Media Center PC Upgrades

[loganbyers07]

okay so i was looking at building a new rig but my dad says that we have to many computers already but he also said that i could upgrade the Sony Vaio XL1 Media Center PC... Here Are the specsProduct Specifications
Weights and Measurements

    * Weight (Approx.) : 86 lbs (for both XL1A)

    * Dimensions (Approx.) : 17" x 13.8" x 19.5" (for both XL1A and XL1B)

Expansion Bays

    * 3.5" (Internal) : 3 (1 occupied)

Hard Drive

    * Capacity : 200GB2

    * Speed : 7200rpm

    * Interface : SATA (RAID Ready)

Hardware

    * Keyboard : Wireless Keyboard

General

    * Computer Type : Digital Living System™

    * Type of Use : Digital Living System™

    * Pointing Device : Electro Static Touch Pad

Power

    * Power Management : ACPI 1.0 Compliant

    * Power Requirements : 100-240V

    * Power Consumption : 297W (max.)

Expansion Slots

    * Multimedia Card Reader : Memory Stick®5 Memory Stick PRO™ Memory Stick Duo™ Reader Compact Flash® (Type I andType II) Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard™ SmartMedia™ xD Picture Card®

    * PCI Slot : 2 (1 occupied)

    * x16 PCI Express : 1 (occupied by Graphics Card)

Service and Warranty Information

    * Limited Warranty : 1 Year6

    * Telephone Support : 1 year (toll-free assistance, available 24-hours, 7-days-a-week)7

    * Online and Email Support : Support available from, http://www.esupport.sony.com

    * Onsite Service : 1 Year6

Audio

    * Sound System : Sony® Sound Reality™ technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support

Optical Drive #1

    * DVD+R DL Write : 4x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD+R Write : 16x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD+RW Write : 8x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD-R Write : 16x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD-RW Write : 6x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * CD-R Write : 24x (max.) (VGX-XL1A) 40x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * CD-RW Write : 24x (max.) (VGX-XL1A) 24x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD±RW : yes4 (VGP-XL1B)

    * CD Read : 24x (max.) (VGX-XL1A) 40x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD Read : 8x (max.) (VGX-XL1A) 16x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

Graphics

    * Processor : NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6200

    * Video RAM : 64MB (DDR SDRAM dedicated memory)

    * Technology : TurboCache™ (supporting up to 256MB)

    * Chipset : Intel® 945P

    * Interface : HDMI™ (High Definition Multimedia Interface), DVI-D (through HDMI™ to DVI-D adapter), Component (YPbPr)

    * Format(s) Supported : DVI-D (through HDMI™ to DVI-D adapter)

Processor

    * Type : Intel® Pentium® D Processor 820

    * Speed : 2.80GHz1

    * Front Side Bus Speed : 800MHz

    * L2 Cache : 2MB (2x1MB)

    * Technology : Intel® Dual Core

Networking/Modem

    * Ethernet Protocol : Fast Ethernet (RJ-45)

    * Ethernet Speed : 10/100/1000

    * Wireless LAN : 802.11b/g9

Software

    * Operating System : Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition (2005) (Update Rollup 2)

    * Internet Services : America Online® (180-Day Subscription: For new users only)

    * Anti-Virus and Recovery Software : Norton® Internet Security™ (90-Day Subscription: Norton AntiVirus™, Norton™ Personal Firewall, Norton™ Privacy Control, Norton AntiSpam™, Norton™ Parental Control) VAIO® Recovery Wizard VAIO® Support Central VAIO® Update

    * Supplied Software : Adobe® Photoshop® Elements Adobe® Premiere Standard InterVideo® WinDVD® Intuit® Quicken® 2005 New User Edition (Previous Quicken Users may require additional upgrade) Microsoft® Office 2003 (60-Day Trail10 Student/Teacher Edition) Microsoft® Works 8.0 (Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Calendar, Scheduling, Contact Management and Database) Roxio® DigitalMedia SE

    * Sony® Original Software : Click to DVD™ - DVD Creation DVgate Plus™- Digital Video Capturing Image Converter - PSP Transfer Life Flow - Passive Entertainment Screen Saver SonicStage® - Digital Music Jukebox SonicStage® Mastering Studio - Audio Mastering & DSD File Management VAIO Media™ - Network File Sharing

Inputs and Outputs

    * Composite Audio/Video Input(s) : 1 (gold-plated)

    * Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : 1

    * Ethernet Port : 1

    * HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : 1

    * Headphone Jack : 1

    * i.LINK® Interface : 5 (4-pin 1 Front/6-pin 2 Rear/6-pin 2 Rear on VGP-XL1B4)

    * Infrared Port : 2

    * Memory Stick® Media Slot : 1

    * Secure Digital Slot : 1

    * Microphone Input : 1

    * S/PDIF Output(s) : 6

    * S-Video Input(s) : 1 (Front)

    * DVI Output(s) : 1 (through HDMI™ to DVI-D adapter)

    * USB Port(s) : 4 (2 Front/2 Rear) (2.0 compliant)

    * VHF/UHF Input(s) : 1

Memory

    * Type : DDR2

    * Installed : 512MB (PC2-4200 512MB x 1)

    * Maximum : 2GB

    * Speed : 533MHz[/font]



Basicly i was wondering what you would recomend to put in it to make it a decent gaming rig.
I am on a budget of about $300. please let me know what you would recomend i am wanting to be able to play games such as crysis Halo 3 call of duty 4 etc.


Thanks
Logan

[pinoyballa]

Slap an 8800 into it and it should be able to handle most games fine, also if you want to go to the extreme get a 8800 Ultra but that's out of your budget at the moment.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130327 8800 GTS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130346 8800 Ultra

[FreeK]

okay so i was looking at building a new rig but my dad says that we have to many computers already but he also said that i could upgrade the Sony Vaio XL1 Media Center PC... Here Are the specsProduct Specifications
Weights and Measurements

    * Weight (Approx.) : 86 lbs (for both XL1A)



Optical Drive #1

    * DVD+R DL Write : 4x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD+R Write : 16x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD+RW Write : 8x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD-R Write : 16x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD-RW Write : 6x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * CD-R Write : 24x (max.) (VGX-XL1A) 40x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * CD-RW Write : 24x (max.) (VGX-XL1A) 24x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD±RW : yes4 (VGP-XL1B)

    * CD Read : 24x (max.) (VGX-XL1A) 40x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

    * DVD Read : 8x (max.) (VGX-XL1A) 16x (max.) (VGP-XL1B)

damn that things HEAVY
and damn thats alot of burners

i think you should add a little bit more RAM too

[pinoyballa]

Oh yeah, RAM too, get DDR2 1066 and overclock it, although your motherboard might not overclock well.

[DubbleDutch]

get some new RAM and a new graphics card
and you will be ready to go i think

[Onii]

"damn that things HEAVY and damn thats alot of burners", I think that's just how fast that drive operates with those types of media. Its says Optical Drive #1 and lists a bunch of types of cd/dvds with speeds alongside it. If I'm mistaken then I fully agree with you lol. Onto the OP now.


I'll lay out a few options for you first. People need too look up the unit before making suggestions btw.

About the RAM:
The sony site has some conflicting info about the ram, some parts say that model has 4 banks, others say 2. Only way to know is if you open it up. Another thing about the ram, this thing only accepts DDR2 533 (PC2-4200). If you decide this is the route you wanna take, http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=D6464E40 is what sony says to use. Kingston says you can also use 1GB modules and they cost about the same so if you wanna try that then look up Part# D12864E40 on their site. Should be the same speed and all, cept with 1gb of ram per stick instead of 512mb.

About the Graphics Card:
If you decide to install a new GPU you will most likely need to pair it with a new powersupply (You will more then likely run into problems doing this, seeing as it could be a proprietary component with the odd case style it has), as I doubt that one will be powerful enough to run it all. I would guess you will run into case size restrictions as well (depending on the card). You may run into cooling problems because when I went on the Sony site to look up that model it says its watercooled so it stays quiet, there may not be enough fans inside the system to keep the internal temp down. If you decide this is the route you wanna take, get the GTS as pinoyballa suggested (if it meets the power/size restrictions). It'll run alot cooler then the GT at the price of being slightly slower.

About the Processor:
First off, the socket type is LGA775. Pentium D is becoming fairly dated, I wouldn't count on it running the LATEST games at stunning settings, but you should be able to get by with it. I can't tell you exactly what you can upgrade to since I dont have anymore info about the mobo (Like if it supports 65/45nm processors and the like). At best, if it supported a max 800mhz fsb and 65nm processor then you could go to this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115045.

My conclusion is to keep this what it is, a MEDIA CENTER PC. Tell your dad it's time to pony up some dough and get you what you really deserve, a new computer Hope this helps!

