Help ! Decode memory upgrade reqmts for 505vx

[Neal Margolis]

Hi,

Hi,

I have a Vaio 505VX that has 64mb RAM. I want to increase it to 128. I have
opened the thing and I find two memory slots -- both empty.

Here's the problem:

1. Sony Tech Support -- a human being -- says that all I need to do is to add 1
64 MB SODIMM module.

2. Sony's online instructions for memory upgrade says I must used matched pairs
of mudules and that the system won't properly recognize additional memory if
only one SODIMM is added or if different size modules are used.

(From this I deduce that I need two 32MB Modules -- but read on)

3. Sony's online instructions also say that the memory modules for the 505VX
come as a "64 MB SDRAM Kit (Part# PCGA-MM564SD)"

(From the above, I presume that the 64MB SDRAM kit includes two 32MB modules)

4. Sony's online instructions also say that I can use "32 or 64 MB SODIMMs."

(Huh?)

5. The online instructions and the 505VX manual agree that the 505VX can only
go to 128MB RAM.

Now I'm confused:

#4, above, seems to suggest that I can add either one 64 or two 64's.

If I add two 64's, then I go against #5, above.

If I add one 64, then I go against #2, above.

My question is: does anyone know really and truly what I need in order to get to
128MB in the 505VX?

(Neither SONY Tech Support nor the folks responsible for the 505VX documentation
need to respond -- thay've caused enough trouble alread!)

Any help will be appreciated very much,

Neal
--
_____________________________________________________
Neal Margolis / Skill Designs / n...@skillware.com / (650)328-8508

[DaveT]

The Sony PCGA-MM564SD memory upgrade kit will upgrade your 505VX
to 128mb. It consists of two modules, the installation is very
simple. When I got my kit I was still unsure about what I had
until I installed them because the modules have two part no's on
each of them, one number referring to 32mb, the other referring
to 64mb. Apparently it just indicates that each module is 32mb
and is part of a 64mb kit. Possibly another sony device can use
a single 32mb module? Remember, modules are available from
other sources cheaper, I got mine from Sony and they gouged
deeply! I thought that using theirs would keep my warranty
intact but if you read their information carefully it appears
that warranty is voided unless you send the unit to Sony for the
upgrade. So, if you DIY remember to yank them out before
sending the unit for any warranty work! Hope this helps.
Dave

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[bmw...@my-deja.com]

I thought the VX took standard 144pin sodimms like the Z505 series?

If that is the case I have an OEM Sony 64meg chip I will sell. I
replaced it with a 128meg IBM Brand chip (with great results)

Robert

In article <1d7a4796...@usw-ex0105-034.remarq.com>,

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.

[bmw...@my-deja.com]

[Neal Margolis]

Thanks much, Dave. This is exactly what I needed to know.

And you are quite right about the price. Sony wants US$400 for the MM564SD. My
local Fry's wants US$209, and I've found one internet source selling it for
US$158.

Thanks again for clearing this up!

Neal

On Tue, 18 Apr 2000 04:55:29 -0700, DaveT <turneyN...@infinet.com.invalid>
wrote:

>The Sony PCGA-MM564SD memory upgrade kit will upgrade your 505VX
>to 128mb. It consists of two modules, the installation is very
>simple. When I got my kit I was still unsure about what I had
>until I installed them because the modules have two part no's on
>each of them, one number referring to 32mb, the other referring
>to 64mb. Apparently it just indicates that each module is 32mb
>and is part of a 64mb kit. Possibly another sony device can use
>a single 32mb module? Remember, modules are available from
>other sources cheaper, I got mine from Sony and they gouged
>deeply! I thought that using theirs would keep my warranty
>intact but if you read their information carefully it appears
>that warranty is voided unless you send the unit to Sony for the
>upgrade. So, if you DIY remember to yank them out before
>sending the unit for any warranty work! Hope this helps.
>Dave
>
>* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
>The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!

--

[DaveT]

No problem Neal, enjoyed helping. A question for you: does your
modem drop connection with any frequency? Mine usually drops
connection shortly after my initial log-on (within 2-3 minutes),
then it will be fine for quite a while but drop connection again
sometimes 20-30 minutes later. In some of the Sony forums I
have seen reference to something like this but not specifically
to the 505VX. Having any problems?

[Emanuel Brown]

On Tue, 18 Apr 2000 13:25:56 GMT, bmw...@my-deja.com wrote:
>I thought the VX took standard 144pin sodimms like the Z505 series?

Nope, the 505, N505, and C1X models all use these weird proprietary
modules that have to be installed in pairs. Speaking of which, I've
got installation instructions (with pictures) on my 505 page.
Emanuel
Portable Computing FAQ - http://home.att.net/~epbrown01
Sony VAIO 505 info - http://home.att.net/~epbrown01/sony505.html
Join the 505 Mailing List - http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/sony505
eFax phone # - 801-328-3789