Can I replace the SSD(256) GB on my Ultrathin Sony vaio Z series laptop with 500gb or 1 TB SSD. The sony one is extremely exp

[jjvvuuren]

Sony vaio z series SSD upgrade
Can I replace the SSD(256) GB on my Ultrathin Sony VAIO Z VPCZ217GG series laptop with 500gb or 1 TB SSD. The sony one is extremely expensive I can buy a new laptop for the price. e.g. with the Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5-Inch SATA III Single Unit Version Internal Solid State Drive MZ-7TE1T0BW or Crucial M550 1TB SATA 2.5" 7mm (with 9.5mm adapter) Internal Solid State Drive CT1024M550SSD1?

 

[i7Baby]

Yse - they are physically the same size and connect the same. You'll just have to either migrate your old one across to the new one or install windows on the new one then drivers and apps then copy data from the old one to the new one.

 

[Cristi72]

Hello,

Before ordering a new SSD, be sure your laptop uses an 2.5" SSD an not a mSATA SSD:

2.5" SSD: http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147255&cm_re=samsung_evo-_-20-147-255-_-Product

mSATA: http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147317&cm_re=msata-_-20-147-317-_-Product

 

[jjvvuuren]

On the computer it states Solid State Drive 256 GB and it shows as one drive on the system . However I went to the sony website and it states SSD in RAID 0: (256 GB (128 GB x 2; Serial ATA)).

 

[Cristi72]

On the computer it states Solid State Drive 256 GB and it shows as one drive on the system . However I went to the sony website and it states SSD in RAID 0: (256 GB (128 GB x 2; Serial ATA)).

Hmmm, tough call... Download HDTune, install it and see the model of the SSDs. Or, even better, take out the bottom laptop cover and see what kind of SSD they use. I just hope Ultrathin doesn't use some stoopid proprietary interface or form-factor (the Apple route), which means you are SOL, as you will need to buy the replacement only from Sony.

 

[jjvvuuren]

Hello,

Before ordering a new SSD, be sure your laptop uses an 2.5" SSD an not a mSATA SSD:

2.5" SSD: http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147255&cm_re=samsung_evo-_-20-147-255-_-Product

mSATA: http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147317&cm_re=msata-_-20-147-317-_-Product

 

[jjvvuuren]

On the computer it states Solid State Drive 256 GB and it shows as one drive on the system . However I went to the sony website and it states SSD in RAID 0: (256 GB (128 GB x 2; Serial ATA)).

Hmmm, tough call... Download HDTune, install it and see the model of the SSDs. Or, even better, take out the bottom laptop cover and see what kind of SSD they use. I just hope Ultrathin doesn't use some stoopid proprietary interface or form-factor (the Apple route), which means you are SOL, as you will need to buy the replacement only from Sony.

 

[jjvvuuren]

Thanks Christi. It is difficult to take the cover out. I saw the process on Youtube. I will however download the program as you suggested to check first.

I have downloaded. It says Intel Raid 0 (256 gB)
Under it I get System Reseved E: 99 MB serial C8A9-294B
C: 228105MB serial 86A9-EEDE
Recovery F: 1151 MB Serial 7A15-6D70

Why the reference to 3 serial numbers? Does that mean there are 3 drives? I thought it is only partitioning of the drive.

 

[Cristi72]

Why the reference to 3 serial numbers? Does that mean there are 3 drives? I thought it is only partitioning of the drive.

Well, you have used the HDtune PRO, which reads also the partition's serials... In the program's "Info" tab, right under the "Firmware" line, you will find the serial; list both of them, maybe we can find something about these SSDs.

 

[jjvvuuren]

HI Cristi thank you for the support. I appreciate it. The information under the Firmware line:

Frimware version -
STANDARD PATA
Serial Number @^µû
Supported UDMA Mode 0
Capacity 256.` gB (238.5 GB)
Supported UDMA Mode 1
Buffer n/a
Average Speed -
Sector size 512 bytes
Rotation Speed -
I must say the serial number looks very stange.

 

[Cristi72]

HI Christi thank you for the support. I appreciate it. Teh information under the Firmware line:

Frimware version -
STANDARD PATA
Serial Number @^µû
Supported UDMA Mode 0
Capacity 256.` gB (238.5 GB)
Supported UDMA Mode 1
Buffer n/a
Average Speed -
Sector size 512 bytes
Rotation Speed -
I must say the serial number looks very stange.

Not only the serial, but also the rest of data: no firmware, the SSD is seen as an PATA (IDE) device, transfer mode "UDMA 1", so basically 33MB/s... This means the laptop has a non-standard SSD and/or an custom controller, so your best bet is to open up the laptop... I guess you'll have to buy the SSD upgrade from Sony...

If you need only a back-up drive, go for any 2.5" SSD and use an USB 3.0 external enclosure:

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1DS14F8976 , relies only on USB 3.0 port for powering the SSD, so max. 900mA (when using USB 2.0, the limit is 500mA);

http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153159 , it has USB 3.0 and an external power adapter, so it can work with all 2.5" drives (SSD, HDD, SSHD).

 

[jjvvuuren]

Thanks I see I have no option than to open the laptop.