topic Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP in PCs & Accessories

Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

binru — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 11:02:27 GMT

In A397XP, it is only 512M memory. I would like to add another 512M memory. Therefore, I went to the UK sonystyle.co.uk website to see what is the model number of A397XP 512 Memory and how much it is. In the website page, it said the memory model number is : VGPMM512L.AE,

However, it explained " Expand your VAIO laptop's memory with this 512 MB memory module and run even more applications simultaneously. Sony memory modules are supported by VAIO Link and are made of top quality components. Using other memory modules not manufactured by Sony can damage your VAIO.
Compatible with VAIO A and S3 Series laptops.
Storage capacity: 512 MB
PC2700 DDR SDRAM
SO-DIMM
DDR333 "

Is it DDR 333, not DDR 2 PC2-3200¿

And the price is very expensive, £ 209.00 VAT incl. Is there other way that I can buy this cheaper?

Thank you!

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

rich912 — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 11:10:08 GMT

Try Crucial, they are much cheaper and good quality.

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

binru — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 11:15:46 GMT

Try Crucial, they are much cheaper and good quality.

Which module is suit for A397XP? Can I use different company memory for A397Xp, I heard somebody said it is better use Sony memory and some other company memory can not be used in this laptop.

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

rich912 — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 11:25:14 GMT

Crucial guarantee that their memory will work with you PC. If you are in doubt download either Belarc Advisor (link on the Crucial site) or Everest Home Edition and check the existing configuration, then give Crucial customer support a call.

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

binru — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 12:01:58 GMT

Crucial guarantee that their memory will work with you PC. If you are in doubt download either Belarc Advisor (link on the Crucial site) or Everest Home Edition and check the existing configuration, then give Crucial customer support a call.

This is I use Everest Home Edition to check my laptop memory information:

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Samsung M4 70T6554BZ0-CCC
Serial Number 500052A1h
Manufacture Date Week 3 / 2005
Module Size 512 MB (2 rows, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-400 (200 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)

I find the Crucial Website information about A397XP memory is :

Upgrade for the Sony VAIO VGN-A397XP
Crucial Part Number: CT434464 512MB

DDR2 PC2-4200 ¿ CL=4 ¿ UNBUFFERED ¿ NON-ECC ¿ DDR2-533 ¿ 1.8V ¿ 64Meg x 64

I am not sure about it, because this laptop is used DDR2-400, However, the Curcial website suggests me is DDR2-533, could you tell me whether I can use it or not? Can I buy? Thank you!

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

rich912 — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 12:32:08 GMT

I can't advise you on that, speak to Crucial customer support - 0800 013 0330 (UK freephone) they should be able to give you an answer.

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

binru — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 12:37:42 GMT

I can't advise you on that, speak to Crucial customer support - 0800 013 0330 (UK freephone) they should be able to give you an answer.

Does A397XP support DDR2-533 memory? or the max is DDR2-400?

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

seb21__ — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 12:51:10 GMT

I can't advise you on that, speak to Crucial customer support - 0800 013 0330 (UK freephone) they should be able to give you an answer.

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

kee-lo_ — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 13:21:23 GMT

You REALLY don't want to buy it from Sony:

1) Rebranded Samsung memory marked up
2) Expensive
3) Same as any other RAM

I suggest either

1) Using Crucial RAM, it's high quality and their support staff are second to none.

2) Kingston - well-established in the IT world and respected by the industry.

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

binru — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 13:38:29 GMT

You REALLY don't want to buy it from Sony:

1) Rebranded Samsung memory marked up
2) Expensive
3) Same as any other RAM

I suggest either

1) Using Crucial RAM, it's high quality and their support staff are second to none.

2) Kingston - well-established in the IT world and respected by the industry.

Actually, I would like to buy memory from Sony, but the price is quite high, it costs more than 200 pounds.

I am also interested in these two Crucial and Kingston brands. I look for the memory which suit for A397XP, but ,it suggests me 512M PC2 4200, DDR2 533, In A397XP, the memory is 512M DDR2 400 PC2 3200. I do not know if I buy the Crucial this one, whether my laptop will use it or not?:smileyconfused:

I also look for Kingston memory, it suggests me this model "M6464E40 " , However, there is nothing specify about this memory, such the memory speed etc. I am also not sure about whether I should buy this one or not?:smileyconfused:

Could you help me? Can you give me some more information?

Thank you very much!

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

seb21__ — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 13:42:50 GMT

Have you asked Crucial. I sure they have a contact address and a phone number.

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

kee-lo_ — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 13:45:03 GMT

If you know the exact RAM you want all you need to do is search for it on Crucial's site.

Their staff are quite knowledgable

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

binru — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 14:02:52 GMT

Have you asked Crucial. I sure they have a contact address and a phone number.

I have phoned to them. The staff said it should run in this laptop, but the speed will reduced to PC2 3200. But they can not guarantee whether it will work well with the slower one, such as whether will cause the system un-stabilization etc.

I can not find some information about Kingston M6464E40 this memory specification, I do not know what 's the speed of it?:smileyconfused:

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

seb21__ — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 14:07:03 GMT

The Ram is only so fast like your Mainboard can do. And not more.

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

binru — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 14:12:56 GMT

The Ram is only so fast like your Mainboard can do. And not more.

But I do not know how fast my laptop Mainboard can support? 533 or more?

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

seb21__ — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 14:22:47 GMT

I don't know. But if you install RAM with 533MHz and your Mainboard supports only 400MHz. Then the RAM runs with 400MHz.

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

binru — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 14:29:43 GMT

I don't know. But if you install RAM with 533MHz and your Mainboard supports only 400MHz. Then the RAM runs with 400MHz.

If I install the different company and different speed memory, will it bring any damage for this laptop? Is it safe to use it?

If compare Crucial and Kingston, which brand is suit for Laptop? I know these two brands are very good. So ,it is difficult to choose.

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

seb21__ — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 15:37:41 GMT

LOL, You need two new RAMs ( I think, both with 512MB) And I would buy bouth from one manufacturer. And not from two different.

And no, two differents RAMs wouldn't damage your VAIOs. But I would yous a RAM with the same specification like the other RAM. You can find out the specification of your preinstalled RAM with "Everest Home Edition".

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

kee-lo_ — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 18:48:53 GMT

Yep, Everest gives you all the data you'd need to supply to buy RAM.

Safest way to do it, then it's straight from the horses mouth

Re: Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

binru — Sat, 02 Apr 2005 19:09:22 GMT

LOL, You need two new RAMs ( I think, both with 512MB) And I would buy bouth from one manufacturer. And not from two different.

And no, two differents RAMs wouldn't damage your VAIOs. But I would yous a RAM with the same specification like the other RAM. You can find out the specification of your preinstalled RAM with "Everest Home Edition".

Do you think A397XP support DDR2 533?