Posted: 6/19/2008 2:28:09 PM EDT
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I have a 3 or so year old Sony Viao, VGN-FS760/W. And it has been running pretty damn slow, I was told from someone a while ago that my computer only has 512mb of RAM, and that it was upgradable to 2gigs. I was wondering what kind of memory it takes, and where they are located in the computer. How hard is it to replace these things? I really dont know anything about computer hardware, but have someone who would be able to help me. Where would I get the memory sticks from? Best Buy? Thanks alot Pat |
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This is a laptop correct? You can find out your current ram by: Start > Run > type: dxdiag It will say how much physical memory you have on the front page. ETA: if it's a laptop there has got to be some way to take the key pad out. The ram should usually be underneath the keypad. Or they are doing things differently now and putting it in some easily accessible area like this: helpdesk.oneonta.edu/resnet/training/win_memory_laptop.htm If you have 2 gigs, I think you're full, so there is no reason to get more RAM. |
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It looks like that system uses PC2-3200 DDR2 SDRAM SODIMMs. Shop around. I usually buy from NewEgg. They have Kingston 1 GB sticks of that for $21.99 each plus S&H. Check this out. Read the customer reviews. I did see at least one Vaio user making a postive comment. 
 This would be an excellent investment. You will get much better performance. My mom has a similar machine and loves it. |
If you think that is the correct RAM, I will order it, just dont wanna get it and find out it is the wrong kind. Do I have to do anything to my laptop's system after I install it? I have never done this kind of work before, and dont want to mess it up. I really want my laptop to run faster, but I dont want to dip into the savings to buy a new one, and I dont want Vista, so that means new memory. |
| If your laptop is similar to what I've seen in standard desktop units, it's a simple matter of getting to it, then pulling the old ram stick(s) out, and snapping in the new ones. Shouldn't take more than 2-3 minutes to actually change the RAM sticks, might take 10 to get everything apart to get to them. |
Adding more ram requires no more technical prowess than turning a lil' screwdriver. And you wont have to do ANYTHING, software-wise. Just pop it in, and go.If you do have only 512 MB's then your machine is definitely choking. Easy, and cheap upgrade that'll deliver substantial gain. joo can doo eet, mang ! 
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Found this... Sony support site, download the users manual. Clicky That link SHOULD work, btw. If not, IM me an email address and I'll send you the manual. It's in .pdf format. Then open it to page 111 and follow the instructions. 
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I checked three different memory vendor sites, and they all say that's da kine. I don't work on laptops professionally so I can't offer you a water-tight guarantee, but NewEgg is good about returns if it turns out to be the wrong kind or defective (which does happen fairly often with memory). In addition to putting the new memory in, you may have to go into the system setup utility once. Or Sony's BIOS may update itself automagically. Don't be surprised if it gives you some minor grief the first time you boot it, and do what it says. Good luck! |
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do a google search for crucial ram. its either that or corsair. either way they have a utility that will analyze your hardware and find out what type of ram and if they have it and at what price. here is a link. crucial scanner my daughter thinks i need to add a couple of funny faces too!! good luck. any questions im me or email. thanks sean  
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I looked at it, and it seems simple, yet I was told that my computer has to memory sticks. Where would the other one be? Under the keyboard as others have said? |
Open it up and look. There will probably be one populated slot and one empty one in the same general location. |
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This is the type of memory that your computer uses: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820144180 (DDR2 400/PC2 3200, Laptop Memory) I'd buy 2GB of it
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OP several folks have given you information that is useful. We should also teach a man to fish. Issues like this can be researched sometimes by simply typing in the type of PC it is and a + Ram Do this with google or search engine of your choice. Something like Sony VArio whatever2345 + Ram you can also go to Sony's website and search their product pages. Sony if I remember correctly has a great support site that gives you plenty of search options, downloads etc. Now don't take this the wrong way but I assume you are a very basic user. my interestin the internet and technology lies on the criminal investigation side. I often see novice users like my mom neglecting to use appropriate virus protection and firewalls. I have seen unbelievable stuff done to a novice PC. You stated your PC is running slower. I am wondering if you are using new OS or new MS office or other products. If you are not using new products that eat more memory you may have other issues with your PC. I agree get more RAM but if your PC is running the same stuff it always have but noticeably slower it could be anything from a simple maintenance issue to a malicious virus or other program. Is your PC thoroughly protect with a recently updated virus program? Is your PC using a recently updated firewall? Does your PC seem active at night even if you are not using it or any other time of the day? (shut down all programs and internet and look at the blinking light to see if it is continuing to process in a big way) Adding RAM is a great idea I am just concerned that you say it is running slower. You could also have a lot of stuff going on due to improper maintenance. Try going to Tools > Internet Options and delete caches and temp files etc. To be honest I am not great at teaching people how to clear up and free memory and defrag etc. I am sure someone will be along to help out. Anyhow can you answer the questions about the Firewall and Virus protection. I just want to help folks who may be novice levels users keep safe. I have helped a ton of elderly/novive folks square away their PCs and protect themselves because I know they are often victims of computer crime. |