Posted: 11/24/2005 3:56:53 PM EDT
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I am using a sony vaio and I want to upgrade to a faster cpu. I am currently using the 1.0 GHz amd athlon proccesor that came with the machine and I want to upgrade to at least a 2.0 GHz processor. Does anyone know if I would be able to use one of the new athlon XP or athlon 64 processors or would I need to find something else? I can find no info about the processor in this computer other than that it is simply an amd athlon 1.0 GHz. I have had a hard time finding regular 'athlon' cpu's that would be any improvement over what I already have. Help is appreciated. -wolf. ETA: contacted sony tech support with the same question and heres what I got: xxxxxxxxxxx Thank you for contacting Sony Online Support. Processor upgrades are not supported by Sony and any issues arising from the upgrade are not supported. Please do not replace the processor with another manufacturer's CPU. This may cause permanent damage to the processor and the motherboard, and will void the warranty. Typical. Why cant you get a simple yes or no answer anymore. 
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Pop the lid and see who made the motherboard and wht the model/revision # is. The mobo manufacturer can tell you what processors the board will support. All things being equal, if everyting else is working for you (i.e hard drive, video card, etc.) you might want to try www.Newegg.com for a new mobo and processor combination. Keep in mind that a RAM upgrade may be in your future too. Good luck! |
Ill have to do that. I also wrote them back asking for them to give me a simple yes or no answer or the name of the mobo mfr. heres what they sent back:
Once again, I have stated this a million times but ill state it again. DO NOT BUY A SONY COMPUTER!!!  |
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no way on the athlon64 upgrade with that MB, wrong socket type. as for the AthlonXP's. they are being phased out and to my knowledge not being made at this time. I just checked newegg and they don't carry the XP line anymore. as far as their sempron line goes,it's not looking much better. I would suggest upgrading to the 64 chip. $152 for a 3200+ vence @ 2 GHZ. you can get a socket 939 MB for under $100 with basic features. It would help to know what kind of buget you have to build your computer and what you are planning on using it for. gaming? mmk |
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The AMD 1.0GHz cpu was the bomb back then since they beat Intel to the 1GHz mark. However, their chips have changed quite a bit since then. The chips that fall in the same family as your chips topped out at 1.4GHz then the XP family was brought in. The lower end of the current Semprons are close cousins to the XPs...but that's useless to your situation. To upgrade you're looking at: * New CPU * New motherboard to match * New memory since your memory will need to keep up with the CPU * New powersupply, since your 200-250watt PSU won't reliably handle the new stuff * New video card, your Sony probably has onboard video. If it had AGP, it probably doesn't match current AGP specs. This leaves your: * optical drive - probably a 12x CD-RW or so...a speedy dual-layer DVD+-RW is under $40 at Newegg right now * floppy drive - it'll work with the new system fine, if you still use it * hard drive - probably in the 30-60GB range and 5400rpm at that. Faster 200GB 7200rpm drives are on the Black Friday special for $60 and an 80GB drive for $0. * Case - Sony's not alone in making some weird, proprietary cases. If you upgrade, I'm betting you need a dremel and you'll come to hate the non-labeled wiring harness on the case, and last, the motherboard mounting holes may not line up to ATX or mATX standards (I'm guessing it probably does though). You could pick up a standard case for under $50. Add in Kim Kommando's formula for upgrading: If the upgrades cost more than 50% of the price of a new system, then screw it and buy a new system. Ok, I added the "screw it" part. But we're well over 50%. So it's up to you. It's definitely doable. I just redid my brother's Sony VAIO 166MHz to a 2.5GHz system, but I did make use of a dremel in about four places (PSU fitting, optical drive eject button, a case fan mount and Sony's trick front cover). I also have a Packard Bell computer that used to be a 333MHz machine that gets daily use at the house...the only Packard Bell part left is the case, everything else is swapped out. In all, you'll be saving about $125-200 if you rebuild and trash your old parts. Where if you go grab some $400 special, you'll have two PC's. Or better yet, build your own system so you don't have this compatibility headache as bad in a few years, which definitely starts you down the path to the Dark Side. |
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Ok, Thanx. Upgrading at this time seems to be more trouble then it is worth. I dont need this computer to do any hat tricks I only need it to run faster. The vaio came with 128 MB sdram (old old ram) and I upgraded to 256mb a few months back. The max the computer can hold is 512mb. Will upgrading to 512 give me the results I need? I only need the computer to run a bit smoother and faster. It runs all of my games fine right now but every so often there is a hangup or a slight bit of lag, I just want to shave that stuff off and give my computer a slightly faster edge. Then when I have the cash I want to just build a custom gamer pc from scratch. thanx. |