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    Which VAIO Z is/are user upgradeable?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by sugarkang, Apr 5, 2011.

  1. sugarkang

    sugarkang Notebook Evangelist

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    Z5xx (US), Z1x (Europe, Asia) - launch models ~ July/August 2008
    Z6xx (US), Z2x (Europe, Asia) - October/November 2008 - minor hardware (CPU, hard disk, RAM) improvements
    no new model (US), Z3x (Europe, Asia) - minor hardware upgrades, as above
    Z7xx (US), Z4x (Europe, Asia) - different colour palm rest, minor hardware improvements
    Z8xx (US), Z5x (Europe, Asia) - new model for Windows 7, minor hardware improvements, enabled VT support in BIOS
    Z11 - 2010 post-CES model. Core i5 and i7 CPU options. SSD-only. Nvidia GT330m GPU.
    Z12 - September 2010, updated graphics, updated iXXX series CPUs
    Z14 - Jan 2011, added CTO 1TB SSD option

    I've always wanted one and still think these are the perfect notebooks, all things considered. Anyway, which models are best for upgrading and which are a PITA?

    If you can weigh in specifically with max RAM limits, SATA II vs. III, optical bay swaps, etc. that would also be extra lovely. I'd like to avoid the RAID 0 setups if possible. Ideally, I'd like what I have now in my MBPro, except y'know, Sony and Windows. 64GB SSD + 750GB.
     
    sugarkang, Apr 5, 2011
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  2. ComputerCowboy

    ComputerCowboy Sony Fanboy

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    what is wrong with RAID 0?

    If you don't like it you can just do the BIOS hack and turn it to ACHI mode. I did that in order to split up the drives for a dual boot setup. I didn't have a problem with the RAID 0 though, very fast.
     
    ComputerCowboy, Apr 5, 2011
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  3. sugarkang

    sugarkang Notebook Evangelist

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    I understand that some ppl really like RAID 0. But in the interest of staying on topic, could we avoid having a discussion on the particular advantages of RAID 0 and just accept that I prefer not have it. I would appreciate any help within the request parameters.
     
    sugarkang, Apr 5, 2011
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  4. ComputerCowboy

    ComputerCowboy Sony Fanboy

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    I thought that was on topic, Don't worry about getting a RAID setup because you can split up the array pretty easily with a BIOS fix.

    The only other thing is the Z11 might need a different cable if you are planning on swapping out the SSDs, so get a Z12 or higher.
     
    ComputerCowboy, Apr 5, 2011
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  5. sugarkang

    sugarkang Notebook Evangelist

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    Now we're talkin. You got some links or care to elaborate?
    Would also like your expert opinion on how to create or straight up buy the best Z for the buck. Do not want optical at all. Which Zs are easily swappable for a 750GB or higher?
     
    sugarkang, Apr 5, 2011
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