VGN-AW Quad Core Mod - Revision history

StarX at 17:12, 28 October 2025

2025-10-28T17:12:25Z

StarX at 21:13, 8 October 2025

2025-10-08T21:13:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:13, 8 October 2025
Line 6:		Line 6:
	* Core 2 Quad Q9100 - 2.26GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP		* Core 2 Quad Q9100 - 2.26GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP
	* Core 2 Quad QX9300 - 2.53GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP (most expensive and runs the hottest, but the fastest Socket P CPU ever made, also overclockable using ThrottleStop as it has an unlocked multiplier)		* Core 2 Quad QX9300 - 2.53GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP (most expensive and runs the hottest, but the fastest Socket P CPU ever made, also overclockable using ThrottleStop as it has an unlocked multiplier)

			==Theory==
			Before getting to the mod, it is good to know how the mod works. In 2008, Intel released 3 quad-core Socket P CPUs, and very few laptops included support for these CPUs (Examples include the Dell Precision M6400, HP HDX18, Acer Aspire 8930G among others). Laptops that did not come with quad core CPUs usually did not have the necessary circuitry to support quad cores on the motherboard, therefore it would not boot (there are some exceptions like the Precision M6400). It needs the circuitry as unlike the Core 2 Duo CPUs, the Core 2 Quad consists of 2 dual-core dies, therefore the quad cores require an additional GTLREF line to communicate properly which the circuitry provides. In this case, we are connecting the existing single GTLREF line to the pin on the CPU for GTLREF_2 (pin D22), therefore providing the CPU with both GTLREF voltages and allowing it to function in the laptop as the BIOS typically has the microcode for the Core 2 Quad already built in. This isn't the final step of the mod, as there are some pins that are required to be isolated as on the Core 2 Quad CPUs in order to POST. In theory, this will actually work on any Socket P based laptop, as long as the chipset supports Penryn CPUs, the GTLREF_2 pin is exposed and if done on a 965 chipset the BSEL mod is done.

	==Items needed==		==Items needed==

StarX: /* Procedure */

2025-09-25T14:49:42Z

Procedure

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:49, 25 September 2025
Line 23:		Line 23:
	#Solder a wire from point TP17 (This is the pin D22 which is GTLREF_2 for the quad core CPUs) to the left side of R44 (This provides the GTLREF voltage for dual core CPUs) (do NOT get the sides mixed up or else the AW won't boot, as one side is ground). Clean the areas you soldered to with isopropyl alcohol as well.		#Solder a wire from point TP17 (This is the pin D22 which is GTLREF_2 for the quad core CPUs) to the left side of R44 (This provides the GTLREF voltage for dual core CPUs) (do NOT get the sides mixed up or else the AW won't boot, as one side is ground). Clean the areas you soldered to with isopropyl alcohol as well.
	#Reinstall the bracket on the motherboard and install the motherboard, the motherboard modification is now done.		#Reinstall the bracket on the motherboard and install the motherboard, the motherboard modification is now done.
	#Break off the CPU pins on the 3rd picture, you can use a small flathead or mechanical pencil to bend the pin until it breaks.		#Break off the CPU pins on the 3rd picture, you can use a small flathead or mechanical pencil to bend the pin back and forth until it breaks.
	#Reassemble the AW, make sure to apply thermal paste on both dies.		#Reassemble the AW, make sure to apply thermal paste on both dies.
	#Switch on the AW and if it boots you are done!<br />		#Switch on the AW and if it boots you are done!<br />

StarX: /* Result */

2025-02-22T00:31:20Z

Result

StarX: /* Result */

2024-12-17T00:42:35Z

Result

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:42, 17 December 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Normally, the VGN-AW does not support quad core CPUs, and installing one will result in the laptop not booting; however with 2 simple modifications, you can get a quad core CPU working in your VGN-AW. This will greatly improve performance and make it even more usable on modern operating systems such as Windows 10 or 11. It's almost like Sony wanted to make a quad core AW, as the heatsink will fit the 2 dies perfectly.		Normally, the Sony VAIO VGN-AW does not support quad core CPUs, and installing one will result in the laptop not booting; however with 2 simple modifications, you can get a quad core CPU working in your VGN-AW. This will greatly improve performance and make it even more usable on modern operating systems such as Windows 10 or 11. It's almost like Sony wanted to make a quad core AW, as the heatsink will fit the 2 dies perfectly.

