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=== WIP ===
==Overview==
==Overview==
[[File:Vaio VGN-FZ 1.jpg|alt=A VGN-FZ with its original factory stickers|thumb|A VGN-FZ with its original factory stickers]][[File:Vaio VGN-FZ 2.jpg|alt=Another VGN-FZ|thumb|Another VGN-FZ]]The Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series is a range of mid and high-end laptops released by Sony between September 2008 and April 2009. It's the evolution of the VGN-C, released the previous year, and it included some Hardware improvements (a newer model of Intel Core 2 Duo) and a newer NVIDIA GPU (as optional). It is a cheaper version of the VGN-CR (the other evolution of the VGN-C) as it utilises cheaper materials, such as plastic, as well as less powerful hardware to archive a cheaper price point in comparison to the more upscale VGN-CR. While it is cheaper, the VGN-CS can still be seen as a high-end device, thanks to its CPU and GPU, that still were ones of the best of the market.
{{Infobox Specs
 
| name = VGN-CS
It introduced a new display imaging technology, called "XBRITE-ECO Technology", that it allowed this computer to show better images but consuming less electricity and battery.
| image =VGN-CSp.png
 
| subtitle = VGN-CS
Indeed, Sony focussed a lo on the battery duration of this laptop, in order to make it more versatile, thanks to a 5 hours battery life.
| series = Type C
 
| rel = 2008
HERE
| cpu = Intel Core 2 Duo T3400 @2.16 GHz, T6400 @2.0GHz, P8600 @2.40GHz, P8700 @2.53GHz, T9550 @2.66GHz
 
| gpu = Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD/NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS (optional and reportedly somewhat uncommon)
They included features like a bigger 15.4“ screen, better dedicated GPUs and on higher-end models, Blu-Ray drives. Even though most models had a 1080p Full HD sticker, their displays only were 1280x800, and they were criticized for being too low resolution. To truly enjoy the FZs movieplaying capabilities, one was able to use the HDMI port to connect the device to an external monitor, for the ultimate Blu-Ray experience.
| memory = 2x2GB DDR2 SDRAM SO-DIMM (2 slots)
 
| storage = 320GB 2.5" SATA HDD (5400rpm)
The FZ Series also featured a wide range of ports, including three USB 2.0, FireWire, ExpressCard, Memory Stick and an SD Card slot. The FZs biggest drawbacks where it’s short battery life, lasting only 1 hour and 38 minutes while watching DVDs. The other big issue were the 8000 series NVIDIA video cards, which were prone to failure under heavy use (see Problems section below). Today you can easily find many FZs with broken 8400 or 8600 GPUs. Alternativly an iGPU model was offered, which used Intel's GMA X3100 iGPU. These models are rarer to get, but are way more reliable then NVIDIA laptops.
| display = 14.1“ WXGA Sony XBRITE-ECO (1280x800)
==Specs==
| os = Windows Vista Home Premium (x86)
DONE
| connectivity = WLAN 802.11a/b/g, Ethernet, 56Kbps modem, Bluetooth 2.1
 
| features = 1x ExpressCard, 1x MS/MSPro/MSDuo with MagicGate functionality, 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC Card, DVD burner (Blu-ray drive optional), 1x iLink S400 IEEE 1394, 1x VGA Out, 3x USB 2.0, 1x headphone jack, 1x microphone jack
'''Processor:''' Intel Core 2 Duo T3400 2.16 GHz, T6400 2.0GHz, P8600 2.40GHz, P8700 2.53GHz, T9550 2.66GHz
| weight = 2,6 kg
 
}}The Sony VAIO VGN-CS was a series of mid-range laptops released by Sony in 2008 as the evolution of the [[VGN-CR]] (itself a successor to the [[VGN-C]]) released the year prior. It offered some component improvements such as the introduction of the more efficient Penryn line of Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs and a newer NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS GPU (optional). It is also a more budget-conscious variation of the VGN-CR as it utilizes cheaper materials such as plastic and generally less powerful hardware to help drive down the price point compared to the higher-end VGN-CR.
'''Graphics:''' Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS (optional and rarely available)
 
'''Display:''' 14,1“ 1280x800 CCFL


'''Memory:''' DDR2-SDRAM (2 slots, not soldered)
Billing itself as equal parts a feature-complete mobile workstation and a fashion item, the laptop was targeted towards younger people, particularly women. To that end it came with a wide selection of colors matching that of the Rolly dancing robot music player, most of which in a glossy-metallic finish (Red, Black, Pink, White, Purple and Brown) as well as a compact stylish body. A standout design decision is the inclusion of a multimedia shortcut touch bar and two dynamic LEDs in the lower part of the front of the laptop (just below the system indicator lights) that allowed it to put on a small light show in sync with music played through the VAIO MusicBox app.


