Sony Vaio Laptop - memory upgrade not recognized

allstarmatt · 08-13-2008, 07:22 AM

Hello to the forum. Hopefully someone will be able to help me out. Here goes...

I've got a Sony Vaio PCG K195BP laptop which is getting a bit old now, but since I can't afford a new one at the moment I thought I'd upgrade the RAM. On the specs it says it can be upgraded to 1gb, so I thought I'd give it a go and see if it brought new life to my laptop.

It comes with 2 x 256mbs, so I needed to get 2 x 512mbs that were compatible. I consulted a good computer store and they gave me what I needed.

I've installed it all properly, but for some reason the system won't register that there's any more than 512mbs... which is the same as it was before I upgraded. I've tried various combinations, having 1 x 256 and 1x 512 but it won't go above 512mbs.

Obviously it's very frustrating, and so far I've not been able to find an answer... Especially when I've been told that it's the right RAM and that the laptop is expandable to 1GB.

I've tried updating the BIOS but that hasn't helped.

If anyone can help, it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

**tecknomage** · 08-13-2008, 12:25 PM

You need to know that memory MUST be an EXACT match to your motherboard.

If you use only written specs they are sometimes incomplete, AND STORES ARE NOT AUTHORITIES. The manufacturer of the motherboard is the ONLY authority.

I recommend reinstall your old, working, memory.

Now go to 4AllMemory and use their [Check My System].

This will download a very small and temporary applet that will read your motherboard and return a WEB page showing you what you have already installed + compatible memory upgrades. I highly suggest you print and file this page for the future.

You do not have to buy from 4AllMemory, but their prices are reasonable. My boss at corporate IT clued me in to this site when I needed memory upgrades for a PC at my division.

allstarmatt · 08-13-2008, 03:25 PM

Thanks for the response. I'll have a look and see what it comes up with. I'm in the UK so I'll have to find somewhere else to buy it from, but at least I'll know what I need.

It's just irritating when the tech guys in the store say that "this is what will work with your model"... *sigh*

08-13-2008, 07:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
allstarmatt Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 2 OS: Windows XP	Sony Vaio Laptop - memory upgrade not recognized Hello to the forum. Hopefully someone will be able to help me out. Here goes... I've got a Sony Vaio PCG K195BP laptop which is getting a bit old now, but since I can't afford a new one at the moment I thought I'd upgrade the RAM. On the specs it says it can be upgraded to 1gb, so I thought I'd give it a go and see if it brought new life to my laptop. It comes with 2 x 256mbs, so I needed to get 2 x 512mbs that were compatible. I consulted a good computer store and they gave me what I needed. I've installed it all properly, but for some reason the system won't register that there's any more than 512mbs... which is the same as it was before I upgraded. I've tried various combinations, having 1 x 256 and 1x 512 but it won't go above 512mbs. Obviously it's very frustrating, and so far I've not been able to find an answer... Especially when I've been told that it's the right RAM and that the laptop is expandable to 1GB. I've tried updating the BIOS but that hasn't helped. If anyone can help, it would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

08-13-2008, 12:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
tecknomage TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 928 OS: WinXP Pro SP3	Re: Sony Vaio Laptop - memory upgrade not recognized You need to know that memory MUST be an EXACT match to your motherboard. If you use only written specs they are sometimes incomplete, AND STORES ARE NOT AUTHORITIES. The manufacturer of the motherboard is the ONLY authority. I recommend reinstall your old, working, memory. Now go to 4AllMemory and use their [Check My System]. This will download a very small and temporary applet that will read your motherboard and return a WEB page showing you what you have already installed + compatible memory upgrades. I highly suggest you print and file this page for the future. You do not have to buy from 4AllMemory, but their prices are reasonable. My boss at corporate IT clued me in to this site when I needed memory upgrades for a PC at my division. __________________ Tecknomage Computer System Specialist IT Technician

08-13-2008, 03:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
allstarmatt Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 2 OS: Windows XP	Re: Sony Vaio Laptop - memory upgrade not recognized Thanks for the response. I'll have a look and see what it comes up with. I'm in the UK so I'll have to find somewhere else to buy it from, but at least I'll know what I need. It's just irritating when the tech guys in the store say that "this is what will work with your model"... sigh