How to add 1GB memory - Sony VAIO RC110G (VGC-RC110G) PC Desktop

Computer unplugged from power, open the computer case, observe Anti-Static Precautions, and install the Ram Memory module, or modules.

The Sony Vaio RC110 desktop computer uses DDR2 Sdram ram memory.

(Double Data Rate 2 - Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)

The Maximum Total Amount is 2GB's of ram memory.

(2 GigaBytes.
Giga = Approximately 1 Billion
Byte = 8 Characters
Characters can be Letters, Numbers, or Symbols)

The 'speed' of the ram memory used is 533MHz.

(MHz = MegaHertz
Mega = Approximately 1 Million
Hertz stands for Cycles per Second.

'Speed' is a relative term that actually is misused.
It's actually Frequency Rate.
What Frequency Rate does the ram memory operate at.
It operates in Cycles per Second of Frequency Rate.

Ram memory for your computer can operate Up To, a frequency rate of 533 Million Cycles per Second )


There are two ram memory slots on the motherboard.
EACH slot can hold a Maximum amount of 1GB of ram memory.

This is what DDR2 Sdram at 533MHz looks like, (PC-4200, also referred to as PC2-4200),

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1010980&CatId=2364

DDR2 Sdram has 240 gold plated contact pins, on the bottom of the module.

(Ram Memory Module is proper speak for Ram Memory 'stick')

120 contact pins on each side.
There is a Locating Notch on the bottom of the ram memory module.
At a casual glance the notch may look to be centered.
It is Not.

At the bottom of each ram memory slot on the motherboard, is a Locating Lug.
The Locating Notch of the ram memory module, must line up with the Locating Lug in the ram slot.

Observe this close-up photo of DDR Sdram.
(DDR Sdram has 184 contact pins)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Generic_DDR_Memory_%28Xytram%29.jpg

(You can click on the photo to enlarge)

Note that the Locating Notch is 40 contact pins from the Left side, and 52 contact pins from the Right side.
The above is just an example, to help explain the location of the Locating Notch.

Also note the Lock Notch on each end of the ram module.
There are two on the Left side, and two on the Right side.
Only one notch on each side is used.

Each ram memory slot on the motherboard has a Lock Arm.
This arm resembles an ear to me.

The Top of the Arm is brought out to the outside, to release the ram memory module.
The Lock Arm pivots.

There are two Lock Arms, each lock arm should be simultaneously unlocked. (Both Arms brought to the outside at the same time)
This action brings the ram memory module up out of the ram slot.

Once you have removed a ram memory module, you will note that each Lock Arm has a small slot at the bottom.
The outside bottom corners of the ram memory module, fits down in these slots.

You will also note that there is a protrusion, or 'Bump' on each Lock Arm.
This 'Bump' fits in the Notch at the end of the ram memory module.
(Sometimes the bump does not fit exactly in the notch. But it will fit in pretty close)

When you install the ram memory module;

A) Line up the Locating Notch with the Locating Lug

B) Make sure the Lock Arms are pivoted to the outside.
(Top of lock arm is pivoted out)

C) Line up the bottom corners of the ram memory module, in the slots at the bottom of the Lock Arms.

I use the thumbs of my hands to gently push down on the ram memory module's top, and my fingers to bring the Lock Arms up, at the same time.
When the ram memory module is seated correctly, you should hear two satisfying clicks.
The clicks, are each Lock Arm bump seating into the outside Notch, at the end of the ram memory module.

NOTE:
New ram memory may be a little 'stiff', when installing. Especially when you are installing into a ram memory slot on the motherboard, that has never been used.


You may find this video will help,

http://videos.howstuffworks.com/howstuffworks/26-how-to-install-ram-to-a-desktop-computer-video.htm

Anti-Static Precautions:

Your body carries Static electricity.
Static will fry out (Short Circuit) the hardware components inside a computer.

Computer unplugged from power, working on a table, computer case open, TOUCH the metal frame of the open computer case.
This action will relieve your body of static.

Should you get up, and walk away in the middle of working on your computer, upon your return be SURE to Touch the metal frame again.

(Best method is to buy, and use an ESD wrist strap, and connect the alligator clip to the metal frame. Average cost is around $6.
Electro Static Discharge)

To open the Sony Vaio VGC - RC110G desktop computer case:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-documents.pl?mdl=VGCRC110G

The above is Sony eSupport, and the download page for documentation on the Sony Vaio VGC-RC110G desktop computer.

Under the bold type heading - Manuals, I would like you to click on
User Guide, in the list.

A small window will open to the upper left. It is the User Guide in PDF file form.
Maximize the window.
(Left-click on the Maximize icon. At the top to the left of the Red X)

Under the Bookmarks heading on the left, go down to the sub-heading
Upgrading Your VAIO Computer, and left-click on the + sign.

Now left-click right on the sub-heading - Opening and Closing the Computer.

Or alternatively,
A) Use the blue Down Arrow at the top, and go to Page 94

Or,

B) Put your mouse cursor in the page number box at the top, left-click once, type 94, and press the Enter key.

(Should you not be familiar with PDF files, and wish to save this User Guide to your computer, please state so in a Comment, and I will state how.
This way you can burn the User Guide to a CD disk, and have it for future reference, and not have to download it again.

You can also delete it from your computer after saving to CD, and have more space on your Harddrive)

Hi
I need to ask if you're comfortable working inside your case,and also whether you've done any other upgrades already.
The computer was originally configured with 1GB of RAM and can take a max. of 2,so it's not a huge job if you're willing and able.
If you've had the case open in the past,do you know how many open RAM slots you have now?
Post back and I'll see what I can do.
Bob

First you need to find out what Memory ( Ram ) it requires as there is DDR DDR2 SODIMM but seeing as it is a newish computer it could be a DDR2. Way to find out is looking up on the internet. Unplug everything from the computer , then look on the back. With the computer front facing you remove the 2 screws on the left side and then pull the side panel back and away from the tower. Look inside and you will see a silver box with a fan on it ( thats the Chip fan ) and next to it you should see some Sticks that are green and have black squares on them, what you do is note what slot is free and make sure you grab the new stick on each corner and push it down onto the free slot ( as long as the 2 tabs either side of the socket are pulled away, then it will jsut clip into place with a little pressure.

Thats a Ram change, but make sure you know what type it is.