'''Storage:''' 2.5" SATA
Also included was display imaging technology known as "Sony XBRITE-ECO", which enabled the display to provide a higher quality picture with reduced energy usage. Indeed, Sony put extra emphasis on the battery life of this laptop to ensure its quality as a versatile machine with its claimed 5-hour battery life. Higher-end specs of the CS came with features such as a fingerprint reader and a Blu-Ray drive.


'''Weight:''' 2.6 kg
Reception of this series of laptops was ultimately mixed. It was lauded for its looks, specs and features (especially the quality of the display and the shell colors available for choice) but was notably criticized for its use of cheaper materials on a product the relatively high price of which (north of 1000€ MSRP) makes such an engineering decision very difficult to justify, as well as the questionable retail availability of versions with the NVIDIA GPU. For these reasons, many people instead chose to buy the VGN-CR from the year prior that not only enjoyed a better build quality overall, but also superior internal components.
==Problems==
The FZ series all have a very unfourtunate problem. Most models contain an NVIDIA 8 series GPU. The NVIDIA 8 series of GPUs are known for their 100% failure rate because of a manufacturing problem from NVIDIA, and the FZ is not an exception to that. All NVIDIA 8 series chips on every single FZs with dedicated GPUs are affected by this problem. You do not have a graphics switch on the FZ, so you always run on the dedicated GPU.


'''Symptoms of this problem are:'''
*black screen when turning on the device (device is not booting up, it has not passed the power-on self-test)
*artifacts on the display
*not being able to successfully install GPU drivers
*unable to boot into Linux (distros with proper GPU drivers)
There is no real permanent solution to this problem. One temporary solution would be a reflow (see our upcoming NVIDIA 8 series reflow guide), one more permanent but still temporary solution is a reball or chip replacement. However, all of these methods requires a precise hot air station, BGA No-Clean flux, and some experience (practicing on a junk board is a good start).
==Daily Usage Today==
==Daily Usage Today==
Thanks to its powerful hardware for the time, it is still pretty useful for current day usage. Web browsing and text editing is easily doable on these devices. Older games will also run fine on dedicated GPU models, though modern games will struggle or outright not work. iGPU models will struggle to run old games, but it's better to have a working laptop that is less powerful, than a broken device.
Modern-day usage of the VGN-CS as a media and office workstation remains a viable prospect as it came with a rather powerful selection of Core 2 Duo CPUs. It can be used for web browsing, office tasks and creative apps from around the era. NVIDIA GPU-equipped models enable better performance for most of those things. However, intensive tasks on this machine are obviously not recommended.
==Resources==
[http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/FZ2/ Sony JP VAIO VGN-FZ Series Presentation Page]
 
[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz_startupguide.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Series Startup Guide]
 
[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz_usermanual.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Series User Manual]
 
[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz_operationguide.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Series Operation Guide]
 
[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz_warranty.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Series Warranty Summary]
 
[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz_accessoriesguide.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Series Accessories Guide]
 
[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz_safety.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Series Safety Information]


[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz_cpsc.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Series CPSC Tips on Notebook Computer Use]
Games from the beginning of the century can be played reliably but running more modern ones will obviously prove challenging if not outright impossible depending on the game, though cloud gaming is on the somewhat feasible side.  


[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz_instantmode.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Series Instant Mode Guide]
Being a strictly 32-bit device, Windows 10 is as far up as one can go with that particular OS. Otherwise there are still enough lightweight Linux distributions to pick from. Recommended upgrades are a best-in-socket CPU (Core 2 Duo T9550 in this case), an SSD and all 4GB of RAM.


