topic Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM? in PCs & Accessories

Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

tomk30 — Mon, 27 Dec 2004 14:05:42 GMT

Hi there,
I've bought a VGN-A215M recently. There comes a paper with the laptop which says it can handle max 1024MB RAM.
The Sony-Website says it can do up to 2048MB and has installed 2 x 256MB.
Does anyone know if I can replace one 256MB module by a 1024MB module to get 1280MB in total?
Thanks a lot for Your answers!!!

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

robpaxton — Mon, 27 Dec 2004 14:11:28 GMT

If Sony say the max is 2GB then yes, you can.

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

feederfan — Mon, 27 Dec 2004 14:29:06 GMT

It is always best to install two sticks of the same RAM for max performance. 2x identical 512MB sticks would most probably run faster than a 1GB stick and a 256MB stick. With memory it is always best to use matched pairs for performance.

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

robpaxton — Mon, 27 Dec 2004 15:13:05 GMT

Only if the system supports dual memory channels . . . .

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

bilmuche — Tue, 04 Jan 2005 09:36:56 GMT

Hi
I've the same question about A117S (1 or 2GB max)
Tomk30, have you tried 1GB + 256?

Thx in advance

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

PoC — Wed, 05 Jan 2005 13:08:17 GMT

I also have a VGN-A215M with the supplied 512MB RAM

I've tried using crucial but they don't currently list the VGN-A215M, so could anyone tell me what exactly type of PC2700 RAM I would need to make my machine have 1 GB of memory?

2x512 MB 200-pin SODIMM????

P.

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

tomk30 — Fri, 07 Jan 2005 19:45:01 GMT

Hi
I've the same question about A117S (1 or 2GB max)
Tomk30, have you tried 1GB + 256? 

Thx in advance

I inquired at Sony e-Support and they told me, that the A215M can handle up to 2048MB RAM and there should be no problem to combine 256MB with 1024MB as long as the specification of the modules are equal.
(200pin SO-DDR-RAM, FSB333MHz, PC2700, Cl2.5)

I've just ordered a 1024MB module but it will take a few more days. I will inform you as soon as I know wether it works or not.

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

tomk30 — Fri, 07 Jan 2005 19:55:49 GMT

I also have a VGN-A215M with the supplied 512MB RAM

I've tried using crucial but they don't currently list  the VGN-A215M, so could anyone tell me what exactly type of  PC2700 RAM I would need to make my machine have 1 GB of memory?

2x512 MB 200-pin SODIMM????

P.

You need
200 pol. SO-DDR-RAM, FSB 333MHz, PC2700, Latency CL 2.5
that's the specification the supplied modules have and Sony eSupport told me you can combine modules of any capacity (256, 512, 1024 MB) as long as they have the same specification.
I've ordered a 1024MB module now to combine it with one of the supplied 256MB modules. I'll do a posting here as soon as I know if it works...
Maybe You can even use 'faster' modules (e.g. PC3200, FSB400) but I'm not sure ...

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

bilmuche — Fri, 07 Jan 2005 20:13:56 GMT

Thank's
It seems that S series accept 2X512
and M series 2X1GB

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

PoC — Sat, 08 Jan 2005 17:52:09 GMT

So this kind of RAM?

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/partspecs.asp?imodule=CT6464X335&WSMD=CT6464X335&WSPN=CT6464X335

Paul

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

tomk30 — Sun, 09 Jan 2005 12:17:24 GMT

So this kind of RAM?

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/partspecs.asp?imodule=CT6464X335&WSMD=CT6464X335&WSPN=CT6464X335

Paul

Hi Paul,
yes, I think so. It's the kind of RAM I've ordered as well. It'll take a few more days to be delivered, I guess. I will make a posting in this thread as soon as I know whether it works or not.
Don't know where You're living, in Germany we have a law which says that a dealer has to take back things which were sold via Internet within 14 days and refund the money, if the customer isn't satified with the product. Thus there's only a relatively modest risk...

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

PoC — Sun, 09 Jan 2005 21:11:26 GMT

Do let me know how it goes!

This was the memory recommended to me by Crucial when I rang them up and told them what machine I had.

Paul

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

tomk30 — Mon, 17 Jan 2005 20:19:44 GMT

Hi there!

It took quite a few days, but finally the 1024GB module is here and already built in. And it works! I did replace one of the 256MB modules supplied with the new one. As well the BIOS as the Task Manager show 1280MB RAM now. I did not use a tool for testing the memory but compiling some software used almost 700MB without problems.
The spec of the module is as follows:
(200pin SO-DDR-RAM, FSB333MHz, PC2700, Cl2.5)

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

PoC — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 16:14:30 GMT

Hi There,

I bought 2 x512MB SODIMM, but here's my problem!

This may sound stupid, but when I turn the machine over and open the grated panel underneath - I only see one slot for the memory?!

So I replaced the one I could see, and now have 768MB - but can anyone tell me where the 2nd slot is so I can add the other 512MB module?

I was told there were 2 slots, I think I must be blind?

http://www.memory-configurator.com/SONY/VAIO/VAIO_VGN_A215M_A215Z.html

Any help very much appreciated

Paul

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

PoC — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 16:21:14 GMT

Ahhh - found it on the VAIO support - have to remove the keyboard first!

Paul

Re: Can VGN-A215M handle more than 1024MB RAM?

PoC — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 17:31:49 GMT

What a palaver! Done now though and the machine has 1 Gig RAM.

This means in a couple of years when it's starting to feel old I can give a new lease of life and replace with 2 Gig.

Paul