topic Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size in PCs & Accessories

PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

GordonHbm — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 16:19:02 GMT

Hi!
I use my laptop for photographic use which involves image editing in Photoshop CS, using RAW image files that are ~8MB and since I use layers extensively files can easily exceed 150MB.
I have 2 x 256 Ram installed and run XP Pro. Before I start PhotoshopCS the available Ram is ~300MB. I would dearly like to go to 2 x 500MB RAM - is this possible and how do I do it?
Many thanks for your help
GordonHbm

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

kee-lo_ — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 17:15:58 GMT

Yes it's possible
If you go to Crucial.com and use the memory matcher you can get 2x512MB

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

feederfan — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 23:00:51 GMT

When you do this you will want to get a matching pair of 512MB DDR sticks. This means your motherboard can use Dual Channel mode more effectivley, and this allows your computer to treat the 2 sticks as one stick, and improves speed. I myself do Web and Graphic Design using Macromedia Studio, and I notice a real different when using my Desktop which has 1GB DDR, and how much faster it is than my notebook which has 512MB DDR

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

kee-lo_ — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 23:23:28 GMT

Yeah Macromedia products eat RAM like no tomorrow

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

GordonHbm — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 19:21:40 GMT

Thanks for the input. I was under the impression that there was some aspect that prvented you from using more than 512MB. Is the trick to use matched 512MB DDR sticks? Can you confirm positively that it will work on my laptop so I can go buy?

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

robpaxton — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 20:16:08 GMT

I have 1Gb in my GRX316SP - it is basically the same computer as the GRX316MP. Have a look at http://www.crucial.com/uk for your memory, they are good value, very reliable, ad have great customer service.

I had to select the GRX600 series to get the 512Mb chips when I ordered mine.

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

kee-lo_ — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 20:19:04 GMT

Didn't the SP edition have an MD player?

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

robpaxton — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 20:22:53 GMT

No, it had a faster processor, more pre-installed memory, & a larger hard disk.

It's in virtual retirement now and is only used very occasionally.

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

kee-lo_ — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 20:40:07 GMT

Same with my GRX, use it a few times and thats it.
Going to keep it for when I get a job.

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

GordonHbm — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 20:53:43 GMT

Now I am confused! You said that you had 1GB installed and recommended I go to Crucial. Have done so and they tell me that 512MB is the max for the PCG-GRX300 series! Help!!

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

robpaxton — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 21:00:09 GMT

As I said in my previous post, I had to select the GRX600 series to get access to the 512Mb chips. I have 1Gb in my GRX316SP - Sony said that it could only support 512Mb but they were wrong and I believe they did this because 512Mb chips weren't generally available at the time the computer was released.

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

kee-lo_ — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 21:51:42 GMT

What worries me though Rob is that maybe this 1GB of RAM and the soldering going might have something in common.

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

robpaxton — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 21:54:47 GMT

No, it doesn't. The soldering problem occurs even to people who haven't upgraded their memory.

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

kee-lo_ — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 21:57:02 GMT

Ah I see...

Thankfully they have learnt from that mistake

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

GordonHbm — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 10:15:56 GMT

Rob
My understanding from your post is that the PCG-GRX316MP will recognise and accept a pair of matched 512MB DDR chips and that I merely have to plug them in. Am I corrcet in my understanding.
Many thanks to all who have replied to this thread.
regards
gordon

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

robpaxton — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 11:26:55 GMT

Yes, I also know of one other user of this forum who upgraded his GRX316 to 1Gb.

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

kee-lo_ — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 19:26:47 GMT

Think DT upgraded his 316SP

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

GordonHbm — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 19:42:25 GMT

Rob
Thanks for the input. Will I need to flash the bios and if so can you direct me to the necessary info and source.
Thanks for all your help.
Gordon

Re: PCG-GRX316MP upgrading ram size

kee-lo_ — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 19:55:02 GMT

It's all in www.vaio-link.com under upgrades.