Ugrades

[asheash]

I have a Sony Vaio VGN-fe41m that has according to sony got an intel 945PM motherboard Sony say 2gb max ram intel says 4gb max which is it? i am currently running 4gb ram but get few issuse on start up, however these were the same when i had 2gb in so im leaning towards a software error that a format and a fresh install of win 7 will fix

also as its as a Intel Core 2 Duo Processor im presuming it is a socket m on this board, can i upgrade the processer say to a t7600 or would i get bios issues and as a result need to flash or update the bios

thx

 

[jay_nar2012]

Core 2 Duos (desktop versions) are socket T (LGA775) and mobile are socket M (PGA478/PPGA478).

A 32-bit OS will only show 3.25/3.50GB RAM and if you have integrated graphics then some of your RAM is given to the GPU.


Not sure if the BIOS supports that C2D but it could work as it has the same FSB speed and use the same stepping instructions if your CPU isn't soldered.

 

[scottiemedic]

Th 945 chipset will take a 7600 just fine, as long as there is BIOS support. Check this for a compatible list of CPUs for the chipset (remember, the BIOS also has to have support, and most people don't know this until it is tried out, unless you can google and find other people with the same rig that have done successful upgrades):

http://ark.intel.com/products/27858/Intel-82945PM-Memory-Controller#compatibility

 

[scottiemedic]

Oh, and the 7600 is listed as one of the chipset compatible CPUs. Cross your fingers Sony thought things through, and make sure you're running the latest BIOS before you try.

 

[asheash]

Thank you for your help ill be fitting a new HD first prob this one Product Image
Seagate 750GB Momentus XT Serial 2.5 inch 7200 RPM 32MB 6GB/S SATA Solid State Hybrid Hard Drive then a 64bit OS but if i put the 64bit in will my graphics lose the extra ram it gets off the 32bit? then i will get the processer as they are under £100 now one last question how do i know if the bios is compatable with the t7600 i have bios Phoenix tech. R0200J3 with 2.4 SMbios

 

[scottiemedic]

64 bit takes advantage of more RAM, 32 bit maxxes out at 3GB (+/-). So you want everything to be 64 bit. The RAM allocation has nothing to do with what OS architecture you use, it will still steal from Peter to pay Paul, no worries there.

And about the BIOS, unless there are release notes with the BIOS releases, you have no way other than googling success stories on the net of people who have the same gear you have. The big box companies usually don't announce CPU support in BIOS updates. If you can't find anyone else with the same laptop as you that has done a CPU upgrade, then you'll be ther trend setter and have to take the gamble...

My laptop has a 945 chipset and I had no problems putting a new CPU in, granted it is Dell though, but it was a cross my finger moment when I booted it up...