VGN-SZ (XP): Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Specs | |||
== | | name = VGN-SZ | ||
| image = Sony Vaio VGN-SZ XP .jpg | |||
| subtitle = Regular XP SZ from multiple angles | |||
| series = SZ Series | |||
| rel = 2006 (SZ1, Core Duo), 2007 (SZ3, Core 2 Duo) | |||
| cpu = Intel Core Duo T2300/T2400/T2500 or Intel Core 2 Duo T5600/T7200 | |||
| gpu = Intel GMA 950 (Stamina) + NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 256MB (Speed) – switchable Hybrid Graphics | |||
| chipset = Intel 945GM | |||
| memory = DDR2-667, 2 slots, max 4GB (3.5GB usable) | |||
| display = 13.3" 1280x800 WXGA; CCFL backlit (Regular) or LED backlit (Premium) | |||
| storage = 2.5" SATA HDD | |||
| audio = Intel High Definition Audio, stereo speakers | |||
| ports = VGA, Ethernet, modem, 2x USB 2.0, FireWire (i.Link), ExpressCard/34, PCMCIA, headphone/microphone, optional WWAN | |||
| connectivity = Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, optional EDGE antenna (Premium) | |||
| os = Microsoft Windows XP Home/Professional; some later models with Vista | |||
| weight = 1.67kg (Premium, carbon fiber) – 1.86kg (Regular, magnesium) | |||
| size = 315 x 234 x 22.8–32mm | |||
| battery = ~3–5h depending on model and GPU mode | |||
| msrp = €1,400 – €2,500 | |||
}} | |||
[[File:SZXPPremium.jpg|thumb|Premium XP SZ|351x351px]] | [[File:SZXPPremium.jpg|thumb|Premium XP SZ|351x351px]] | ||
These first VAIO VGN-SZs were delivered with Windows XP Home or Professional, and CPUs ranged from the Intel Core Duo T2300 to the T2500. The newer SZ3s featured the newer Core 2 Duo processors from Intel, the T5600 for the lower-end and the T7200 for higher-end models. | The Sony VAIO VGN-SZ Series is a high-end notebook computer range from Sony, released in 2006 with Windows XP. The SZ Series was known for its sleek and light design, being compact but also delivering good performance when needed thanks to its new Hybrid Graphics System, which allows the user to select between two graphics processors. Stamina being the Intel GMA 950 integrated into the chipset, or Speed which is a discrete NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 GPU, meaning this was the first laptop to feature a switchable GPU. Although, one drawback of this function was that you needed to restart the computer to switch graphics cards, which was later fixed in the [[VGN-Z]]. | ||
These first VAIO VGN-SZs were delivered with Windows XP Home or Professional, and CPUs ranged from the Intel Core Duo T2300 to the T2500. The newer SZ3s featured the newer Core 2 Duo processors from Intel, the T5600 for the lower-end and the T7200 for higher-end models. | |||
With features such as WWAN, fingerprint sensor, powerful hardware, and a light and compact casing, it's no wonder that the VGN-SZ Series was a successful lineup. Also, the SZ was featured in James Bond: Casino Royale, in which Bond uses the SZ to resign from the service. | With features such as WWAN, fingerprint sensor, powerful hardware, and a light and compact casing, it's no wonder that the VGN-SZ Series was a successful lineup. Also, the SZ was featured in ''James Bond: Casino Royale'', in which Bond uses the SZ to resign from the service. | ||
== Differences between Regular and Premium versions == | == Differences between Regular and Premium versions == | ||
* Regular SZs have magnesium bodies, and weigh 1.86 kg (4.1 lbs). They come in a silver finish. | * Regular SZs have magnesium bodies, and weigh 1.86 kg (4.1 lbs). They come in a silver finish. | ||
* Premium SZs have carbon-fiber bodies, and weigh 1.67 kg (3.7 lbs). They come in a gray finish. They use a different type of LCD screen and a LED backlight instead of CCFL, resulting in an ultrathin screen that looks much better than the displays on Regular SZs. They also have a slightly different type of keyboard, but the difference is minor. They also included a fingerprint sensor, whereas on the regular model it was an optional extra. Lastly, some of them come with an integrated EDGE antenna. They costed around 600€ more than the Regular models. | * Premium SZs have carbon-fiber bodies, and weigh 1.67 kg (3.7 lbs). They come in a gray finish. They use a different type of LCD screen and a LED backlight instead of CCFL, resulting in an ultrathin screen that looks much better than the displays on Regular SZs. They also have a slightly different type of keyboard, but the difference is minor. They also included a fingerprint sensor, whereas on the regular model it was an optional extra. Lastly, some of them come with an integrated EDGE antenna. They costed around 600€ more than the Regular models. | ||
== Problems == | == Problems == | ||
The XP SZ Series don't have any major issues beside overheating chipsets due to worn out thermal pads. This can be avoided by replacing old ones with good quality new pads. See [[VGN-SZ (Vista)]] for informations on the Vista SZ Series major problem. | The XP SZ Series don't have any major issues beside overheating chipsets due to worn out thermal pads. This can be avoided by replacing old ones with good quality new pads. See [[VGN-SZ (Vista)]] for informations on the Vista SZ Series major problem. | ||
