topic Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680) in PCs & Accessories

Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

pcxz — Sat, 17 Jul 2004 11:53:32 GMT

Hi all, I have Notebook Sony Vaio PCG-GRV616S (like 680) now my 64Mb of video ram have failure only 32Mb is ok (if start winxp, and system see 64Mb video memory, after launch 3d games video go corrupt and unusable, at restart winxp now see 32Mb of video memory and is possible to play or work without problem).

Question:
1) Is possible to change memory video?
2) And at hand?
3) For my use 32Mb is good, is possible to delete other 32 bad?

Any suggestion is accepted.
Thanks at all and excuse my English.

Video Card is Mobility M9 (Radeon 9000) with 64Mb (now 32 )

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

kee-lo_ — Sat, 17 Jul 2004 13:51:08 GMT

No it's not possible to change the RAM on a graphics card. Sorry, but the card is broken

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

pcxz — Sat, 17 Jul 2004 14:04:06 GMT

No it's not possible to change the RAM on a graphics card.  Sorry, but the card is broken

Is possible to change graphics card?

Thanks for reply.

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

kee-lo_ — Sat, 17 Jul 2004 16:48:52 GMT

Probably, but I think it's a Sony job

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

pcxz — Mon, 19 Jul 2004 22:08:18 GMT

Probably, but I think it's a Sony job

I have contacted Sony Assistance (Italy) and have report me is necessary to change all motherboard
For a 1000,00 ¿ (or 1500,00 ¿)
For this price I buy a new computer.
You have idea where is possible to buy a chipset, I search to change myself.

Thanks.

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

JoeB. — Mon, 19 Jul 2004 22:28:02 GMT

hi,

search ebay... have seen mother boards there for sony notebook models for about $300

there is also a german company who can get notebook parts

notebook parts

joe

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

grahambird80 — Tue, 20 Jul 2004 00:24:45 GMT

Have you tried updateing your Ati driver?

http://www.ati.com/support/driver.html

This could solve the problem as it appears from what you said that the ram is detected when you start up, but after playing a game drops to 32.

It could be that the memory is just not being released by the game.

You could also check to see if there are any patches for the game('s) that causes the problem.

But it might be hardware, then your best bet is eBay or a spares dealer.

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

Scrooge — Wed, 21 Jul 2004 22:12:57 GMT

I had EXACTLY the same problem with my previous 616S !!!
One day, video RAM started to display 32MB, then the day later on something like that, the display turned all crap (imagine a mix of video and blinking text mode...) It was clearly a hardware prob, the display corruption displayed since boot time.

Fortunatly, (!) it was only 6 month old so I contacted vaio-link suport, and they repaired the laptop: complete mobo change they said, hopefully for free thanks to the warranty.

So yes, a complete mobo change is very likely needed, simply because the graphic chip is soldered on the mobo. A pity if your warranty period as elapsed !

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

pcxz — Wed, 21 Jul 2004 23:38:10 GMT

I had EXACTLY the same problem with my previous 616S !!!
One day, video RAM started to display 32MB, then the day later on something like that, the display turned all crap (imagine a mix of video and blinking text mode...) It was clearly a hardware prob, the display corruption displayed since boot time.

Fortunatly, (!) it was only 6 month old so I contacted vaio-link suport, and they repaired the laptop: complete mobo change they said, hopefully for free thanks to the warranty. 

So yes, a complete mobo change is very likely needed, simply because the graphic chip is  soldered on the mobo. A pity if your warranty period as elapsed !

1000,00 or 1500,00 Euro for only motherboard ....incredible
I pay this computer 3000,00 Euro 16 months later ...incredible
This is my last Sony ..and my friends don't buy all other Sony for a life.

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

kee-lo_ — Thu, 22 Jul 2004 14:42:41 GMT

I know, it's a crazy price, and something should be done to regulate it.

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

pcxz — Mon, 26 Jul 2004 21:30:25 GMT

First of all, thanks at all for reply to my post, and now new info and SOLUTION !!!

I open my notebook and see where is chip graphics:
http://www.piobbico.com/pcxz/miei/immagini/open-1.jpg
http://www.piobbico.com/pcxz/miei/immagini/chip-1.jpg

..If press to chip solved problem, this solution is only temporary after various hours problem return:
1) why have this problem?
2) solution?
3) any help is accepted.
Thanks.

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

kee-lo_ — Mon, 26 Jul 2004 21:35:26 GMT

Maybe the chip is not soldered properly to the board?

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

robpaxton — Mon, 26 Jul 2004 22:12:29 GMT

It sounds like another dodgy Sony soldering job. If you can find a good notebook repairer then they should be able to resolder the chip. It's not a job for the amateur - they will probably be surface mount.

Re: Problem with memory video (GRV616S- like 680)

kee-lo_ — Tue, 27 Jul 2004 13:46:05 GMT

Yeah it's not simple to do.