cannot confirm this, but I think it's been found out that the CPU is soldered. Also on WWAN, I believe I've heard that the needed connectors/socket is not installed on non-WWAN models. But like mentioned I'm just going off what I think I've heard in these threads.

 

Hi, Sunfox!

Thanks for the info! I'd seen that for the Vaio CW, but it's surprising that this is the case for the relatively low-volume Vaio Z. I appreciate knowing. Thanks again!

Cheers!
Mark

 

Keep in mind that replacing any component besides RAM will void your warranty. I learned it the hard way.