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    Would it be possible to "upgrade" my VAIO's CPU?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by OZGOD, Nov 2, 2006.

  1. OZGOD

    OZGOD Notebook Guru

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    G'day everyone. I bought myself a Sony VAIO VGN-S48GP/B in Australia back in June 2005 (about 16 months ago). This is pretty similar to the VGN series in the US. It had the following specs:

    2Ghz Pentium M (rated at 2.99Mhz)
    1Gb DDR2 RAM
    Nvidia Go6200 w/Turbocache (128MB dedicated memory with additional shared from RAM)
    13.3" screen
    60GB HD

    Apparently it's now obsolete from a gaming POV, though it's still doing OK from a business apps POV. Rather than chucking it out and getting a new one (since I rather like it), I was wondering if upgrading the processor and increasing the RAM was a viable option? I know I can expand the RAM to 2GB, but is it possible to upgrade the processors of these Sony's? I'm pretty sure I can't upgrade to a Core 2 processor, but would I be able to get a better Pentium M processor?

    And I don't suppose it's possible to upgrade the video card? Though if I get more RAM in theory that should increase the available RAM for the Go6200?

    Any advice would be appreciated. I've upgraded my desktops before but this is the first time I've considered upgrading my laptop.
     
    OZGOD, Nov 2, 2006
    #1
  2. vespoli

    vespoli 402 NBR Reviewer

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    You could upgrade your processor to the fastest Pentium M(780, 2.33Ghz); but it would not be smart to do so. You will see little (read none) performance increase.

    Your idea of upping the memory is a good one, more memory is the best, easiest and cheapest upgrade to a computer. You could also look to put in a new hard disk--one that spins at 7200 RPM. This would help speed your computer up a bit, especially when loading things.

    Nope, you can't upgrade the video card :( But you are right that getting more memory will allow the computer to run a little faster during games.

    Laptops aren't really easily upgradeable--that is the price you pay for portability.
     
    vespoli, Nov 2, 2006
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  3. OZGOD

    OZGOD Notebook Guru

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    Cheers, Vespoli. I also wanted to get some clarification on the Nvidia Go6200 w/Turbocache that my VAIO has. I was told that this card apparently only has 32MB of onboard RAM and that it uses system RAM to get up to 128MB? So if I increased the RAM to 2GB, it wouldn't help the video card at all, would it. :(

    I might look at upgrading the HD then. Or maybe it's just better to get a new laptop? I need a laptop because I travel a lot.
     
    OZGOD, Nov 2, 2006
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