topic Re: memory upgrade for XL201 in PCs & Accessories

memory upgrade for XL201

danf_42 — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:00:37 GMT

I'd like to upgrade the ram in my XL201, only the tech specs say to use 677 DDR2. Looking online there are 2 versions PC5300 and PC5400. Looking inside the XL201 it looks like it has PC5300 in there already.

What's the difference and could I put PC5400 ram in there with PC5300?

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

Thalamus. — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:03:14 GMT

Hi danf_42,

Have a look at Cruical.com several members have bought extra RAM from crucial and another benefit from buying from Crucial is there memory compatibility guarantee.

Also you may find this guide, from Sony, on how to upgrade your Vaio's memory of interest..

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

danf_42 — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 14:36:33 GMT

Hi Thalamus, thanks for the reply.

I had a look at that guide the other day and it just says to use DIMM - 667Mhz (DDR2).

The problem I'm having is there is 2 types of DIMM - 667Mhz (DDR2). There is PC5300 and PC5400 and I'm not sure what the difference is and if I can use either type.

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

Thalamus. — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 14:53:19 GMT

Hi danf_42

As far as I am aware DDR2-5400 and DDR2-5300 are exactly the same, I think it's just down to manufacturers marketing..

As Crucial don't seem list the PC5400, to be on the safe side I would stick to the DDR2 PC5300 that Crucial supply as they offer a money back guarantee..

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

danf_42 — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 18:18:37 GMT

Thanks Thalamus I usually go for Corsair ram, but they have mainly pc5400. So I might have to give the Crucial ram a go.

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

Thalamus. — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 18:23:01 GMT

You're welcome..

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

Blencogo — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 19:03:09 GMT

Hi danf_42,

I usually go for Corsair ram,

I would give Corsair a miss if I were you - we have had some compatibility problems over the years. Not in every case but frequently enough to avoid them. Vaios seem to only recognise 50% of the installed RAM when using Corsair memory.

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

danf_42 — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 21:02:12 GMT

Thanks for the warning Blencogo. I think Crucial ram it is then

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

ITTroll — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:12:46 GMT

I used Crucial for my upgrade:

2 x Crucial 512MB DDR2 PC2-5300/667MHz CL5 1.8V Unbuffered 240 Pin
Ebuyer QuickFind: 119258

Works a treat!

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

danf_42 — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:46:25 GMT

Excellent, thanks IT Troll. Always good to hear from someone who's already done it

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

robnab — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:53:41 GMT

Hi,
have just bought some RAM, which after checking the specs on Vaio website should be correct, but it doesn't physically fit. Here's the info from the label on the ram:
1GB 2Rx8 PC2-5300F-555-11-B0
1GB, DDR2, 667, CL5, ECC
Its made by HP.

What have i got wrong? Bought it from Ebay (Ebay Item number: 230154299192 ) so can't return, my fault I guess?

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

Thalamus. — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 19:01:33 GMT

Hi Rob,

welcome to Club vaio..

As far as I am aware your system does not support ECC RAM..

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

robnab — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 19:18:31 GMT

Thanks Thalamus,

So I've checked its 667, checked its 5300, DDR2 etc, but didn't check for ECC.

What should I be looking for instead of ECC?

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

Thalamus. — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 19:39:05 GMT

Hi Rob,

Non ECC, if you use the Crucial System Scanner tool it will identify the RAM in your Vaio and then recommended the RAM to purchase, also for peace of mind Crucial guarantee that it will be compatible with your system..

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

danf_42 — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:38:33 GMT

I ended up buying the Crucial RAM directly from Crucial. It arrived a couple of days later and seems to work fine

The Crucial System scanner didn't work properly as it seems that the XL range isn't in their database yet.

I just matched the product code with the one on ebuyer that IT Troll posted.

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

ChalkyWhite71 — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:04:00 GMT

Thanks Thalamus for the info, it'll suit my situation too.

To summarise the XL201 has 4 slots, 2 free, 2 contain 512Mb each. 3Gb is the max the board can take.

Recommended upgrade is for Crucial 512MB DDR2 PC2-5300/667MHz CL5 1.8V Unbuffered 240 Pin, non ECC

I can therefore either purchase two 1Gb modules or two 512Mb modules depending on how much I can afford.

Thanks again.

Re: memory upgrade for XL201

Thalamus. — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:47:24 GMT

You're welcome ChalkyWhite71..