Maximum CPU upgrade for a Sony VGC-RA840G

[Bulldog13]

What is the maximum CPU upgrade for a Sony VGC-RA840G ? It's motherboard is based on the Intel 945p chipset. It currently has a Intel Pentium D Processor 820 in it.

I am looking for the maximum "legal" upgrade. I do not want to flash it with firmware's from a different vendor, but am curious as to the fastest CPU I could put in it ?

Anyone ?

 

[Slugbait]

CPU-Z will ID your mobo. Searching for that hopefully will result in specs detailing compatible procs...no guarantee for OEM mobos, tho...

 

[InflatableBuddha]

According to the Intel website, the 945p chipset supports Core 2 Duos with up to 1066Mhz FSB. So not the latest models, but still some very quick processors.

The fastest stock CPU with that FSB is an E6700 (2.66Ghz).

Not sure if you can get a newer C2D (with the 1333Mhz FSB) and have it downclock.

 

[Bulldog13]

Originally posted by: Slugbait
CPU-Z will ID your mobo. Searching for that hopefully will result in specs detailing compatible procs...no guarantee for OEM mobos, tho...

Awesome. I didn't even think of that! Completely forgot about that nifty program.

 

[win32asmguy]

Your safest bet would be a faster 8xx series or a 9xx series Pentium D. The Core 2 Duo processor line required a different VRM on 945p motherboards, which started to be implemented around July 2006. However, according to Sony's website they released the VGC-RA840G around May 2005. So unless they made a later revision of motherboards and you happened to get one of these later revision machines, it will not be compatible with any of the Core 2 Duo line.

 

[Bulldog13]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
According to the Intel website, the 945p chipset supports Core 2 Duos with up to 1066Mhz FSB. So not the latest models, but still some very quick processors.

The fastest stock CPU with that FSB is an E6700 (2.66Ghz).

Not sure if you can get a newer C2D (with the 1333Mhz FSB) and have it downclock.

Thanks for the response!

How is it that the Ram operates at 533 mhz, but the FSB is 800 ? Aren't they generally multiples of each other?

 

[Bulldog13]

Originally posted by: win32asmguy
Your safest bet would be a faster 8xx series or a 9xx series Pentium D. The Core 2 Duo processor line required a different VRM on 945p motherboards, which started to be implemented around July 2006. However, according to Sony's website they released the VGC-RA840G around May 2005. So unless they made a later revision of motherboards and you happened to get one of these later revision machines, it will not be compatible with any of the Core 2 Duo line.

Just the information I was looking for! Looks like a Pentium D 9xx it is. I was very wary of upgrading to a C2D for just a reason like you stated.

BTW, if you do program in win32asm, hat's off, I tried that for awhile....It is VERY DIFFICULt.

 

[win32asmguy]

Originally posted by: Bulldog13
BTW, if you do program in win32asm, hat's off, I tried that for awhile....It is VERY DIFFICULt.

I used to do that alot, although these days its just too impractical having to deal with constant dereferencing and the lookup tables involved with recent API's Microsoft has moved to.

 

[RetroactiveTech]

I know this is an old thread, and most of the people probably don't care anymore but I registered just here just to ask a question regarding this topic.

I have a VGC-RA840G and I am looking to also upgrade the processor to the maximum allowed under the default limits. I already put 4GB ram in (since that is all the motherboard allows), and I've been looking for processors in the range of the information in this thread.

my question is, would this item be within the allowed range?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116240

has anyone swapped the processor on the Vaio before? I've taken it apart plenty of times but it looks like the processor is hidden under a heatsink that runs into the casing. I want to see if it is possible to remove without damaging anything, since the heatsink looks like the piping on a hotrod.

also, how can I go about changing the liquid in the cooling system? the computer is pretty old at this point but still runs like a dream. I want to keep it that way.

 

[mfenn]

Don't spend any actual money on a Pentium 4 based system (i.e. <$20 only). Certainly do not water cool it!

As for how easy it is to disassemble, I do not know.

 

[RetroactiveTech]

I'm not sure I understand. I got the computer for next to nothing, and I really like Vaio computers. I just want to get the most I can out of it, so why would I not upgrade the processor? I just wanted to know if it is within upgradable specs before I actually buy it.

Plus the Vaio is already water cooled. Why would I not want to change the fluid?

 

[Torn Mind]

Spending a over $20 on a Pentium 4-based CPU, means getting little performance for the money, even a dual-core. For example, the Pentium Extreme Edition 955's speed has been eclipsed by most CPUs by now. That money could have been spent elsewhere, and not necessarily just for computer products.

That said, Ebay does have the Pentium D 945 and 950 available for under $20. If you don't need virtualization, then the 945 will do since it is the same as the 950 in everything else. Pay attention to the steppings, as some steppings of the higher-end Preslers are 130 W while the D0 steppings Preslers are 95 W.

 

[RetroactiveTech]

Spending a over $20 on a Pentium 4-based CPU, means getting little performance for the money, even a dual-core. For example, the Pentium Extreme Edition 955's speed has been eclipsed by most CPUs by now. That money could have been spent elsewhere, and not necessarily just for computer products.

