How to Add More RAM to a Sony Viao Computer

Vaio laptops have RAM on the bottom and beneath the keyboard.

Adding RAM to your Sony Vaio computer is an easy way to boost the overall performance of your Vaio. RAM (Random Access Memory) is an electronic storage device that temporarily stores data from your computer's software, which makes your computer run programs quickly. The more RAM you have installed on your computer, the faster it will run your computer's programs. There are several different models of Sony Vaio computers in both laptop and desktop form. Sony VAIO laptops have memory compartments on the bottom casing of the computer and underneath the keyboard assembly. The Sony Vaio website lists the hardware specifications for all Sony Vaio models (see References).

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

Install RAM in a Sony Laptop

1. Turn off your laptop and then disconnect the AC power adapter from its socket. Close the LCD screen and flip the laptop over.

2. Locate the battery pack on the bottom casing of the laptop. Disengage the battery's locking tab and then lift the battery pack out of its compartment and set it aside.

3. Locate the RAM compartment on the bottom casing of the laptop. Remove the retaining Phillips-head screws holding the memory compartment cover in place. Remove the compartment and set it aside. Spread the latches on either side of each RAM module. Slide each RAM module out of its respective compartment and set it aside.

4. Locate the keyboard's retaining screws on the bottom casing of the laptop. The location of these screws vary from laptop to laptop. Sometimes they are located along the top edge of the bottom casing near the LCD hinges. Sometimes they are located inside the battery pack compartment. Remove these Phillips-head screws and then place the laptop face up and open the LCD screen all the way.

5. Grasp the keyboard from behind the top row of keys and then tilt the keyboard upward and place it face down over the palm rest.

6. Locate the memory compartment in the upper left-hand corner of the laptop's upper casing. Push on the retaining tabs on either side of the single RAM module inside the compartment. Tilt the module at 20-degree angle and then slide the module out of the memory compartment.

7. Slide the new RAM module into the empty memory compartment at a 20-degree angle until the retaining tabs snap the RAM module into place.

8. Repeat steps in reverse order to reassemble the laptop.

Install RAM in a Sony Desktop

1. Turn off the desktop and then disconnect the power cable from the rear panel of the computer. Disconnect any miscellaneous cables and external devices. Pull on the locking tab in the upper right-hand corner of the rear panel of the computer casing. Lift the side access panel away from the desktop and set it aside.

2. Locate the power supply and then pull on the locking tab that secures the power supply to the rear panel of the computer. Lift up on the power supply until it is clear of the rear panel of the computer. This will give you free access to the memory compartments.

3. Locate the RAM module you want remove from your computer and then spread the locking tabs on either side of the module. Grasp the RAM module between your fingers and lift it out of the memory compartment. Store the module in a static-free plastic bag.

4. Align the notches on the new RAM module with the now-empty memory compartment. Push the the RAM module into the memory compartment until the locking tabs snap the module into place. Repeat for each RAM module you replace.

5. Reattach the power supply to the rear panel of the computer. Replace the side access panel and then reconnect the power cable to the rear of the computer, in addition to any peripheral devices and cables you disconnected.

References

• Doug Pile: Sony Vaio Memory Upgrade
• Sony: Vaio Computers
• Sony Support: Sony PCV-RX650 Desktop Manual; pg. 35