==Daily Usage Today== | == Daily Usage Today == | ||
Even though the VGN-SZ Series is from 2006-08, it still offers a good web browsing and text editing experience, when complimented with a modern lightweight operating system such as Lubuntu or an older version of Windows, like Vista or 7. The laptop will technically run on Windows 10, with working GPU drivers, however none of the function keys will work and the laptop will be quite sluggish, even with an upgraded CPU. | Even though the VGN-SZ Series is from 2006-08, it still offers a good web browsing and text editing experience, when complimented with a modern lightweight operating system such as Lubuntu or an older version of Windows, like Vista or 7. The laptop will technically run on Windows 10, with working GPU drivers, however none of the function keys will work and the laptop will be quite sluggish, even with an upgraded CPU. | ||
We would recommend upgrading to the maximum of 4GB ram and also upgrading to the Core 2 Duo if you have a Core Duo model which will get you extra performance and also enable 64-bit support. We would recommend the T7400, as it is a lot cheaper than the T7600 yet offers around the same performance. The standard Intel GPU driver can be installed and works perfectly, however the Nvidia driver will not, you will need to use the Sony drivers. | |||
[https://archive.org/details/VGN-SZ3XP | == Downloads == | ||
[https://archive.org/details/VGN-SZ3XP VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ3XP) Recovery Discs] | |||
[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-vgn-sz3vwp_x-recovery-discs VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ3VWP/X) (English) Recovery Discs] | |||
[https://archive.org/details/vgn-sz-3-vwp-x-system-sicherheitskopie_202407 VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ3VWP/X) (German) Recovery Discs] | |||
[https://archive.org/details/sony-vaio-vgn-sz38gp-restore-media VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ38GP) Recovery Discs] | |||
'''NOTE: These will work on only the specified model''', for example, VGN-SZ4XMN recovery discs won't work on a VGN-SZ1XP. Please see the Compatibility Problems section on the [[Recovery Discs]] page for more informations. | '''NOTE: These will work on only the specified model''', for example, VGN-SZ4XMN recovery discs won't work on a VGN-SZ1XP. Please see the Compatibility Problems section on the [[Recovery Discs]] page for more informations. | ||
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Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides|guides]] to download and install drivers. | Follow our [[Drivers Downloading Guides|guides]] to download and install drivers. | ||
Sony has also released the following 4 driver packs with all of the original drivers designed for Windows XP 32-bit (partly working on 2000 32-bit as well): | Sony has also released the following 4 driver packs with all of the original drivers designed for Windows XP 32-bit (partly working on 2000 32-bit as well): | ||
[http://dose.0wnz.at/ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORIGINAL/SZ1_DRIVERS.ZIP Official SZ1 Driver pack] | |||
[http://dose.0wnz.at/ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORIGINAL/SZ1_DRIVERS.ZIP Official SZ1 Driver pack] | [http://dose.0wnz.at/ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORIGINAL/SZ2_DRIVERS.ZIP Official SZ2 Driver pack] | ||
[http://dose.0wnz.at/ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORIGINAL/SZ3_DRIVERS.ZIP Official SZ3 Driver pack] | |||
[http://dose.0wnz.at/ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORIGINAL/SZ2_DRIVERS.ZIP Official SZ2 Driver pack] | [http://dose.0wnz.at/ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORIGINAL/SZ4_DRIVERS.ZIP Official SZ4 Driver pack] | ||
[http://dose.0wnz.at/ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORIGINAL/SZ3_DRIVERS.ZIP Official SZ3 Driver pack] | |||
[http://dose.0wnz.at/ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/VAIO/ORIGINAL/SZ4_DRIVERS.ZIP Official SZ4 Driver pack] | |||
==Sources== | == Sources == | ||
[https://www.notebookcheck.com/ NotebookCheck], [https://www.sony.com/en/ Sony], [http://www.notebookreview.com/notebookreview/sony-vaio-sz-review-pics-specs/ Notebookreview], [https://xdevice.blogspot.com/2009/06/sony-vaio-sz-series.html xdevice.blogspot] and [https://www.newegg.com/sony-vaio-sz-series-vgn-sz360p-c/p/N82E16834117402 Newegg] | [https://www.notebookcheck.com/ NotebookCheck], [https://www.sony.com/en/ Sony], [http://www.notebookreview.com/notebookreview/sony-vaio-sz-review-pics-specs/ Notebookreview], [https://xdevice.blogspot.com/2009/06/sony-vaio-sz-series.html xdevice.blogspot] and [https://www.newegg.com/sony-vaio-sz-series-vgn-sz360p-c/p/N82E16834117402 Newegg] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:51, 29 August 2025
