Upgrading the
Sony Vaio PCG-Z505

Memory Upgrade

This is a pretty simple upgrade and since memory prices are currently cheap, it's worth doing.

Get the Parts

The stock Vaio came with 128MB memory and can take up to 256MB by adding a 128MB PC100 SODIMM. There have been tales of people both succeeding and failing at adding more memory with various operating systems, but Sony only promises up to 256MB for this model.

Sony's part number for a 128MB SODIMM is PCGA-MM7128. My favorite source for finding cheap prices for commodity parts such as this is Pricewatch.com.

The Upgrade Process

  1. As always, remove external power and the battery and ground yourself.

  2. With the laptop closed, turn the laptop upside-down and remove the six screws shown below.

    3. Back

  3. Turn the laptop right-side-up and open it. The keyboard will now be free to move. Raise it from the edge closest to the LCD. There's a ribbon cable attached to the front of the keyboard that needs to be treated kindly.

    4. Keyboard Removed

  4. Lift the metal cover as shown below to expose the memory slot. The photo shows the new 128MB SODIMM already installed. Just because it's interesting to take things apart, the insulating covers have been removed from the graphics chip and CPU in this photo.

    5. Memory

  5. To install the memory:
    1. Determine which side is "up" by noting where the off-set notch is on the edge of the memory with the contacts.
    2. Insert the contact-edge into the memory slot.
    3. Gently push down until the two latches on each side of the memory card snap into place.

  6. That's it. Reverse the procedure and make sure the system recognizes the additional memory

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