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    Sony Vaio Z2 memory upgrade, possible?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Fragge, Nov 2, 2011.

  1. Fragge

    Fragge Newbie

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    Is it possible to buy a 4 Gb Vaio Z2 and upgrade it to 8Gb?
    The "Kingston memory configurator" claims its possible and that they sell SO-DIMM modules that fit, but when I look at the teardown images I can't locate any memory modules anywhere.
    I googled like crazy for this info but can't find it anywhere.
     
  2. Qwaarjet

    Qwaarjet Notebook Deity

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    nope, ram is soldered to the mobo
     
  3. Fragge

    Fragge Newbie

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    Damn, thanks!
     
  4. johne2606

    johne2606 Newbie

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    Actually it is possible to upgrade it. I have torn apart one my Z2 and found that it is replaceable BUT... the memory that is used is different from your standard RAM.
     
  5. 612kimx1853

    612kimx1853 Notebook Consultant

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  6. xxGenericSNxx

    xxGenericSNxx Z1 Fanboy

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    Well just judging from those photos on Kingston's site (assuming they're not stock photos) is they won't fit the Z because those are standard DIMMs. From what I recall the Z uses removable RAM but it's a specialized piece made just for the Z. To be honest, the route I'd recommend is to just buy the computer with 8GB RAM to begin with.
     
  7. 612kimx1853

    612kimx1853 Notebook Consultant

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    thanks. is there a teardown manual that shows where the memory slots are?
     
  8. phoebusvh

    phoebusvh Notebook Consultant

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    yea, as if it's upgradable. I'm adding more as 4gb isn't enough.
     
  9. mak1

    mak1 Notebook Geek

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    Inside Z2
     

    Attached Files:

  10. pyr0

    pyr0 100% laptop dynamite

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    Don't buy these, they are standard DDR3 RAM modules. They won't fit into the Z2. Period.
     
  11. 612kimx1853

    612kimx1853 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks. Saved me some trouble. Anyone know where to buy Z2 ram after market?
     
  12. 612kimx1853

    612kimx1853 Notebook Consultant

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    thanks. did u take it apart yourself? how difficult was it?
     
  13. xxGenericSNxx

    xxGenericSNxx Z1 Fanboy

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    Likely no such thing as aftermarket RAM for this computer as we've all been saying that it's specialized chips. Your only choice is likely from Sony direct.
     
  14. lovelaptops

    lovelaptops MY FRIENDS CALL ME JEFF!

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    I thought neither you nor Sony could increase the RAM on the Z1 post-purchase. Biggest single annoyance of the product: some of the retail models would suit me fine, but all seem to have 4-6GB RAM standard. Oh well, CTO isn't a bad way to go - if you can stand paying some $200 for 4GB of DDR3 RAM. Makes you kind of nostalgic for the good old days of, oh, 2009, lol.
     
  15. xxGenericSNxx

    xxGenericSNxx Z1 Fanboy

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    You mean Z2? From what I understand, if you buy the module you can plug and play a new thing of RAM in there.

    BTW did you get my second reply to your PM? I don't know if my message sent or not.
     
  16. pyr0

    pyr0 100% laptop dynamite

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    Z2 has proprietary RAM and SSDs. No 'regular' aftermarket retrofit possible. Here, regular means plug and play.
     
  17. xxGenericSNxx

    xxGenericSNxx Z1 Fanboy

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    Well my question is if the RAM is soldered or not. If it's not soldered, one can just buy the proprietary module from Sony and replace it.
     
  18. 612kimx1853

    612kimx1853 Notebook Consultant

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    it seems like its not soldered on. does anyone know how much sony sells the ram for?
     
  19. ngvuanh

    ngvuanh Notebook Deity

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    If Z2 RAM is removable, it is worth a try to replace RAM chips only.
    It is much safer than replacing RAM which is soldered on MB.
     
  20. pyr0

    pyr0 100% laptop dynamite

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    ^ correct. If you have the equipment for bga-soldering ram and you can source the chips, it is an alternative to purchasing overpriced Sony ram modules.
     
  21. brody_

    brody_ Notebook Consultant

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    ...but theres no 8g sony modules right? (2x8g)
     
  22. ngvuanh

    ngvuanh Notebook Deity

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    If someone can send me one of Z RAM module, I can do research on what RAM could fit.
    This RAM upgrade, I believe is more promise than UX RAM.
     
  23. ngvuanh

    ngvuanh Notebook Deity

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    Look at internal Z2 pictures, I believe each module might have total of 16 devices for the total of 4GB each.
    I guess that board only has 4GB RAM. Correct me if I am wrong.
     
  24. bobet96

    bobet96 Notebook Consultant

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  25. pyr0

    pyr0 100% laptop dynamite

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  26. uniqueemailee

    uniqueemailee Newbie

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    Sorry for bumping up the old post, but I have attached pictures of Sony VAIO Z3 RAM slots and modules. Please let me know the name of this proprietary slot and if there are any 8GB modules available. Memory is not soldered and is possible to upgrade. I can sell my 2x4GB modules. I believe Z2 is the same, but might be DDR2 instead of DDR3. Thanks.

    View attachment 118444
    View attachment 118445
    View attachment 118446
    20141206_134852804_iOS.jpg
     
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2014
  27. unlocKing

    unlocKing Newbie

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    If they can fit my Z21M9E, I'll take them.. currently only have 4GB and need the upgrade! :hi2:
     
  28. uniqueemailee

    uniqueemailee Newbie

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    Hey, unfortunately I have not found 8GB modules and I don't think they exist. So I have to stay with my 8GB (2x4GB) RAM for now.

    I had a chance to find a service manual for Z2. It does not mention your model explicitly, though it should be the same. You can see on the diagram that your laptop supports MM-18 and MM-19 memory modules.
    MM-18 is 2GB DDR3 1600MHz module and MM-19 is 4GB DDR3 1600MHz (which is in Z3).

    Verify this here by entering mm19 into description field and search. If you happy with the price ring Sony and buy directly from them, if not then search on the internet by part number. Probably you can find it cheaper.

    Another thing to consider is laptop specs that say memory is not upgradable and maximum 4GB possible. So if you have run out of warranty/extended warranty already you can open laptop and check out what type of modules are there before doing any upgrade.

    Good luck!