	You have an option of 3 CPUs for this mod, which are:		You have an option of 3 CPUs for this mod, which are:
Line 26:		Line 26:
	#Switch on the AW and if it boots you are done!<br />		#Switch on the AW and if it boots you are done!<br />
	==Result==		==Result==
	Once the mod is complete, your AW should now be running a Core 2 Quad CPU. Congrats! Now you can enjoy the ultimate VGN-AW Sony never made. One thing you will notice is that it does run hotter than the standard Core 2 Duo CPU, idling at around 55c and running at 82c max when stressed (tested with a Q9000), however the AW is still very quiet with no noticeable fan noise. Here are some tips on how to keep your new Core 2 Quad running as good as the day you got it:		Once the mod is complete, your AW should now be running a Core 2 Quad CPU. Congrats! Now you can enjoy the ultimate VGN-AW Sony never made. One thing you will notice is that it does run hotter than the standard Core 2 Duo CPU, idling at around 55c and running at 82c max when stressed (tested with a Q9000), however the AW is still very quiet with no noticeable fan noise. With the QX9300, things definitely get much hotter, with the CPU reaching up to 98c max when being stressed, the AW still remains quiet during normal usage. Here are some tips on how to keep your new Core 2 Quad running as good as the day you got it:

	*Make sure to apply a good quality thermal paste to the AW, PTM7950 is a very good option as it completely eliminates pump-out on laptops. It is also a cheap option if you order from sites such as AliExpress. You want a thermal paste that is very viscous to prevent pump out, such as Gelid GC-Extreme.		*Make sure to apply a good quality thermal paste to the AW, PTM7950 is a very good option as it completely eliminates pump-out on laptops. It is also a cheap option if you order from sites such as AliExpress. You want a thermal paste that is very viscous to prevent pump out, such as Gelid GC-Extreme.

StarX at 19:24, 3 December 2024

2024-12-03T19:24:31Z

StarX: /* Procedure */

2024-08-09T18:11:15Z

Procedure

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:11, 9 August 2024
Line 16:		Line 16:
	[[File:Aw quad mod 1.jpg\|thumb\|These are the points we are targeting.]]		[[File:Aw quad mod 1.jpg\|thumb\|These are the points we are targeting.]]
	[[File:Aw mod 2.jpg\|thumb\|What it should look like once done.]]		[[File:Aw mod 2.jpg\|thumb\|What it should look like once done.]]
			[[File:Quad mod cpu pins.png\|thumb\|Pins that need to be cut off on the CPU.]]
	#Disassemble your AW and remove the motherboard, this will require you to remove the bottom case as well as the keyboard.		#Disassemble your AW and remove the motherboard, this will require you to remove the bottom case as well as the keyboard.
	#Remove the heatsink and take off the bracket underneath the CPU socket, this is held on with adhesive so may require some heat, this is because the point TP17 is underneath this bracket.		#Remove the heatsink and take off the bracket underneath the CPU socket, this is held on with adhesive so may require some heat, this is because the point TP17 is underneath this bracket.

StarX at 15:28, 9 August 2024

2024-08-09T15:28:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:28, 9 August 2024
Line 2:		Line 2:

	You have an option of 3 CPUs for this mod, which are:		You have an option of 3 CPUs for this mod, which are:
	~~Core 2 Quad Q9000 - 2GHz, 6MB cache, 45W TDP (least expensive, can be found for less than $15 on AliExpress)~~
	~~Core 2 Quad Q9100 - 2.26GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP~~
	~~Core 2 Quad QX9300 - 2.53GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP (most expensive, but the fastest Socket P CPU ever made.)~~

	== Items needed ==		*Core 2 Quad Q9000 - 2GHz, 6MB cache, 45W TDP (least expensive, can be found for less than $15 on AliExpress)
			* Core 2 Quad Q9100 - 2.26GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP
			* Core 2 Quad QX9300 - 2.53GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP (most expensive, but the fastest Socket P CPU ever made.)

			==Items needed==

	* VGN-AW (any model, even a grey one!)		* VGN-AW (any model, even a grey one!)
	* Soldering iron		*Soldering iron
	* CPU, this must be one you are willing to sacrifice as you need to break off various pins, if you are not confident practice on a low end CPU before doing this.		*CPU, this must be one you are willing to sacrifice as you need to break off various pins, if you are not confident practice on a low end CPU before doing this.