[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz_hddguide.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Series HDD Replacement Guide]


[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz_schematics.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Series Schematics (MBX-165 Foxconn MS90 REV 1.0)]
[[File:The VGN-CS's music file analysis-based LED light show.jpg|thumb|The VGN-CS's music file analysis-based LED light show]]


[https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-fz/vgn-fz150e_specs.pdf Sony VAIO VGN-FZ150E Specifications Sheet]
== Resources ==
==Downloads==
Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides|guides]] to download and install drivers. If a link is broken, please input the URL in the [http://web.archive.org/ Wayback Machine]. You can bypass the model checks of recovery discs by using [[Sony VAIO Recovery Patcher (SVRP)|SVRP]] if applicable.
[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-system-recovery-dvd-vgn-fz-200-e-recoverydisc-1 Sony VAIO VGN-FZ Recovery Discs]
[[File:A VGN-CS paired with the SRS-D25 speaker system.jpg|thumb|A VGN-CS paired with the SRS-D25 speaker system]]
[[File:Colors in which the VGN-CS can be specified (purple not pictured).jpg|thumb|Colors in which the VGN-CS can be specified (purple not pictured)]]


It is highly likely that these discs are model locked. See Compatibility Problems section in the [[Recovery Discs]] page.
==== Downloads & Guides ====
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS Library Archive (HDD Image, Recovery Media, drivers, etc.) || [https://archive.vaiolibrary.com/pages/vgn-cs Sony VAIO VGN-CS Library Archive (HDD Image, Recovery Media, drivers, etc.)]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S Windows Vista HDD Image + Recovery Partition (Patched) || [https://archive.org/details/vaio-vgn-cs21s-vista-with-recovery-patched-00-00 Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S Windows Vista HDD Image + Recovery Partition (Patched)]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S Windows Vista Recovery DVDs (Patched) || [https://archive.org/details/vgn-cs-modded Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S Windows Vista Recovery DVDs (Patched)]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS11S Recovery DVDs || [https://archive.org/details/vaio_cs_recovery_202410 Sony VAIO VGN-CS11S Recovery DVDs]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS11Z Recovery DVDs (French) || [https://archive.org/details/recoverydisc-1_202409 Sony VAIO VGN-CS11Z Recovery DVDs (French)]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series drivers and utilities archive || [https://www.helpdrivers.com/notebooks/Sony/VGN-CS/ Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series drivers and utilities archive]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Hard Drive Replacement Guide || [https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-cs/vgn-cs_harddiskreplacement.pdf]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Optical Drive Replacement Guide || [https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-cs/vgn-cs_opticaldiskdriverreplacement.pdf]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Startup Guide || [https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-cs/vgn-csseries_startupguide.pdf]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series User Guide || [https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-cs/vgn-csseries_usersguide.pdf]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Operation Guide || [https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-cs/vgn-cs_operationguide.pdf]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Warranty Summary || [https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-cs/vgn-cs_warranty.pdf]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Safety Information || [https://download.vaiolibrary.com/manuals/vgn-cs/vgn-cs_safetyinformation.pdf]
|}
[[File:A selection of accessories matching the VGN-CS.jpg|thumb|A selection of accessories matching the VGN-CS]]


Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides|guides]] to download and install drivers.
==Sources==
==Sources==
[https://www.notebookcheck.com/Sony-Vaio-VGN-FZ-Serie.5403.0.html NotebookCheck], [https://sony.com/ Sony] and [[wikipedia:Sony_Vaio_FZ_series|Wikipedia]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS product page (JP) || [http://www.vaio.sony.co.jp/Products/CS1/ Sony VAIO VGN-CS product page (JP)]
|-
| Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S specifications || [https://www.sony.it/electronics/support/laptop-pc-vgn-series/vgn-cs21s/specifications Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S specifications]
|-
| Notebookcheck library entry || [https://www.notebookcheck.net/Sony-Vaio-VGN-CS-Series.12409.0.html Notebookcheck library entry]
|}

Latest revision as of 21:08, 31 October 2026

Overview

VGN-CS
VGN-CS
VGN-CS
Series Type C
Release 2008
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T3400 @2.16 GHz, T6400 @2.0GHz, P8600 @2.40GHz, P8700 @2.53GHz, T9550 @2.66GHz
Graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD/NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS (optional and reportedly somewhat uncommon)
Chipset
Memory 2x2GB DDR2 SDRAM SO-DIMM (2 slots)
Display 14.1“ WXGA Sony XBRITE-ECO (1280x800)
Storage 320GB 2.5" SATA HDD (5400rpm)
Audio
Networking
OS Windows Vista Home Premium (x86)
Battery
Weight 2,6 kg
Dimensions
MSRP

The Sony VAIO VGN-CS was a series of mid-range laptops released by Sony in 2008 as the evolution of the VGN-CR (itself a successor to the VGN-C) released the year prior. It offered some component improvements such as the introduction of the more efficient Penryn line of Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs and a newer NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS GPU (optional). It is also a more budget-conscious variation of the VGN-CR as it utilizes cheaper materials such as plastic and generally less powerful hardware to help drive down the price point compared to the higher-end VGN-CR.

