Laptops use SODIMMs, a type of module half the size of a DIMM.
The Sony VGN-SZ430N comes installed with 2 GB of memory. Random access memory (RAM), along with the central processing unit (CPU), determines the performance of the computer. The more RAM installed on the computer, and the greater capacity of RAM the motherboard can process, the better the system performs. However, incompatibility and motherboard limitations can prevent you from upgrading your RAM. Similarly, just as with other components, memory modules can be defective or become damaged.
Incompatibility
The Sony VGN-SZ430N uses DDR2 SDRAM 200-pin small outline dual in-line memory modules (SODIMMs). Desktop computers use dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), but laptop computers, like the VGN-SZ430N, use SODIMMs, a smaller adaption of the DIMM. Since SODIMMs are approximately half the size of DIMMs, desktop modules won't fit into the memory slots in the Sony VGN-SZ430N. Also, SODIMMs come in different pin variations -- such as 100-pin and 144-pin -- but only 200-pin variations are compatible with the laptop.
Limitations
The Sony VGN-SZ430N can process up to 2 GB of RAM. You can install two 2 GB memory modules into the memory slots, but the motherboard can process only one stick. The SZ430N comes with 2 GB of RAM pre-installed, so you cannot make memory upgrades to the system.
Failure
System crashes, stop screens (also known as blue screens, or "Blue Screens of Death") and data corruption can all point to RAM failure. In some cases, the computer may even fail to boot to the operating system. Windows Vista includes the Memory Diagnostics Tool, a utility designed to scan your memory for failure. Depending on the results, you may have to install new RAM to the Sony VGN.
Tags: memory modules, Sony VGN-SZ430N, dual in-line, dual in-line memory, half size