	~~== Procedure ==~~

			==Procedure==
			[[File:Aw quad mod 1.jpg\|thumb\|These are the points we are targeting.]]
			[[File:Aw mod 2.jpg\|thumb\|What it should look like once done.]]

	== Result ==		#Disassemble your AW and remove the motherboard, this will require you to remove the bottom case as well as the keyboard.
	Once the mod is complete, your AW should now be running a Core 2 Quad CPU. Congrats! Now you can enjoy the VGN-AW Sony never made.		#Remove the heatsink and take off the bracket underneath the CPU socket, this is held on with adhesive so may require some heat, this is because the point TP17 is underneath this bracket.
			#Clean off the adhesive on point TP17 (circled in red) so that the solder can stick to it.
			#Solder a wire from point TP17 (This is the pin D22 which is GTLREF_2 for the quad core CPUs) to the left side of R44 (This provides the GTLREF voltage for dual core CPUs) (do NOT get the sides mixed up or else the AW won't boot, as one side is ground)
			#Reinstall the bracket on the motherboard and install the motherboard, the motherboard modding is now done
			#Break off the CPU pins on the 3rd picture, you can use a small flathead or mechanical pencil to bend the pin until it breaks.
			#Reassemble the AW, make sure to apply thermal paste on both dies.
			#Switch on the AW and if it boots you are done!<br />
			==Result==
			Once the mod is complete, your AW should now be running a Core 2 Quad CPU. Congrats! Now you can enjoy the ultimate VGN-AW Sony never made. One thing you will notice is that it does run hotter than the standard Core 2 Duo CPU, idling at around 55c and running at 82c max when stressed (tested with a Q9000), however the AW is still very quiet with no noticeable fan noise. Here are some tips on how to keep your new Core 2 Quad running as good as the day you got it:

	* Make sure to apply a good quality thermal paste to the ~~laptop~~, PTM7950 is a very good option as it completely eliminates pump-out on laptops. It is also a cheap option if you order from sites such as AliExpress. You want a thermal paste that is very viscous to prevent pump out, such as Gelid GC-Extreme.		*Make sure to apply a good quality thermal paste to the AW, PTM7950 is a very good option as it completely eliminates pump-out on laptops. It is also a cheap option if you order from sites such as AliExpress. You want a thermal paste that is very viscous to prevent pump out, such as Gelid GC-Extreme.
	* Slightly bend the screw points on the heatsink up slightly, this puts more pressure on the chips enabling better contact.		*Slightly bend the screw points on the heatsink up slightly, this puts more pressure on the chips enabling better contact.
	* Clean the cooling system of the AW regularly, at least once a year so that it stays running cool.		*Clean the cooling system of the AW regularly, at least once a year so that it stays running cool.

	== Resources ==		==Resources==
	[https://www.~~badcaps~~.~~net~~/~~forum/troubleshooting-hardware-devices-~~and~~-electronics-theory/troubleshooting-laptops-tablets-~~and~~-mobile-devices/83833-nvidia-bumpgate\|More information on~~ the ~~NVIDIA bumpgate issue, as well as specific GPU models affected~~]		[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs4GjDiOie8\|ThinkPad ThinkPad quad core mod that inspired the AW mod, and also has more info on why these pins have to be cut off and why the wire needs to be soldered]

StarX: Created page with "Normally, the VGN-AW does not support quad core CPUs, and installing one will result in the laptop not booting; however with 2 simple modifications, you can get a quad core CPU working in your VGN-AW. This will greatly improve performance and make it even more usable on modern operating systems such as Windows 10 or 11. It's almost like Sony wanted to make a quad core AW, as the heatsink will fit the 2 dies perfectly. You have an option of 3 CPUs for this mod, which are..."

2024-08-09T14:58:28Z

Created page with "Normally, the VGN-AW does not support quad core CPUs, and installing one will result in the laptop not booting; however with 2 simple modifications, you can get a quad core CPU working in your VGN-AW. This will greatly improve performance and make it even more usable on modern operating systems such as Windows 10 or 11. It's almost like Sony wanted to make a quad core AW, as the heatsink will fit the 2 dies perfectly. You have an option of 3 CPUs for this mod, which are..."

New page

Normally, the VGN-AW does not support quad core CPUs, and installing one will result in the laptop not booting; however with 2 simple modifications, you can get a quad core CPU working in your VGN-AW. This will greatly improve performance and make it even more usable on modern operating systems such as Windows 10 or 11. It's almost like Sony wanted to make a quad core AW, as the heatsink will fit the 2 dies perfectly.