Billing itself as equal parts a feature-complete mobile workstation and a fashion item, the laptop was targeted towards younger people, particularly women. To that end it came with a wide selection of colors matching that of the Rolly dancing robot music player, most of which in a glossy-metallic finish (Red, Black, Pink, White, Purple and Brown) as well as a compact stylish body. A standout design decision is the inclusion of a multimedia shortcut touch bar and two dynamic LEDs in the lower part of the front of the laptop (just below the system indicator lights) that allowed it to put on a small light show in sync with music played through the VAIO MusicBox app.

Also included was display imaging technology known as "Sony XBRITE-ECO", which enabled the display to provide a higher quality picture with reduced energy usage. Indeed, Sony put extra emphasis on the battery life of this laptop to ensure its quality as a versatile machine with its claimed 5-hour battery life. Higher-end specs of the CS came with features such as a fingerprint reader and a Blu-Ray drive.

Reception of this series of laptops was ultimately mixed. It was lauded for its looks, specs and features (especially the quality of the display and the shell colors available for choice) but was notably criticized for its use of cheaper materials on a product the relatively high price of which (north of 1000€ MSRP) makes such an engineering decision very difficult to justify, as well as the questionable retail availability of versions with the NVIDIA GPU. For these reasons, many people instead chose to buy the VGN-CR from the year prior that not only enjoyed a better build quality overall, but also superior internal components.

Daily Usage Today

Modern-day usage of the VGN-CS as a media and office workstation remains a viable prospect as it came with a rather powerful selection of Core 2 Duo CPUs. It can be used for web browsing, office tasks and creative apps from around the era. NVIDIA GPU-equipped models enable better performance for most of those things. However, intensive tasks on this machine are obviously not recommended.

Games from the beginning of the century can be played reliably but running more modern ones will obviously prove challenging if not outright impossible depending on the game, though cloud gaming is on the somewhat feasible side.

Being a strictly 32-bit device, Windows 10 is as far up as one can go with that particular OS. Otherwise there are still enough lightweight Linux distributions to pick from. Recommended upgrades are a best-in-socket CPU (Core 2 Duo T9550 in this case), an SSD and all 4GB of RAM.


The VGN-CS's music file analysis-based LED light show

Resources

Follow our guides to download and install drivers. If a link is broken, please input the URL in the Wayback Machine. You can bypass the model checks of recovery discs by using SVRP if applicable.

A VGN-CS paired with the SRS-D25 speaker system
Colors in which the VGN-CS can be specified (purple not pictured)

Downloads & Guides

Sony VAIO VGN-CS Library Archive (HDD Image, Recovery Media, drivers, etc.) Sony VAIO VGN-CS Library Archive (HDD Image, Recovery Media, drivers, etc.)
Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S Windows Vista HDD Image + Recovery Partition (Patched) Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S Windows Vista HDD Image + Recovery Partition (Patched)
Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S Windows Vista Recovery DVDs (Patched) Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S Windows Vista Recovery DVDs (Patched)
Sony VAIO VGN-CS11S Recovery DVDs Sony VAIO VGN-CS11S Recovery DVDs
Sony VAIO VGN-CS11Z Recovery DVDs (French) Sony VAIO VGN-CS11Z Recovery DVDs (French)
Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series drivers and utilities archive Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series drivers and utilities archive
Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Hard Drive Replacement Guide [1]
Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Optical Drive Replacement Guide [2]
Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Startup Guide [3]
Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series User Guide [4]
Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Operation Guide [5]
Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Warranty Summary [6]
Sony VAIO VGN-CS Series Safety Information [7]
A selection of accessories matching the VGN-CS

Sources

Sony VAIO VGN-CS product page (JP) Sony VAIO VGN-CS product page (JP)
Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S specifications Sony VAIO VGN-CS21S specifications
Notebookcheck library entry Notebookcheck library entry
Retrieved from "https://vaiolibrary.com/index.php?title=VGN-CS&oldid=2973"