Adding RAM and new CPU To My Pc?

Question

I have a Sony
Model : VAIO VGC-RB30
Memory : 512 MB = 256 MB (removable) + 256 MB (removable)
Maximum amount of memory : 2.0 GB
CPU : 3.0GHz Intel Pentium 4 530j
Chipset : 800MHz FSB, Intel 915G Chipset.

This is a two part Question
1.)What is a Chipset. I went on intels website and it says its upgradable up to 4gb of RAM but the sony website says its only upgradable to 2gb why is that and can i put 4 sticks of 1gb each is is says no???????

2.)My CPU. I wanna upgrade that too but im not sure if my computer can support it. I wanna get a "Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor E6600" On intels website
http://processorfinder.intel.com/Details.aspx?sSpec=SL9S8#
it says check your motherboard, how do i do that

So DOes anyone have upgrade Tips

heres the comps specs
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/specs/VGCRB30_mksp.pdf

Answer 1

1. Chipset is basically the northbridge on the computer that controls memory speed and amount and such, its a bit complicated to explain. I really cannot fathom why you would be unable to put 4 1GB sticks in since you have 4 slots that each support up to 1GB each and your chipset supports 4 GB, but I suppose you should trust Sony, you don't wanna spend that money not to have it work. To be honest, there really is no need for more than 2GB anyway.

2. I do know for a fact that that chipset will not support the Core 2 Duos, for one thing it will only support up to an 800Mhz front side bus, and the Core 2 Duos have 1066MHz. There are other architectural reasons as well.

Answer 2

With the memory, 2GB will be the max. Although the chipset might handle more, Sony didn't implement the hardware necessary to address 4GB. Looking at the specs, I don't think it's possible to upgrade to a Core 2 Duo either as that's quite a different animal from a Pentium 4. It would have taken a bit different hardware and BIOS (I believe) to support that processor. It's more than a simply faster CPU; it's a completely different design. (I could be wrong on this but I'm just saying what I believe).

Answer 3

If Sony tells you you can only upgrade to 2gig, then thats it. Always rely on your computer manufacturer for upgrades.

About your CPU it cannot support core duo processors because your chipset only support pentium 4 w/ HT.
http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/915g/index.htm

Answer 4

2 gb is good ur pc will take 2gb as a max to get 4gb you need a new motherboard that can take 4gb on but 2 gb is damn good. how fast you want it . lol

Answer 5

I can give you a link that deals with hard drive problems.
Some RAM/hard drive problems can be easily fixed yourself by using easily available tools. I found the info at http://fixit.in useful. Try this site, if you can get what is required.

Answer 6

go to www.powerleap.com and it scans your computer, gives you details about your computer and tells you which updates are compatible for your computer

:)