You have an option of 3 CPUs for this mod, which are:
Core 2 Quad Q9000 - 2GHz, 6MB cache, 45W TDP (least expensive, can be found for less than $15 on AliExpress)
Core 2 Quad Q9100 - 2.26GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP
Core 2 Quad QX9300 - 2.53GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP (most expensive, but the fastest Socket P CPU ever made.)

== Items needed ==

* VGN-AW (any model, even a grey one!)
* Soldering iron
* CPU, this must be one you are willing to sacrifice as you need to break off various pins, if you are not confident practice on a low end CPU before doing this.

== Procedure ==

== Result ==
Once the mod is complete, your AW should now be running a Core 2 Quad CPU. Congrats! Now you can enjoy the VGN-AW Sony never made.

* Make sure to apply a good quality thermal paste to the laptop, PTM7950 is a very good option as it completely eliminates pump-out on laptops. It is also a cheap option if you order from sites such as AliExpress. You want a thermal paste that is very viscous to prevent pump out, such as Gelid GC-Extreme.
* Slightly bend the screw points on the heatsink up slightly, this puts more pressure on the chips enabling better contact.
* Clean the cooling system of the AW regularly, at least once a year so that it stays running cool.

== Resources ==
[https://www.badcaps.net/forum/troubleshooting-hardware-devices-and-electronics-theory/troubleshooting-laptops-tablets-and-mobile-devices/83833-nvidia-bumpgate|More information on the NVIDIA bumpgate issue, as well as specific GPU models affected]

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:12, 28 October 2025
Line 8:		Line 8:

	==Theory==		==Theory==
	Before getting to the mod, it is good to know how the mod works. In 2008, Intel released 3 quad-core Socket P CPUs, and very few laptops included support for these CPUs (Examples include the Dell Precision M6400, HP HDX18, Acer Aspire 8930G among others). Laptops that did not come with quad core CPUs usually did not have the necessary circuitry to support quad cores on the motherboard, therefore it would not boot (there are some exceptions like the Precision M6400). It needs the circuitry as unlike the Core 2 Duo CPUs, the Core 2 Quad consists of 2 dual-core dies, therefore the quad cores require an additional GTLREF line to communicate properly which the circuitry provides. In this case, we are connecting the existing single GTLREF line to the pin on the CPU for GTLREF_2 (pin D22), therefore providing the CPU with both GTLREF voltages and allowing it to function in the laptop as the BIOS typically has the microcode for the Core 2 Quad already built in. This isn't the final step of the mod, as there are some pins that are required to be isolated as on the Core 2 Quad CPUs in order to POST. In theory, this will actually work on any Socket P based laptop, as long as the chipset supports Penryn CPUs, the GTLREF_2 pin is exposed and if done on a 965 chipset the BSEL mod is done.		Before getting to the mod, it is good to know how the mod works. In 2008, Intel released 3 quad-core Socket P CPUs, and very few laptops included support for these CPUs (Examples include the Dell Precision M6400, HP HDX18, Acer Aspire 8930G among others). Laptops that did not come with quad core CPUs usually did not have the necessary circuitry to support quad cores on the motherboard, therefore it would not boot (there are some rare exceptions like the Precision M6400). It needs the circuitry as unlike the Core 2 Duo CPUs, the Core 2 Quad consists of 2 dual-core dies, therefore the quad cores require an additional GTLREF line to communicate properly which the circuitry provides. In this case, we are connecting the existing single GTLREF line to the pin on the CPU for GTLREF_2 (pin D22), therefore providing the CPU with both GTLREF voltages and allowing it to function in the laptop as the BIOS typically has the microcode for the Core 2 Quad already built in. This isn't the final step of the mod, as there are some pins that are required to be isolated as on the Core 2 Quad CPUs in order to POST. In theory, this will actually work on any Socket P based laptop, as long as the chipset supports Penryn CPUs, the GTLREF_2 pin is exposed and if done on a 965 chipset system the BSEL mod is done to add support for 1066MHz FSB processors.

