Sony Vaio AW11Z - Support for Quad CPU - Request

[fat4l]

Hi.
I was wonderring if it is possible to add support for quad-core cpus for this laptop?
I'm running Intel T9900, which is the best 2-core for socket PGA-478.
However I would like to run 4-core, Intel QX9300. The socket is the same-PGA-478 but the laptop doesn't support it.
I haven't tried it by myself but poeple reported that it turns on but the screen is just black, prolly stuck @POST.

My current CPU- http://ark.intel.com/products/39312/Inte...66-MHz-FSB
I need the support for- http://ark.intel.com/products/36727/Inte...66-MHz-FSB

Bios- http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/content.../VGN-AW11Z
Version- BIOS R1054Y2
(I also uploaded the bios in the attachment)

To summ-
1. I need support for Intel QX9300 cpu
2. If possible change the bios name to "R1054Y3" (current name is R1054Y2)
3. I hope it the modded bios won't damage my motherboard

Thank you

[DeathBringer]

Your BIOS microcode for CPUID=0x1067a: version - 0xA07, date - 04/09/2008.
But you motherboard (MBX-194) hasn't hardware support for quad CPUs.
You can try the motherboard's mod for quad core CPU supporting:

[fat4l]

Thank you very much.
It looks way too complicated and risky.

I will stay with dual-core : cheers

[Sml6397]

Hello fat4l,

I am moving this thread to the CPU Support Upgrades forum.

~Steven

[BootlegScarce]

I know this thread is old, but I have just installed a Core 2 Quad in my VGN-AW230H, all it needed was 2 mods to the motherboard and CPU. I have written a guide (https://vaiolibrary.com/index.php/VGN-AW_Quad_Core_Mod), in case anyone wants to do the same. No BIOS mod needed.

[fat4l]

wow looks good but I sold my laptop in like 2017.
It was already having hard time with even running youtube in 1080p60 from what I remember.

I have good memories about that laptop tho as it was great laptop with matt screen and top specs(apart from quad core) and in immaculate condition

[lala2025]

I know this thread is old, but I have just installed a Core 2 Quad in my VGN-AW230H, all it needed was 2 mods to the motherboard and CPU. I have written a guide (https://vaiolibrary.com/index.php/VGN-AW_Quad_Core_Mod), in case anyone wants to do the same. No BIOS mod needed.

i have a sony vaio FW series I saw that it is possible to make it work with quad core with mod like the AW , do you know how to make this mod in the FW series

Sorry for my bad english

[BootlegScarce]

i have a sony vaio FW series I saw that it is possible to make it work with quad core with mod like the AW , do you know how to make this mod in the FW series

Sorry for my bad english

Really the mod is possible on all 1066MHz core 2 duo laptops, all you need is access to the GTLREF and D22 pins. I did some digging in the schematic for the FW (MBX-189), and the D22 pin is TP34 likely underneath the CPU socket and the GTLREF point is either R75 or R76, do not connect the side that goes to ground otherwise the FW won't boot. I haven't tested this mod (have yet to find a ATI 4650 FW), but this should definitely work. The pins to be cut is the exact same as the AW guide, it applies to all laptops.

[lala2025]

Really the mod is possible on all 1066MHz core 2 duo laptops, all you need is access to the GTLREF and D22 pins. I did some digging in the schematic for the FW (MBX-189), and the D22 pin is TP34 likely underneath the CPU socket and the GTLREF point is either R75 or R76, do not connect the side that goes to ground otherwise the FW won't boot. I haven't tested this mod (have yet to find a ATI 4650 FW), but this should definitely work. The pins to be cut is the exact same as the AW guide, it applies to all laptops.

I did pin mode on the processor and worked whithout having to soldier the wires to the motherboard , but the t9600 seems to be faster than the q9000 maybe because i didn't do the mod on the motherboard

[BootlegScarce]

I did pin mode on the processor and worked whithout having to soldier the wires to the motherboard , but the t9600 seems to be faster than the q9000 maybe because i didn't do the mod on the motherboard

Yes it could be because of the wire as it provides GTLREF voltage to the 2nd die (the extra 2 cores). Does it show up as 2 or 4 cores? Could also be the power adapter too, I believe the FW shipped with a 75w adapter which wouldn't be enough for a core 2 quad, could consider switching it with a higher wattage one like 90w or the 150w charger which is the most powerful. I did actually upgrade another AW (AW37GY) to a QX9300 from the T9600 and the 3dmark06 score was quite low, maybe because I am using a non original charger.