Upgrade your laptop by replacing the RAM.
Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
Sony has manufactured many models of the popular VAIO laptop series over the years. As the laptop ages, the system may begin to run slowly and may even experience hardware failure. Rather than purchase a new laptop, you may wish to save money by upgrading the system memory and the hard drive. Upgrade methods may vary depending on the exact VAIO model. Some models allow for easy replacement of the RAM and hard drive, while other models require the removal of the VAIO's keyboard to gain access to one of these components.
Upgrading RAM Found Under the Keyboard
Step 1
Turn off your Sony VAIO laptop, close the screen lid and remove the power cord. Turn the laptop over so that you can view the underside. Press the release button to remove the battery and place the battery to the side. Turn the laptop over and place it on a sturdy flat surface. Allow the laptop to cool down for 20 to 30 minutes before continuing.
Step 2
Open the screen and remove the keyboard bezel. The bezel is the plastic located above the keyboard. Some models use screws to keep the bezel in place. Remove the screws to slide the bezel off the laptop. Other models do not use screws. For these models, you must gently pry the bezel off using a flat-head screwdriver. Use caution to avoid scratching the cover.
Step 3
Remove the keyboard. Locate and remove the screws that secure the keyboard into place. You can find these screws behind the top row of keys on the keyboard. Gently lift the keyboard and rest it face down on the mouse track pad. A ribbon cable connects the keyboard to the motherboard, so do not pull too hard when manipulating the keyboard.
Step 4
Remove the metal plate that covers the interior components of the laptop. Remove the screws securing the plate into place and lift the plate out of the laptop. Not all models contain this plate.
Step 5
Remove the existing RAM. The exact location may vary depending on the VAIO model. Open the latches securing the module into place and then tilt the RAM to slide it out. Repeat this process to remove the other module if present.
Step 6
Install the new modules by tilting them at an angle and sliding them into the RAM compartments. Press the modules into place until the latches close around the modules.
Step 7
Reassemble the laptop by reinstalling the metal plate, reconnecting the keyboard, replacing the keyboard bezel and returning the battery to the battery compartment.
Upgrading the RAM Found in an Underside Bay Compartment
Step 1
Turn off your Sony VAIO laptop, close the screen lid and remove the power cord. Turn the laptop over so that you can view the underside. Place the laptop face down on a sturdy, flat surface. Press the release button to remove the battery and place the battery to the side. Allow the laptop to cool down for 20 to 30 minutes before continuing.
Step 2
Remove the memory module bay cover from the underside of the laptop. Find the cover near the center of the laptop underside and beside the drive cover. One screw holds the cover in place. The exact location may vary depending on the VAIO model.
Step 3
Spread the latches located on both sides of the memory module. This causes the module to pop up at an angle. Grasp the edge of the module and pull to remove it from the laptop. Repeat this process to remove the other module if present.
Step 4
Insert the new module into the RAM compartment. Pay close attention to the notches located on the bottom of the module to ensure the correct installation. Gently push the module into the slot at an angle, and then secure it into place using the latches on each side.
Step 5
Replace the memory bay cover using the single screw.
Upgrading the Hard Drive
Step 1
Turn off your Sony VAIO laptop, close the screen lid and remove the power cord. Turn the laptop over so that you can view the underside. Place the laptop face down on a sturdy, flat surface. Press the release button to remove the battery and place the battery to the side. Allow the laptop to cool down for 20 to 30 minutes before continuing.
Step 2
Find and remove the hard drive bay cover. Find the cover toward the center of the underside of the laptop. Remove the screw that secures the cover to the rest of the case and place both the screw and the cover to the side. The exact location may vary depending on the VAIO model.
Step 3
Remove the screws that secure the hard drive into place. Find two screws on the right side of the drive and two screws on the left side of the drive. Place the screws to the side.
Step 4
Slide the hard drive down to disconnect it from the assembly. Lift to remove the drive from the assembly.
Step 5
Insert the new drive into the assembly and use the screws to secure it into place.
Step 6
Replace the hard drive bay cover using the single screw.
Tips
- Always confirm the specifications of the hard drive installed in your laptop before purchasing a replacement. Some models use ATA drives while other use SATA drives. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct specifications.
- Always confirm the type of RAM used in your laptop. This may vary depending on the model. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct specifications.
Warnings
- Use caution when removing the bezel and keyboard. You can damage the laptop and void the warranty.
- Never use a carpeted service to perform a laptop upgrade. A static shock can damage the internal components.
References
Photo Credits
- Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