	==Items needed==		==Items needed==
Line 24:		Line 24:
	#Remove the heatsink and take off the bracket underneath the CPU socket, this is held on with some light adhesive so may require some heat, this is because the point TP17 is underneath this bracket.		#Remove the heatsink and take off the bracket underneath the CPU socket, this is held on with some light adhesive so may require some heat, this is because the point TP17 is underneath this bracket.
	#Clean off the adhesive on point TP17 (circled in red) using isopropyl alcohol so that the solder can stick to it.		#Clean off the adhesive on point TP17 (circled in red) using isopropyl alcohol so that the solder can stick to it.
	#Solder a wire from ~~point~~ TP17 (This is the pin D22 which is GTLREF_2 for the quad core CPUs) to the left side of R44 (This provides the GTLREF voltage for dual core CPUs) (do NOT get the sides mixed up or else the AW won't boot, as one side is ground). Clean the areas you soldered to with isopropyl alcohol as well.		#Solder a wire from pad TP17 (This is the pin D22 which is GTLREF_2 for the quad core CPUs) to the left side of R44 (This provides the GTLREF voltage for dual core CPUs) (do NOT get the sides mixed up or else the AW won't boot, as one side is ground). Clean the areas you soldered to with isopropyl alcohol as well. Be careful while soldering the TP17 point as it is somewhat fragile, if you do damage the pad then you can scrape off the solder mask covering the via on the bottom right corner of TP17 and solder to that instead as it is connected directly to TP17.
	#Reinstall the bracket on the motherboard and install the motherboard, the motherboard modification is now done.		#Reinstall the bracket on the motherboard and install the motherboard, the motherboard modification is now done.
	#Break off the CPU pins on the 3rd picture, you can use a small flathead or mechanical pencil to bend the pin back and forth until it breaks.		#Break off the CPU pins shown on the 3rd picture, you can use a small flathead or mechanical pencil to bend the pin back and forth until it breaks.
	#Reassemble the AW, make sure to apply thermal paste on both dies.		#Reassemble the AW, make sure to apply thermal paste on both dies.
	#Switch on the AW and if it boots you are done!<br />		#Switch on the AW and if it boots you are done!<br />
	==Result==		==Result==
	Once the mod is complete, your AW should now be running a Core 2 Quad CPU. Congrats! Now you can enjoy the ultimate VGN-AW Sony never made. One thing you will notice is that it does run hotter than the standard Core 2 Duo CPU, idling at around 55c and running at 82c max when stressed (tested with a Q9000), however the AW is still very quiet with no noticeable fan noise. With the QX9300, ~~things get~~ much hotter, with the CPU reaching up to 98c max when being stressed, however the AW still remains reasonably quiet during normal usage. Here are some tips on how to keep your new Core 2 Quad running as good as the day you got it:		Once the mod is complete, your AW should now be running a Core 2 Quad CPU. Congrats! Now you can enjoy the ultimate VGN-AW Sony never made. One thing you will notice is that it does run hotter than the standard Core 2 Duo CPU, idling at around 55c and running at 82c max when stressed (tested with a Q9000), however the AW is still very quiet with no noticeable fan noise. With the QX9300, the laptop gets much hotter, with the CPU reaching up to 98c max when being stressed, however the AW still remains reasonably quiet during normal usage. Here are some tips on how to keep your new Core 2 Quad running as good as the day you got it:

	*Make sure to apply a good quality thermal paste to the AW, PTM7950 is a very good option as it completely eliminates pump-out on laptops. It is somewhat cheap if you order from sites such as AliExpress. Ideally, you want a thermal paste that is very viscous to prevent pump out, such as Gelid GC-Extreme or PTM7950 as stated above.		*Make sure to apply a good quality thermal paste to the AW, PTM7950 is a very good option as it completely eliminates pump-out on laptops. It is somewhat cheap if you order from sites such as AliExpress. Ideally, you want a thermal paste that is very viscous to prevent pump out, such as Gelid GC-Extreme or PTM7950 as stated above.

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:31, 22 February 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Normally, the Sony VAIO VGN-AW does not support quad core CPUs, and installing one will result in the laptop not booting; however with 2 simple modifications, you can get a quad core CPU working in your VGN-AW. This will greatly improve performance and make it even more usable on modern operating systems such as Windows 10 or 11. It's almost like Sony wanted to make a quad core AW, as the heatsink will fit the 2 dies perfectly.		Normally, the Sony VAIO VGN-AW does not support quad core CPUs (very few laptops did), and installing one will result in the laptop not booting; however with 2 simple modifications, you can get a quad core CPU working in your VGN-AW. This will greatly improve performance and make it even more usable on modern operating systems such as Windows 10 or 11. It's almost like Sony wanted to make a quad core AW, as the heatsink will fit the 2 dies perfectly.

