VGC-RC
This page is currently WIP.
Overview
The Sony VAIO VGC-RC series is a series of desktop computers released by Sony in 2006. It was a refresh of the flagship "type R series" desktop lineup, with upgraded hardware and brand new design from its predessor, the VGC-RA series. The series is notable for being the first branded desktops to come with built-in Blu-ray disc drive, and one of the first branded desktops to support Full HD playback.
The series is designed mainly for content creators, therefore it has some unique designs that could be rarely seen in consumer desktops, such as front panel RCA input and its selling point: 4 3.5" drive bays easily accessible from the side. The case has a overall boxy shape, mainly in deep blue and a touch of purple at the front. The case is deeper than the previous series, but the height is reduced as well. Near the middle of the case is a vent hole, designed to form better airflow for internal parts. From the right the side panel and hard drive bay door can be accessed. Inside the machine are industry standard parts, including the main board and the power supply, which is a departure from previous (and later) VAIO desktops which were well known for using proprietary connectors and non-standard parts. With its outstanding design, this series is often used as the basis for retrofitting modern PC parts, becoming so-called "Sleeper PC".
Specs-wise, the series is equipped with the latest hardware of its time, including Intel's dual-core Pentium D CPU, new NVIDIA GeForce 6 or 7 Series graphics, and fast DDR2 memory architecture. The machine can run up to 4 hard drives in one RAID array, supporting one more drive than its predessor, as well as being more accessible without exposing internal components. Later models can even equip with a built-in Blu-ray burner, a first for branded desktops at that time. The machine can also equip with built-in TV Tuner, a feature offered on most VAIO desktops.
Detailed Specs
| Processor: | RC*0 Models: | Intel Pentium D 820 or 840 (2.8 or 3.2GHz) | |
| RC*1/*2 Models: | Intel Pentium D 920 - 960 (3 - 3.6 GHz) |
Graphics: Intel GMA 950 (64MB shared VRAM) or NVIDIA GeForce 6600 / 6600 GT / 7600 GT (later models only), with 256MB of VRAM
Chipset: Intel 945G or Intel 945P (discrete graphics models only)
Memory: 4x DDR2 DIMM (533MHz), Stock: 512MB to 3GB, Maximum capacity: 3GB
Display: Optional, various models ranging from 17" to 23"
Storage: 4x side accessible 3.5" SATA hard drive bay, RAID 0/1 capable; 2x 5.25" drive bay (IDE), Blu-ray drive optional for later models
Weight: ~13.5-17kg depending on configuration
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition / Professional / Media Center Edition 2005 (all SP2; MCE only available in select countries)
Daily Usage Today
The machine is still capable of light daily tasks e.g. web browsing and document processing. However, the aging CPU and graphics could be a constraint when running more demanding tasks. It can handle older games decently, but games released after 2006 could be running slow on this machine. It is not recommended to upgrade to Windows 10 if you are running on the stock graphics and lower than 2GB RAM. Also consider that this machine runs on a super hot Pentium D CPU, so it will be warm when running. A better alternative is to retrofit modern PC parts into the case, then you can have a modern daily driver with the elegant look of peak VAIO aesthetics!
Resources
A YouTube video on retrofitting modern parts into VGC-RC case