[pinoyballa]

oops about the RAM thing then, it will probably only accept 65nm processors also because 45nm is a fairly new technology.

[Onii]

oops about the RAM thing then, it will probably only accept 65nm processors also because 45nm is a fairly new technology.

Perfectly fine, everyone makes mistakes. Didn't mean to be harsh if it came across that way. I'm sure you're right about the processors, just that the Pentium D comes in 90nm and 65nm versions so it would be overstepping my bounds to say he can go ahead and get a 65nm processor when there is a chance it wouldn't work lol. I think the 820 is 90nm iirc, so it all comes down to the mobo to tell us what it can do.

[loganbyers07]

"damn that things HEAVY and damn thats alot of burners", I think that's just how fast that drive operates with those types of media. Its says Optical Drive #1 and lists a bunch of types of cd/dvds with speeds alongside it. If I'm mistaken then I fully agree with you lol. Onto the OP now.


I'll lay out a few options for you first. People need too look up the unit before making suggestions btw.

About the RAM:
The sony site has some conflicting info about the ram, some parts say that model has 4 banks, others say 2. Only way to know is if you open it up. Another thing about the ram, this thing only accepts DDR2 533 (PC2-4200). If you decide this is the route you wanna take, http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/PartsInfo.asp?root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&ktcpartno=D6464E40 is what sony says to use. Kingston says you can also use 1GB modules and they cost about the same so if you wanna try that then look up Part# D12864E40 on their site. Should be the same speed and all, cept with 1gb of ram per stick instead of 512mb.

About the Graphics Card:
If you decide to install a new GPU you will most likely need to pair it with a new powersupply (You will more then likely run into problems doing this, seeing as it could be a proprietary component with the odd case style it has), as I doubt that one will be powerful enough to run it all. I would guess you will run into case size restrictions as well (depending on the card). You may run into cooling problems because when I went on the Sony site to look up that model it says its watercooled so it stays quiet, there may not be enough fans inside the system to keep the internal temp down. If you decide this is the route you wanna take, get the GTS as pinoyballa suggested (if it meets the power/size restrictions). It'll run alot cooler then the GT at the price of being slightly slower.

About the Processor:
First off, the socket type is LGA775. Pentium D is becoming fairly dated, I wouldn't count on it running the LATEST games at stunning settings, but you should be able to get by with it. I can't tell you exactly what you can upgrade to since I dont have anymore info about the mobo (Like if it supports 65/45nm processors and the like). At best, if it supported a max 800mhz fsb and 65nm processor then you could go to this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115045.

My conclusion is to keep this what it is, a MEDIA CENTER PC. Tell your dad it's time to pony up some dough and get you what you really deserve, a new computer Hope this helps!

thanks i think you inspired me to get a summer job and build a new p.c. LOL. Now if i could sell that media center p.c. i could build one right now lol

And thanks to everyone else for your valued input i really do apreciate it.
Logan

[Onii]

It's still going for $1999.99 at the sony store, so if you can find someone to buy it from you then you're golden. Could make a good gaming computer depending on how much you can get if you built it yourself.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&XID=O:vgx-xl1:dg_ggldf&kw=vgx-xl1&lp=11040179&productId=11040179

[loganbyers07]

yea and i dont need the changer or anything i just need a computer i can run some hard core games on and do some web designs and animation... i now have 2 acer 19 inch 1917 lcd monitors so i am set for that ( i had one already and my mom is letting me have hers because she is getting a imac.

[MattZani]

Sell it, and build your own PC

[loganbyers07]

well i just got home from school and my dad called and told me he is geting me this card for my computer i have now:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=3747342&sku=A271-3870&srkey=a271-3870
and he is going to get me 2gb of ram (which is the max) and i have an additonal 160 gb hd i am going to put in with it and call it good. So i guess i am staying with the computer i have now. but that card looks like it is really good.

[MattZani]

3870 is a good card for the price

[Onii]

Sounds good! That 3870 is a great card price/performance wise, good buy.

[JADLTCRET]

I have the same system mentioned above.  Was working fine then experienced multiple crashes after startup.  Now all I get is a single tone on start up and no screen.  I disconnected everything except graphics card and still get tone.  Couldn't find anything online to help.  Any ideas? thanks

[~:Dhruv:~]

while the 3870 may be good from price/performance view... do NOT expect to run Crysis n newer games at Very High Settings n all...