4 GB Memory - Notebook VGN-BX...

[matunver9]

I got an VGN-BX397XP and an VGN-BX197XP.
I need to have 4 GB RAM.
I currently have 2 x 1 GB.
I bought 2 x 2GB 200-pin SODIMMS, DDR2 SDRAM, 667 MHS (PC2-5300 CL4).

Each of the 2GB Module works well in VGN-BX397XP (with VISTA, 32 bit, latest version).
With both 2GB Modules they are shown in the BIOS, but system hangs afterwards.

I know that on the support page 2 GB are declared to be the limit, but my only
choices are: Get it running with 4 GB or get rid of the notebooks and buy new ones:-(

Is there a BIOS update that makes it possible to move to 4 GB. Or is there really no
way to habe 4 GB on these notebooks?

Any idea or experience?
THANKS.

[Thalamus.]

Hi matthiasunv,

welcome to Club Vaio..

As you are aware the specs for your BX197XP state the maximum RAM that your Vaio will support is 2GB..

You can also go to crucial.com and click on the Crucial System Scanner tool and it will tell you the maximum capacity of your computer.

I think that, as you have already discovered, 2GB is going to be the maximum your Vaio's motherboard can support, if you want you could always contact Sony Vaio support, you can do this either by phone or via e-Support, use the following link to find the contact details: Sony Vaio Support

Why do you need to have 4GB of RAM.?

[matunver9]

Hi Thalamus,

thank you for your fast reply.

Actually we - a small software company - got 2 BX197XP and 1 BX397XP.
The need for 4 GB comes from the software type we develop: typically with Oracle Database,
Application Server, sometimes with the need for a different OS on VMWare in parallel.
At customer site we need to have it on our notebook. We hoped 2 GB to be sufficient.
But now we reached a state where swapping makes working very difficult - with SAP Portal Server we already gave up. We discussed moving to DELL - they offer a 8 GB notebook. But we do not like the "Gamer" touch the notebook has. Besides our need for more memory we are very happy with our Sony notebooks.

I know the VAIO support page tells "2 GB max". Is it really a limit that can not be overcome?
My hope was there is some BIOS update to make it work.

Help is very much appreciated.

Regards,
Matthias

[Thalamus.]

My hope was there is some BIOS update to make it work.

Hi Matthias,

I don't think it will be possible for your motherboard to recognise the 4GB of RAM..

All I can suggest is that you contact Sony Vaio support, you can do this either by phone or via e-Support, use the following link to find the contact details: Sony Vaio Support