	You have an option of 3 CPUs for this mod, which are:		You have an option of 3 CPUs for this mod, which are:
Line 5:		Line 5:
	*Core 2 Quad Q9000 - 2GHz, 6MB cache, 45W TDP (least expensive, can be found for less than $15 on AliExpress)		*Core 2 Quad Q9000 - 2GHz, 6MB cache, 45W TDP (least expensive, can be found for less than $15 on AliExpress)
	* Core 2 Quad Q9100 - 2.26GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP		* Core 2 Quad Q9100 - 2.26GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP
	* Core 2 Quad QX9300 - 2.53GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP (most expensive, but the fastest Socket P CPU ever made, also overclockable using ThrottleStop)		* Core 2 Quad QX9300 - 2.53GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP (most expensive and runs the hottest, but the fastest Socket P CPU ever made, also overclockable using ThrottleStop as it has an unlocked multiplier)

	==Items needed==		==Items needed==
Line 11:		Line 11:
	* VGN-AW (any model, even a grey one!)		* VGN-AW (any model, even a grey one!)
	*Soldering iron		*Soldering iron
			*Isopropyl alcohol (optional)
	*CPU, this must be one you are willing to sacrifice as you need to break off various pins, if you are not confident practice on a low end CPU before doing this.		*CPU, this must be one you are willing to sacrifice as you need to break off various pins, if you are not confident practice on a low end CPU before doing this.

Line 18:		Line 19:
	[[File:Quad mod cpu pins.png\|thumb\|Pins that need to be cut off on the CPU.]]		[[File:Quad mod cpu pins.png\|thumb\|Pins that need to be cut off on the CPU.]]
	#Disassemble your AW and remove the motherboard, this will require you to remove the bottom case as well as the keyboard.		#Disassemble your AW and remove the motherboard, this will require you to remove the bottom case as well as the keyboard.
	#Remove the heatsink and take off the bracket underneath the CPU socket, this is held on with adhesive so may require some heat, this is because the point TP17 is underneath this bracket.		#Remove the heatsink and take off the bracket underneath the CPU socket, this is held on with some light adhesive so may require some heat, this is because the point TP17 is underneath this bracket.
	#Clean off the adhesive on point TP17 (circled in red) so that the solder can stick to it.		#Clean off the adhesive on point TP17 (circled in red) using isopropyl alcohol so that the solder can stick to it.
	#Solder a wire from point TP17 (This is the pin D22 which is GTLREF_2 for the quad core CPUs) to the left side of R44 (This provides the GTLREF voltage for dual core CPUs) (do NOT get the sides mixed up or else the AW won't boot, as one side is ground)		#Solder a wire from point TP17 (This is the pin D22 which is GTLREF_2 for the quad core CPUs) to the left side of R44 (This provides the GTLREF voltage for dual core CPUs) (do NOT get the sides mixed up or else the AW won't boot, as one side is ground). Clean the areas you soldered to with isopropyl alcohol as well.
	#Reinstall the bracket on the motherboard and install the motherboard, the motherboard ~~modding~~ is now done.		#Reinstall the bracket on the motherboard and install the motherboard, the motherboard modification is now done.
	#Break off the CPU pins on the 3rd picture, you can use a small flathead or mechanical pencil to bend the pin until it breaks.		#Break off the CPU pins on the 3rd picture, you can use a small flathead or mechanical pencil to bend the pin until it breaks.
	#Reassemble the AW, make sure to apply thermal paste on both dies.		#Reassemble the AW, make sure to apply thermal paste on both dies.
	#Switch on the AW and if it boots you are done!<br />		#Switch on the AW and if it boots you are done!<br />
	==Result==		==Result==
	Once the mod is complete, your AW should now be running a Core 2 Quad CPU. Congrats! Now you can enjoy the ultimate VGN-AW Sony never made. One thing you will notice is that it does run hotter than the standard Core 2 Duo CPU, idling at around 55c and running at 82c max when stressed (tested with a Q9000), however the AW is still very quiet with no noticeable fan noise. With the QX9300, things ~~definitely~~ get much hotter, with the CPU reaching up to 98c max when being stressed, the AW still remains quiet during normal usage. Here are some tips on how to keep your new Core 2 Quad running as good as the day you got it:		Once the mod is complete, your AW should now be running a Core 2 Quad CPU. Congrats! Now you can enjoy the ultimate VGN-AW Sony never made. One thing you will notice is that it does run hotter than the standard Core 2 Duo CPU, idling at around 55c and running at 82c max when stressed (tested with a Q9000), however the AW is still very quiet with no noticeable fan noise. With the QX9300, things get much hotter, with the CPU reaching up to 98c max when being stressed, however the AW still remains reasonably quiet during normal usage. Here are some tips on how to keep your new Core 2 Quad running as good as the day you got it:

