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    Upgrading the S170

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Gilthoniel, May 30, 2005.

  1. Gilthoniel

    Gilthoniel Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have had an S170P since they came out last summer and I'm really happy with it, but I have two questions:

    Is it possible to upgrade the internal DVD-RW burner to the new Dual Layer -RW,+RW drive? Is there any technical reason why the S170 couldn't handle the newer drive?

    Also, I have an empty memory slot. When I bought the S170, the max memory you could have was 1 Gig, but the new models are configurable with 2Gig. Any reason why I couldn't put a 1Gig memory stick (yes, I know it's 172 pin MicroDIMM) in my open slot?

    I'm not the most technical person in the world, so I'd really appreciate feedback on these.

    Thanks!
     
    Gilthoniel, May 30, 2005
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    What drive is in there now? Sony might have one they will sell you, but that will be expensive. It may be possible to swap out another drive, but there can be issues. Often the bezel on the new drive is not the same shape as the new one. Sometimes you can swap or reshape the bezel, depending skill level. Master and slave settings can be a problem as well. If your notebook wants slave and the drive is master, it will not work. Unlike desktop, laptop drives do not have jumper. The master and slave settings are controlled by the firmware or dip switches inside the drive. I would head over to UltraDrives.com. They specialize in laptop drives and may have some info for you.

    Unless Sony has come out with a bios update, which I doubt, 1GB is going to be the max. If you are looking for a performance boost, since you already have 512MB of memory, the minimum for XP, I would look at a faster hard drive like 5400 or 7200RPM drives which will greatly increase your system performance. Good Luck.






    I was robbed by a sweet little old lady on a motorized cart and I didn't even see it coming.

    -Lloyd Christmas


    Thinkpad T42:
    * 1.8Ghz Pentium M * 1.5GB Memory * 60GB Hitachi 7200RPM * 15" SXGA+ Flexview * MultiBurner * Win 2k *
     
    ZaZ, May 31, 2005
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  3. Skyshade

    Skyshade Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    You can buy a 1 GB MicroDIMM stick from PortableOne and stick it in your S170 no problem. No need for BIOS update.
     
    Skyshade, May 31, 2005
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  4. shftup

    shftup Notebook Enthusiast

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    Can you list the part number - thanx.
     
    shftup, Jun 23, 2005
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  5. Skyshade

    Skyshade Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    http://www.swissbit-shop.com/index.php?section=shop&catId=17

    &

    http://www.laptopsinc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=MEMUX
     
    Skyshade, Jun 23, 2005
    #5