VAIO TZ37 HDD to SDD Replacement

Hello everyone,

Does anyone here know where I can find a service manual or instructions on how to get inside a VAIO TZ37? I'm looking for options to replace the 120GB HDD with a 128GB (or bigger) SSD. I understand the 120GB HDD is PATA but not sure how many pins the connector has.

I know I can just unscrew the bottom and have a look but I prefer to find out a bit more before attempting that. My past experience in trying to get inside a Z505R was very frustrating as the screws were hidden under a few snapped in clips, they were very difficult to get off without breaking them (without the proper knowledge or tools).

Also while I am asking questions, here are couple more ...

1. Is it absolutely not possible to go beyond the 2GB memory limit?
2. Are there Windows 7 drivers available for TZ37?
3. If so, is it worthwhile upgrading from Vista Biz to Windows 7 on the TZ37?

I have been thinking about the X series but with its Atom CPU and lack of DVD/RW, it's kinda like a very very expensive netbook. So I think it would be better investment to beef up my TZ37 with a SSD. I have been very happy with it once it's booted up and ready, it's just that Vista takes years to boot time the 4200rpm HDD. My work around has been putting it to sleep 95% of time and only power off/on when I absolutely have to or when it has crashed big time. The wake up from sleep is very quick, so that's the saving grace of its slow HDD.

Cheers
M

 

Here we go >>

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/disassemble-sony-vaio-tz-laptop-remove-hard-drive/

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=208981&highlight=dissecting+sony+vaio+tz

http://translate.googleusercontent....&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhgaP-j0z7DWwRGkG4M7MEZAwpYMjg

I.Yes only 1 slot available max 2GB>> Also limited by MOBO Chipset
2.On SONY site USA u can either >> I used my model as example
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/os...TZ298N/XC&month=&day=&year=&mdl=VGN-TZ298N/XC
3.I kept my on Vista however did a clean install - Booting 38secs / Shutdown 18secs.

Also I am upgrading mine 64GB SSD to a 128GB

 

Wow, Thanks heaps for all those detailed dis-assembly guides. As I have suspected, it's rather tricky to get inside the TZ. How long did it take you to swap in the SSD?

By the way, do you know how many pins on the connector since you have also done the swap.

It will probably be a few months before I will get the SSD, so hopefully the price will plummet by that time.

Was just reading about the Quad SSD in the top of the line Z series, it's so so tempting but can't justify the cost. I think a SSD upgrade will extend the usable life of my TZ for another year or two.

 

** My TZ298N has a 64GB SSD + 250GB HDD >
** I haven't changed it yet (upgrading the SSD) .Should take a couple of more weeks.
** I believe it is gonna be a weekend project when time comes.
*(*( As far as pin count >> (mine)

SSD - 1.8" ZIF PATA... 40 PIN
HDD - 2.5" SATA (ATA-150) 5400 rpm...7PIN

I have no idea whatsoever the brand of HDD on your TZ37.>>Check on device manager>disk drive and do a GOOGLE search to obtain more detailed specs about it.

 

I recently changed my old TZ :

32GB SSD -> 64 GB SSD
160 GB HDD -> 128 GB SSD

It took me some time to get of the right hinge (1 hour); but the rest is quite easy. I also placed a 3G card and even placed the WWAN antenna inside the screen bezel (which was also easy to get off to my suprise).
I used the same guides, but I also found the kunkukoo (jp) side helpfull.

Good Luck!

 

Sweet upgrade >>
Which SSD are you booting from ?? 64or128 or dual++how is it performance wise?
On thing I am in doubt about > the stock (32SSD) is on the right side (cd/dvd bay) >>
I understand the only reason u took the right hinge was to get the antenna inside the screen bezel right??