5 simple newbie questions about memory uprade

[raheller]

hi there,
My Harddisk has started 'clicking' as well recently (fe21m, see other threads about this subject) so I'm thinking about upgrading my harddisk (I've got a bit of money to spend and can't be bothered with the whole sony service thing... I'll just use my 160 Gig harddisk as an external). My question is; (1) does this affect my warranty? and what about upgrading the RAM memory? (2) does this affect my warranty? . Also (3), is it possible to just buy one 1 gb ram module and thus have 512mb + 1 gb fitted? and (4) will I really notice the difference?

Another question I have is this... the 1gb Ram modules from sony cost about 320 pounds each while third party ones are for sale on the internet (ebay, bnib) for about 50 pounds each... (5) where does this ridiculous price difference come from? any ideas? surely it's not just the name! ...or is it?!

Hope anyone can answer these (maybe obvious) questions! it would be much appreciated!

[jumpsuit]

As far as I know any 'tampering' with your pc will affect the warranty.

I haven't read the other thread regarding your hard drive but if you want to self upgrade your Ram then visit Crucial
The System Advisor Tool will tell you if you can install a single module or if you need to wok in pairs.

I installed some lovely extra Ram from crucial into my desktop and it really does go like dung off a shovel.:smileygrin:

[concept0815]

i think the problem with DDR2 RAM is, when you have two modules with different memory the speed of each module will be reduced . so if you want to run your DDR2 modules fullspeed, you need two modules with the same sice!

[Pakosc]

1. Replacing harddisk is quite easy and it doesn't affect your warranty, but keep the other one, so when something happen and you want to send it to Sony just install the old one.

2. I've got Fe21m with 1Gb + 512mb = 1.5Gb and is working perfect (the speed of each module won't be reduced because of different size!!!,
and you will see the difference mostly in games.
The best online memory shop is:
http://www.orcalogic.co.uk/asp/default.asp
(and that's the one i bought my memory)

...1gb Ram modules from sony cost about 320 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - that's because they're stingy, don't buy any extras from this useless company!

[jumpsuit]

I should clarify that replacing the Ram won't affect the warranty but will affect the support Sony provide. Their support is reliant on the original purchased hardware configuration.

[raheller]

thanks a lot for your answers guys, that was what I wanted to know! I haven't heard my harddisk 'click' for 2 days now but if it does return and becomes unacceptable then at least I know I can change my harddisk without losing warranty!
As for the ram, I'm gonna keep an eye open on ebay for a good deal!
thanks again!