Sony Vaio SZ1XP performance problems

[warble]

Hi everyone,

I'm a new Sony laptop owner and I've just discovered this very informative forum so I thought I'd join in!

I bought a Sony Vaio SZ1XP last week and whilst I'm pleased with the build quality, the general performance seems to be a bit lacking when running demanding software, eg Cubase Sl, with performance not much better than my old 1.8 GHz desktop (with only 512 MB of memory!).

I downloaded and ran CPUZ, which reported that the RAM (1GB) is running at 266MHz, rather than the 533MHz it's supposed to be.

I wonder if anyone else has the same problem; I'd be grateful for any feedback.

All the best

warble

[Thalamus.]

Hi warble,

You can downloada free analyze and benchmark program fromhere

[kee-lo_]

16x is about the highest for laptops at the moment, though I have seen some 24x around

[warble]

Hi Thalamus and Kee-lo, thanks for the replies, I'm looking at the Fresh Diagnose website right now-looks good. I was unaware that there is such a difference in speed between laptop and desktop Cd -writers, such is my ignorance! I'll just have to be more patient than usual when burning discs.

On the positive side, the onboard audio chip in this machine is excellent, and is giving great results with voice recognition software without the need to buy an additional soundcard.

Cheers


warble

[Blencogo]

I downloaded and ran CPUZ, which reported that the RAM (1GB) is running at 266MHz, rather than the 533MHz it's supposed to be

This is because you have DDR memory modules.

DDR = Double Data Rate. The true 'clock rate' is only 266MHz but by doubling this it has an 'effective clock rate' of 533MHz.

[Thalamus.]

Hi Warble,

Glad you liked the link...:smileyhappy:

[warble]

HI Blencogo

thanks for that, as you must have noticed I'm completely ignorant in this area! I was a little concerned that Sony had put the wrong type of memory into my machine, so you've put my mind at rest. I have a lot to learn about computers, even though I've been using them for a long time.

Cheers

Warble

[Blencogo]

Hi Warble,

It is confusing - have a read of THIS

[warble]

Hi Blencogo

that's a very illuminating Wikipedia entry-just what I needed, so thanks for that!

When it comes to upgarding the memory in Vaio's, Sony make a big deal about only using their own (ludicrously expensive) RAM. Is it possible to use any other (cheaper!) brand, eg Crucial Memory?


Cheers

Warble

[zina]

Actual writing speed is 16 x maximum, and according to Sony tech (who are absolutely useless and clueless, and took 5 days to check with  the engineers in Belgium) this is within spec. 
 warble

So sony emploeeing useless people goes on.....:smileyangry:

[Blencogo]

Hi warble,

I use Crucial memory in both my Vaios. Works fine.

Can't recommend anyone to purchase the very expensive Sony modules.