Why such a crappy RAM score (5.9)

I have a brand new :

Model number: VPCZ13CGX/S
Intel® Core™ i5-460M (2.53 / 2.80GHz)
Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64-bit
13.1" LED backlit display, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, CD/DVD player/burner

First thing I did after enlarging the text, was test the "Experience Score" and found it has a 5.9 because of the memory...I thought 4 gig would be plenty..I expected (not a gaming machine !!)but a little bit better for almost 1800 bucks !! Would adding RAM really make a difference...?? Not to mention the native resolution is really straining my eyes...I guess I'm getting to old for a 13 inch !!

 

Giv it a few days. I had eye strain switching from 16:10 to the Z's 16:9.

 

The amount of memory doesnt have a large bearing on the score..... You could have a Exabyte of ram and it not perform. The random access times, latency, general performance of the ram has the largest bearing on the score.

While many people dont care about WEI scores as they tell you very little, Ill just let you know that however many GB of the same spec ram you wish to add will probably add nothing to your score.

The overall score is ofcourse the lower of all ones, but the overall score is a "Guide" and actuall doesnt matter, at all. If it gave you a 1.0 in Hard drive and you were still running GTA 4 max'd out, would you care?

Also last i checked thats 5.9 out of 7.9 anyways. There is a max score in Vista and 7 they raise it with each windows version so that they score system cant max out.

 

It is a bit of culture shock, when I go from a 24" in the house on a Mac to the 13" on the road...

 

This issue happens when running on single channel memory mode. Typically you have a single 4GB module installed into your computer (some Z laptops shipped with 2x2GB). when getting another module and dual channel memory mode activated automatically, you will of course get an enhanced WEI memory score.

 

Interesting that sony opts for a single 4gb. Most manufacturers go with 2x2GB because its 3 to 5 times cheaper. But with say HP you have the choice pay more or pay less. Its best to pay more and have a slot open, or go with the minimum and replace it alltogether.

Check it if its one, get another. The ability to split the info to two sources will help performance, though if you will notice it depends. I need to upgrade to my 8GB max, starting to find myself over 65% most of the time some games pushing me towards the max.

 

^^

Actually some Z laptops shipped with single 1x4GB while some other shipped with 2x2GB.

 

Who cares what the windows score is??

 

It's kinda disheartening when you see lesser spec (and cheaper) notebooks with the same four gigs of DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) get 6.8 scores.
I remember my old SZ had some odd issues with the RAM bus speed. I can't remember what the issue was anymore, but the potential of RAMs MHz could not be fully harnessed. I thought it was BS at the time that the engineering of the internal architecture was flawed some how.

@ JustinCase
I have the same config as you except my CPU is i5 540M. Mine has two sticks of RAM = 4GB. So even with dual channel it still gets the same score. I did order eight gigs of dual channel to help with vid editing so will see if things change.

EDIT: I should add that I am very happy with how responsive the VPCZ is, it's the fastest notebook I own.

 

For reference, my VGN-Z running a Centrino 2 Duo P8600 (2.4GHz) with 3GB of RAM had a 5.8 on W7 x64 Pro.
I've got 8GB now, and that scores 6.0.

There are some lappies out there with the i7-620QM and with 4GB DDR3 Samsung SODIMM PC3-8500 RAM, that will score 7.0, with a single stick (if I remember right).

And for comparison, I've got a 3 year old Quad Core desktop rig which has a Q9300 (2.5GHz) paired to 4GB of Kingston DDR2 RAM (2x 2GB at 800MHz).
That scores 7.2 for the CPU and RAM, despite the fact that DDR2 is in fact superseded, supposedly 'slower' technology when compared to DDR3.

Basically, capabilities of the RAM comes down to the CPU in use.

...Scores ain't something you should buy a machine for, especially since technology is always evolving / getting faster. Use it and be greatful for it.

 

If I keep it, Ill do just that...Ill open her up this AM and hopefully see ONE 4 gig strip...Thanks

 

replaced my 4GB(2*2GB) factory installed rams with 8GB(2*4GB) samsung 1333 ones, and get 6.8 now. lol

 

Here's my score for i5 520M/8GB RAM/Intel SSD

 

Hmmm.

@ Jack_wind...
I assume you had the 1066 speed RAM to begin with and your original score was 5.8?

@ beaups...
What is the speed and timing of you RAM?

 

^1066 - 7-7-7-20

 

Looking at cpu-z looks like it's 1333dram but running at 1066

 

Cant you just set it to 1333 in the hacked bios?

 

^I could, but I wouldn't see the benefit and if something goes wrong I'd have to clear the CMOS and I am REALLY tired of tearing this machine apart....

 

It has two strips...Oh well....I am taking it back to the Sony Store tonight, looks like Ill eat the 15% restocking fee, unless I buy another Sony..Ill look at the VPCF13AFX/B, but it looks like a monster....

 

I don't understand. You're not returning it because it got a low score are you?

 

No....No....The native screen is much for my tired eyes...Increasing the font helps..Lowering the resolution loses to much real estate..I am soo on the fence....

 

Ah, I see. That's a real shame.

Maybe you should pay a trip to your optometrist

 

Unless you need a larger screen in 1080p with a slightly more powerful GPU, not to mention less portable I would stick to your Z. If you have access to a VPCF13AFX/B in the Sony Style store look at its Windows Experience Index and play with it a little, it won’t be faster than the Z.

If you really want a 6.8 or 7 with the RAM just do what I plan on doing and get 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Laptop memory. I mean, correct me if I’m wrong but I think that is what people here are doing to get that score.

EDIT: I didn't see that last few post. What about getting a big external monitor?

 

I have reading glasses, seems kinda blasphemous to use glasses when using a 2000 dollar computer with sooooo many adjustments....Anyway, I returned it to the Sony store....They didnt charge me a restocking fee, they were nice about it...Now its off to the hunt, again...or just wait for the new I5/I7 MacBook pro in the first quarter of next year...(Rumors abound)

 

I have a 24" screen at home with a MacPro...(set on 1600X1000 !!!!)

 

Yes, there is always juicy new tech around the corner!

 

I got 6.9 Memory Score on VAIO Z12V9E X Core i7, by reading this thread I assume this is good score? Overall score 6.4 because of Graphics Card. If not that, I would have 6.9 overall score.