Vaio SZ110 Question...

I have 2 questions for you all. I know the Core Duo processor in the SZ110 can be swapped out for a Core 2 Duo, but I was wondering if you could upgrade even higher. The Core 2 Duo, Extreme and C2Quad all use the same socket and architecture, so I was wondering if there's an upper limit to the upgrade potential.

Also, the laptop claims a max memory of 2 gig, but it has 2 slots, so if I put in 2x2gb DDR2 chips, will it support all 4 gigs, or just 2? I ask because this laptop was made before the advent of 2 gig sticks. Any ideas?

 

I believe these have both been answered in the past. For CPU upgrades, if you upgrade the BIOS to the SZ3's, you can install up to Memron, ie T7200, T7400, although you may have to reinstall the OS to get SpeedStep working. As for memory, it has been reported that 4GB will work, however on a 32-bit OS you will only see 3.2GB or so (not the fault of the laptop).

 

Alright, I'll look into that. That would be pretty awesome if I could upgrade this processor. The notebook is awfully snappy as is, but hey, can only get faster. Another question; if the FSB on the processor is faster, can I use that speed of memory? Or is there a motherboard limitation too?

Thanks.

 

From what I've read, the motherboard is limited to running memory at 533mhz, even if you install 667.

CPUs - you'd want a T7200, T7400 or T7600 (T7600 might be a tad hot).

Also don't forget to install a 7200RPM or SSD hard drive, since that would be the biggest improvement over stock compared to CPU or even memory.

With the prices of the new Z, as well as the difficulty of getting a non-bilingual keyboard in Canada, I've been thinking of updating my 3-year old SZ160 as well. Right now it's stock - T2400 @ 1.83ghz, 1GB, 100GB 5400RPM, and figure I could get a nice boost with some upgrades.

 

OK, if it helps... I just completed upgrading my SZ160 with two Corsair 2gb 667mhz sticks... and alas Windows and the latest BIOS only recognize 3gb (3072mb)... although technically the SZ3 BIOS I'm using would be *newer* than the latest BIOS for the SZ1. And I don't mean that it sees 3.2gb as you'd normally get in a 32-bit OS, but a firm 3.0gb (I've seen SZ BIOS screenshots of later models that show 3200mb detected when 4gb installed, so it looks like Sony didn't add support until later).

System info utilities do actually detect 4gb, but Windows only shows that it's using 3gb. Not a big deal really; it's simply the most the system is capable of using and still a full gig above what it SAYS it supports.

I can also confirm that 667mhz memory will run at 533mhz. On the plus side, despite the 3gb/4gb issue it continues to run in dual channel mode (which I'm not sure you'd get if you had a 2gb and 1gb stick).

 

I have a SZ3 and I update my BIOS to the lastest SZ4's because this one has SLIC. Even the chipset 945GM support 4gb 667Mhz, the memory stucks at 3gb 533Mhz. So I just use 2gb + 1gb stick and I don't have any problem with the dual channel.

 

Hi guys,
Did any of you successfully upgrade XP on SZ1XX to win 7?