| VGN-SZ | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Series | SZ Series |
| Release | 2006 (SZ1, Core Duo), 2007 (SZ3, Core 2 Duo) |
| Processor | Intel Core Duo T2300/T2400/T2500 or Intel Core 2 Duo T5600/T7200 |
| Graphics | Intel GMA 950 (Stamina) + NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 256MB (Speed) – switchable Hybrid Graphics |
| Chipset | Intel 945GM |
| Memory | DDR2-667, 2 slots, max 4GB (3.5GB usable) |
| Display | 13.3" 1280x800 WXGA; CCFL backlit (Regular) or LED backlit (Premium) |
| Storage | 2.5" SATA HDD |
| Audio | Intel High Definition Audio, stereo speakers |
| Networking | |
| OS | Microsoft Windows XP Home/Professional; some later models with Vista |
| Battery | ~3–5h depending on model and GPU mode |
| Weight | 1.67kg (Premium, carbon fiber) – 1.86kg (Regular, magnesium) |
| Dimensions | 315 x 234 x 22.8–32mm |
| MSRP | €1,400 – €2,500 |
The Sony VAIO VGN-SZ Series is a high-end notebook computer range from Sony, released in 2006 with Windows XP. The SZ Series was known for its sleek and light design, being compact but also delivering good performance when needed thanks to its new Hybrid Graphics System, which allows the user to select between two graphics processors. Stamina being the Intel GMA 950 integrated into the chipset, or Speed which is a discrete NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 GPU, meaning this was the first laptop to feature a switchable GPU. Although, one drawback of this function was that you needed to restart the computer to switch graphics cards, which was later fixed in the VGN-Z.
These first VAIO VGN-SZs were delivered with Windows XP Home or Professional, and CPUs ranged from the Intel Core Duo T2300 to the T2500. The newer SZ3s featured the newer Core 2 Duo processors from Intel, the T5600 for the lower-end and the T7200 for higher-end models.
With features such as WWAN, fingerprint sensor, powerful hardware, and a light and compact casing, it's no wonder that the VGN-SZ Series was a successful lineup. Also, the SZ was featured in James Bond: Casino Royale, in which Bond uses the SZ to resign from the service.
Differences between Regular and Premium versions
- Regular SZs have magnesium bodies, and weigh 1.86 kg (4.1 lbs). They come in a silver finish.
- Premium SZs have carbon-fiber bodies, and weigh 1.67 kg (3.7 lbs). They come in a gray finish. They use a different type of LCD screen and a LED backlight instead of CCFL, resulting in an ultrathin screen that looks much better than the displays on Regular SZs. They also have a slightly different type of keyboard, but the difference is minor. They also included a fingerprint sensor, whereas on the regular model it was an optional extra. Lastly, some of them come with an integrated EDGE antenna. They costed around 600€ more than the Regular models.
Problems
The XP SZ Series don't have any major issues beside overheating chipsets due to worn out thermal pads. This can be avoided by replacing old ones with good quality new pads. See VGN-SZ (Vista) for informations on the Vista SZ Series major problem.
Daily Usage Today
Even though the VGN-SZ Series is from 2006-08, it still offers a good web browsing and text editing experience, when complimented with a modern lightweight operating system such as Lubuntu or an older version of Windows, like Vista or 7. The laptop will technically run on Windows 10, with working GPU drivers, however none of the function keys will work and the laptop will be quite sluggish, even with an upgraded CPU.
We would recommend upgrading to the maximum of 4GB ram and also upgrading to the Core 2 Duo if you have a Core Duo model which will get you extra performance and also enable 64-bit support. We would recommend the T7400, as it is a lot cheaper than the T7600 yet offers around the same performance. The standard Intel GPU driver can be installed and works perfectly, however the Nvidia driver will not, you will need to use the Sony drivers.
Downloads
VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ3XP) Recovery Discs VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ3VWP/X) (English) Recovery Discs VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ3VWP/X) (German) Recovery Discs VGN-SZ (VGN-SZ38GP) Recovery Discs
NOTE: These will work on only the specified model, for example, VGN-SZ4XMN recovery discs won't work on a VGN-SZ1XP. Please see the Compatibility Problems section on the Recovery Discs page for more informations.
It is unknown if these discs are compatible with SVRP.
Follow our guides to download and install drivers.
Sony has also released the following 4 driver packs with all of the original drivers designed for Windows XP 32-bit (partly working on 2000 32-bit as well): Official SZ1 Driver pack Official SZ2 Driver pack Official SZ3 Driver pack Official SZ4 Driver pack
Sources
NotebookCheck, Sony, Notebookreview, xdevice.blogspot and Newegg