Which RAM do I need for this system update?
Which RAM do I need for this system update?
Hey everyone, I'm trying to upgrade my laptop model Sony Vaio VGN NS30E-S. I've opened it up and found that the current RAM is split into two parts: a 2GB stick from Hynix using PC2-6400S DDR2 technology (called 2RX8) and another 1GB stick also from Hynix but with PC2-6400S DDR2 (called 2RX16).
I'm wondering if it's possible to upgrade this RAM? If yes, what is the biggest amount I can add, and which specific type of RAM should I buy? Could you share some product links for recommendations? Also, would using two separate sticks or just one big stick be better? Finally, my current hard disk is a 250GB Toshiba SATA drive. Can I swap it out for an SSD like the Kingston A400 model (link provided)? Thanks in advance!
Here is an update: According to Sony's website, 8GB of RAM is the limit for this model, but since you are using DDR2 technology, you can only fit 4GB at a time in a real-world setup. That means you need two 2GB sticks that run at 1.8 volts and double-sided channels. Your drive has failed (ODD), so it's safe to swap it out for this one. Amazon sells it, and then just put your old hard drive into the new spot while the digital storage drives go in their place. I'd also check that your laptop is running the newest BIOS version before making these changes.
This page says the max RAM is 8GB, but since your computer uses DDR2 memory, you actually only need 4GB to work well. You can buy a 2x2GB kit that runs at 800MHz with 1.8v voltage for that setup. Also, your hard drive has no bad sectors (ODD), so you could replace it with something from Amazon and put the old one in there instead of where the data SSD used to be. Make sure your BIOS is up-to-date before doing any upgrades, otherwise some changes might cause a problem.
Sony VAIO VGN-NS30ES Memory Upgrade - Sony VGN-NS30ES VAIO Laptop Memory Memory Upgrade for Sony VAIO VGN-NS30ES Laptop, Upgrade VAIO VGN-NS30ES Memory with 100% compatible VGN-NS30ES Sony Laptop Memory RAM modules from memorystock.com. www.memorystock.com Don't know if the above is true, but it says: The Sony VAIO VGN-NS30E/S Laptop takes the PC2-6400 DDR2-800 200pin SDRAM SODIMM Memory Type, and comes installed with 1GB of Memory. You can upgrade your Sony VAIO VGN-NS30E/S Laptop to up to a maximum memory capacity of 8GB Memory, the system has 2 (2 banks of 1) to install Memory, already with 1GB standard memory installed. That machine is near 14 years old. I'd wonder if I should spend a dime on it. The SSD would likely work. Link below may help: SSD & RAM Upgrades | crucial.com Compatible upgrades unavailable for your device due to system issues or missing data. Please try again later. www.crucial.com
If Crucial stops making DDR2 chips, it's a sign they're no longer in business for this stuff.
Here are the specs for the Sony VAIO VGN-NS30E: It has a class rating of 2. It uses an Intel Pentium Dual-Core processor that runs at 2 GHz. The graphics card is an Intel GMA 4500M, and it comes with 3 GB of RAM storage on a 250 GB drive. This info came from gadgetAZ.com about the Sony VAIO VGN-NS30E.
Thank you so much Lutfij! Do you have any suggestions for where I can buy extra RAM, ideally in Europe? It sounds like I might buy a 2GB stick to replace the current 1GB, which would make my total memory 4GB. That's a great idea with the ODD, though I had not considered it before. Otherwise, I was thinking of just swapping the HDD for an SSD using the same SATA connection (if that is okay). How do I check and upgrade the laptop to the latest BIOS version? (Sorry, I am pretty new to tech, but try to learn some basics.)
Thanks Eximo. My family loves this laptop because it has a big screen and cool speakers, so they want to upgrade as much as we can. Do you have any advice on where to buy extra RAM? Ideally, I should get this in Europe. It seems like I could buy a 2GB stick (to swap the old 1GB) so that would make two sticks of 2GB each (totaling 4GB). How do I check and upgrade the laptop's BIOS to the newest version?
Thanks Lafong. Do you have any suggestions for where to get extra RAM, especially in Europe? It sounds like I might buy a 2GB stick to swap out my current 1GB one. That way I'd end up with two sticks of 2GB each, giving me 4GB total. How can I check and upgrade the laptop's BIOS to the newest version?