	*Make sure to apply a good quality thermal paste to the AW, PTM7950 is a very good option as it completely eliminates pump-out on laptops. It is ~~also a~~ cheap ~~option~~ if you order from sites such as AliExpress. ~~You~~ want a thermal paste that is very viscous to prevent pump out, such as Gelid GC-Extreme.		*Make sure to apply a good quality thermal paste to the AW, PTM7950 is a very good option as it completely eliminates pump-out on laptops. It is somewhat cheap if you order from sites such as AliExpress. Ideally, you want a thermal paste that is very viscous to prevent pump out, such as Gelid GC-Extreme or PTM7950 as stated above.
	*Slightly bend the screw points on the heatsink up slightly, this puts more pressure on the chips enabling better contact.		*Slightly bend the screw points on the heatsink up slightly, this puts more pressure on the chips enabling better contact.
	*Clean the cooling system of the AW regularly, at least once a year so that it stays running cool.		*Clean the cooling system of the AW regularly, at least once a year so that it stays running cool.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:24, 3 December 2024
Line 5:		Line 5:
	*Core 2 Quad Q9000 - 2GHz, 6MB cache, 45W TDP (least expensive, can be found for less than $15 on AliExpress)		*Core 2 Quad Q9000 - 2GHz, 6MB cache, 45W TDP (least expensive, can be found for less than $15 on AliExpress)
	* Core 2 Quad Q9100 - 2.26GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP		* Core 2 Quad Q9100 - 2.26GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP
	* Core 2 Quad QX9300 - 2.53GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP (most expensive, but the fastest Socket P CPU ever made.)		* Core 2 Quad QX9300 - 2.53GHz, 12MB cache, 45W TDP (most expensive, but the fastest Socket P CPU ever made, also overclockable using ThrottleStop)

	==Items needed==		==Items needed==
Line 21:		Line 21:
	#Clean off the adhesive on point TP17 (circled in red) so that the solder can stick to it.		#Clean off the adhesive on point TP17 (circled in red) so that the solder can stick to it.
	#Solder a wire from point TP17 (This is the pin D22 which is GTLREF_2 for the quad core CPUs) to the left side of R44 (This provides the GTLREF voltage for dual core CPUs) (do NOT get the sides mixed up or else the AW won't boot, as one side is ground)		#Solder a wire from point TP17 (This is the pin D22 which is GTLREF_2 for the quad core CPUs) to the left side of R44 (This provides the GTLREF voltage for dual core CPUs) (do NOT get the sides mixed up or else the AW won't boot, as one side is ground)
	#Reinstall the bracket on the motherboard and install the motherboard, the motherboard modding is now done		#Reinstall the bracket on the motherboard and install the motherboard, the motherboard modding is now done.
	#Break off the CPU pins on the 3rd picture, you can use a small flathead or mechanical pencil to bend the pin until it breaks.		#Break off the CPU pins on the 3rd picture, you can use a small flathead or mechanical pencil to bend the pin until it breaks.
	#Reassemble the AW, make sure to apply thermal paste on both dies.		#Reassemble the AW, make sure to apply thermal paste on both dies.
Line 31:		Line 31:
	*Slightly bend the screw points on the heatsink up slightly, this puts more pressure on the chips enabling better contact.		*Slightly bend the screw points on the heatsink up slightly, this puts more pressure on the chips enabling better contact.
	*Clean the cooling system of the AW regularly, at least once a year so that it stays running cool.		*Clean the cooling system of the AW regularly, at least once a year so that it stays running cool.
			*Consider undervolting the CPU with a tool such as ThrottleStop.

	==Resources==		==Resources==
	[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs4GjDiOie8\|ThinkPad ThinkPad quad core mod that inspired the AW mod, and also has more info on why these pins have to be cut off and why the wire needs to be soldered]		[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs4GjDiOie8\|ThinkPad ThinkPad quad core mod that inspired the AW mod, and also has more info on why these pins have to be cut off and why the wire needs to be soldered]