That said, Ebay does have the Pentium D 945 and 950 available for under $20. If you don't need virtualization, then the 945 will do since it is the same as the 950 in everything else. Pay attention to the steppings, as some steppings of the higher-end Preslers are 130 W while the D0 steppings Preslers are 95 W.

I see. I am going into it knowing that I'm not going to get modern performance out of it, but I just want to push it as far as it can go within limits. I ordered a 950 off ebay for $15, and just in case I ordered a OCZ Stealthxstream II OCZ500SXs2 PSU to go with it.

I do appreciate the help. thank you. now I just have to figure out how to change the cooling liquid. sony is no help there.

 

[mfenn]

Plus the Vaio is already water cooled. Why would I not want to change the fluid?

It's not designed to be serviced and you're never going to get it perfectly sealed off like it is at the factory.

 

[RetroactiveTech]

okay, once again bumping an old thread.

I finally got around to getting a processor. I got the Pentium D 960, to try and keep it as close to the OEM as possible.

the heat sink was a pain in the butt to work around, but I put the new CPU in, added thermal paste, and closed everything back up.

Now when I turned my computer on, it powers on, the fan is spinning, but nothing else is happening. the vaio splash screen doesn't come on, the hard drive doesn't access, there isn't even a display going to the monitor. I don't think I did anything wrong, but it is a possibility.

does anyone have any suggestions? wrong CPU? need a better PSU? I'm open to any help. I am limited in my budget and I can't afford a new computer, so I'm trying to stretch this one as far as possible. I mostly use it for surfing the internet, music and some PC games. nothing mindblowing but I rely on it.

here are the specs on the new CPU I got:

Item specifics


Processor Manufacturer: Intel

Processor Type: Pentium D

Clock Speed: 3.4 GHz

L2 Cache: 4 MB

Socket Type: LGA 775/Socket T

Cooling Component(s) Included: None/Processor only

Number of Cores: 2



MPN: HH80553PG0964M

Model: 960

Bus Speed: FSB Speed - 800 MHz

Computer Type: Desktop

UPC: 0735858189019

 

[mfenn]

Do you have the newest BIOS on the machine? It's possible that the version you're running doesn't have CPUID information for the D series P4's. It's also possible that such a version doesn't exist for your machine.

 

[RetroactiveTech]

there isn't a bios upgrade to my machine, unfortunately. at least not a legitimate one, problem is, right now I can't even get to the bios. the new CPU is in the same class as the stock one, as I think the stock is 940?

Other than putting the original CPU back in (I am not sure I will be able to send back the new one, through eBay), do you have any suggestions? I REALLY want to get this working. Before I tried this, I was getting constant blue screens. I checked the video card, which seemed to be okay. this is what prompted me to replace the CPU. I do appreciate the help so far, and hopefully we can nip this in the bud!

 

[mfenn]

It's highly unlikely that a CPU would cause the symptoms you described. CPU compatibility issues not withstanding, I think that you most likely have a motherboard or memory problem with the old CPU. Put the old CPU back in and see if it works at least as well as the old one. Then you'll know if it is a problem with the new CPU or if something was bumped/dislodged/broken while you were doing the swap.

 

[RetroactiveTech]

okay. I'll give it a shot and report back. thanks!

 

[RetroactiveTech]

well, I put the old CPU back in and I'm still getting the same result. now with the old one in the computer powers on, the fans spin, but nothing happens.

 

[mfenn]

I'm betting that it is mobo, PSU, or RAM. RAM is easy enough to rule out by trying each stick individually (unlikely that all sticks went bad). You can also test a different PSU if you have a spare.

As for the mobo, look for bulging capacitors. If you see any, that's a dead giveaway that there's an issue. However, a motherboard can be bad with no physical damage either.

 

[RetroactiveTech]

alright, it isn't the ram. I don't see any bulging capacitors. I do not have a spare PSU to throw in there to test. am I screwed? the computer would boot before I tried to put in a new CPU, so I'm at a loss what it could be.

I did end up making a small gouge in the green on the mobo, but not near anything important. I am really frustrated now. I love this computer and I don't have the money to get a new one. all my music and media are on there, and it was the computer I used to stream to the tv. I need it up and running again but I'm at a loss on what to do.

#$^$%& Sony made it such a pain to do any work inside the computer too. If I could get the heat sink out of the way I could comfortably swap out the CPU, but I can't so I have to wedge it in there. I tried emailing sony's customer support but it came back undeliverable. figures. I've been a sony diehard for 20+ years, and now that something is going wrong I can't get the help I need.

I'm pleading for a solution. I love this computer. help me bring it back to life!

 

[mfenn]

There are no magic solution to computer problems. If you don't have any spares to test with or any money to buy said spares, then there isn't much you can do other than putting it back together very carefully (maybe outside the case) and triple-checking all the connections.

As for gouging the motherboard, circuit boards have multiple layers of traces, some within the board. Even if there weren't any surface components near the gouge, you could have broken an internal trace. Not saying that this is 100% the case, but it is possible.

Luckily, your data is almost certainly safe. Given the vintage of the computer, the drive are probably SATA, which means that you can easily plug them into another computer or a USB to SATA adapter and recover your data.