Upgrading VPC-Z1 (with quad raid) to 1TB !

After purchasing a used Z12 with 256GB quad raid, it was required to upgrade the SSD disk space as an existing Z11 old version already had a 512GB SSD (twin 256GB raid). The only available option was to purchase two 256GB Samsung SSD (MMDPE56GQDXP, internal as 2 x 128GB), as these are the only available SSD that do fit. Spending now more the ~1000 - 1400USD and get only 512GB was not really an option you would like.
But the new Z2 comes with a 512GB twin raid (2 x 256GB) drive option. This SSD has the same form factor but instead of a 25pin lif connector it is using a 30pin. The pin layout is mirrored and has additional power supply lines. This would give if you purchase two of them an overall 1TB quad raid drive for about 1900USD. Still quite expensive but you get lots of space with a quad raid super fast configuration.
It is not recommended to follow the steps below, if you are experienced and still a lot can go wrong. It is just how it can be possible to increase, but not an advice upgrade path. Another much more secure option could be to buy the SSD-TOS connector and wait until 1,8'' SSD with 512GB are available. The first modification which was performed did ruin the connector on the SSD and it was quite a challenge to get the SSD working at least in a Z2.
One way to integrate two Samsung 512GB SSD (MZRPA512HMFU) into a new Z1 (you need an existing quad configuration or you would need to buy the cable from one (I do not have the part number)).

First cut the end of the lif connector in order to remove the interconnections between The upper and bottom copper layer. This requires about 1.5mm of connector to remove (see picture „connector02“ . Remove the small nose on one side of the connector cable as well (see picture). The connector layout is mirrored you need to remove the insulation, best with a sharp knife. Remove by scratching the surface slowly until the copper is visible.
Now place a 3cm length and 1.5mm wide tape on the top and bottom as seen (blue dots) in picture „isolation01“. It is close to separator of VCC and ground. This is to avoid a short cut that can destroy your system.
Now insert the lif connector into the one of the 512GB SSD. The edge where you removed the nose, should end with the connector of the drive. Whereas at the other side there is still space for 5 pins that are not connected, like visible in picture „connector01“. IT IS VERYS IMPORTANT TO CHECK THERE IS NO SHORTCUT BTW. VCC AND GROUND !!! If there is one, the tape is place badly or the lif connector was not inserted in the right way.
The assembled two drive module can be seen in picture „ssd01“ (the red arrow marks the gap of 5 pins that remain unconnected, as a 25pin cable is inserted into a 30pin connector), together with the mainboard in picture „z1201“. And final the raid configuration menu displaying the new raid array with 954GB (picture raid01).

connector02


isulation01


connector01


ssd01


z1201


raid01

 

Wow, you're crazy dude. Yet awesome at the same time. Great job

 

This is pretty awesome.

 

Nice work! How many curser blinks do you get at bootup?

 

Yikes!

Awesome work

 

Wow....thats crazy! Nice job!

 

I fully support this grossly indulgent waste of time and money.

Kudos

 

best first post ever rocket365, it was Zoinks approved. pyr0 praised. We just need beaup's nod of approval.

 

Let me first start by saying I love this... Overkill, with some overkill on top xD

Could we get some performance (I/O) tests plz ?
I'm just wondering how this setup fares against modern SSDs.

At a cost of something like 1500$, you could have gotten a 2x512Gb RAID array of top-end SSDs, stripped them, and installed them without any hassle.

4xCrappy SSDs RAID > 2xTop-End SSDs RAID ? Just wondering, I have no idea...

 

I second, third and fourth the motion!

Welcome back, Zoinks!

 

Please explain how they're "crappy"? Samsung is top tier. Also, please point out these 1.8" 512gb "top end" SSD's? The highest capacity 1.8" for actual sale that I've seen are 300gb. Knowing that the Z1x is limitd to SATA II, I can say with abundant certainty that rocket365's setup will lay waste to anything else that could possibly work in the Z.

There is a 600gb 2.5" drive, so he could have had 1.2TB with 2x1.8 300gb + 1 2.5" 600gb for the grand total of $2150. More space, yes, but at the cost of his ODD, and a higher cost and LOWER performance.

OP pretty much said, I want the best, nothing else will do and gave the finger to his wallet. I think we can all respect that

 

Thanks, not sure what the blinks tell you as I am not into bios internals, but without show raid configuration, just one. With show raid configuration three.

 

• I'll post the stats after the weekend.
• Unfortunately there is no space, even if you strip the case from the larger (>=512GB) 2,5'' SSD's and you would need an microSATA->SATA adapter and loose the BD-bay by installing two drives, as "Qwaarjet" mentioned. This worked in the VGN-Z (without loosing the bay), but in the VPC (at least my Z12) you have to stay with the new form factor or maybe you could install two Intel 1.8'' with the SSD-TOS cable, right now only up to 300GB, which might work.

 

With 64KB stripe size defined in raid bios, latest intel raid driver.
If the transfer size is larger or equal 4KB, you get allmost >400MB/s write and ~500MB/s read transfer speed.

 

The MZRPA512HMFU drives are now available on Amazon for $199, the MZRPA256HMDR is $179. I bought 1 for my VPC-Z1190X CTO not realizing they wouldn't plug and play with the FPP-209 cable. It looks like I'm going to have to try this mod, but it seems that if they built these for Sony, then Sony must have a ribbon cable to match. Anyone ever have their Samsung equipped Z2 apart, or have access to the parts breakdown?

 

This drive is for Z2 only, so there is no Z1 cable to fit this drive.

 

I got that, I'm asking if anyone ever recorded the part number for the Z2 FPP that connects 3 of these drives to the mobo. It would be easier to break out the one end of that ribbon to fit the Z1

 

this is pretty Zionism of you to do this... wicked!

 

Does any one know where I can find the pinout for thes drives? I have a spare 256 (128+128) Samsung from the z12xx series I'd like to use in my desktop, by building a conversion to SATA.

 

If you get this working, plz let me know. The part number for the VPCz2 series PWB, FPC-224 FLEXIBLE PRINT is 1-884-606-12, but it only connects 1 drive according to the service manual .

 

Where could I get a copy of the service manual for the z2?

 

Send me a pm with your e-mail address

 

Incredible Work! It is really amazing.

I have 3 questions to rocket365:

1) Is it possible to order a modified double 24-pin LIF cable 1-881-492-12 to work with 29-pin LIF drives from Z2 series?

2) Is it possible to get a pinout of LIF 24-pin and 29-pin interfaces?

3) Could you assist the procedure of Z1 LIF cable modification to fit 29-pin LIF drive?

P.S. Btw I found http://www.flickr.com/photos/whetzky/5800354047/in/set-72157626592626245 that in Japanese Z14 was used MZRPA512HMFU. I wonder what cable was used there, because it has 29-pin LIF socket.

_____________________
VAIO VPC-Z1 Info: http://synrc.com/vaio/VPC-Z/index.htm

 

As I just know, there is a cable for Z1 which will take 2 Z2 SSD's without modification. Part number is FPC-238. It's about $31 directly from Sony Part plus shipping and tax.

Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

 

I just did the 1 TB SSD update on my VPC Z1: I used the FPC-238, 2 x MZRPA512HMFU and a new bracket X25415432 Assy Holder SSD ; everything works!