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I have a Sony Vaio desktop computer, it’s model number is PVC - RZ54G. It is similar the one is the video but it’s newer. Apple recently updated their software (iTunes) and their devices to 64bit. I want to keep my old pc but upgrade the CPU to run 64bit software. How do I change the CPU on the motherboard? Is it a difficult process? What else would I need to upgrade so that things run effectively and efficiently? I am currently running Windows XP SP3 and would like to install Windows 7 64bit because I can still use XP mode for my older software. Also, I read the simply changing the motherboard would be the easiest way but Vaio’s motherboards can’t be swap out. Is this true? Thanks again.
Sorry to say you are hitting a brick wall here ;-{ To start with here’s the specs of your system: CNET - Sony VAIO Digital Studio PCV-RZ54G If you jump down to the processor section you’ll see your system uses a CPU with a Socket 478. Now lets look at Intels’ web site to see what CPU’s used that socket: Integration Overview for Intel Boxed Processor in the 478 Pin Package as we can see only the following CPU’s used this socket: Pentium 4 Processor Extreme EditionPentium 4 ProcessorCeleron D ProcessorCeleron Processor These are all 32bit CPU’s, there is no 64bit chip offering. Your only hope would be to find a logic board that would fit in your chassis. Sony does not use standard sized logic boards or power supplies, You would need to retrofit something in as well as get new RAM, CPU cooling system, HD, power supply and getting a graphics card. By the time you did that it would be cheaper getting a used system or build a system using a standard chassis. Windows 7 does have CPU, RAM & GPU requirements so make sure you review Microsofts web site to make sure the system you get meets the minimum requirements.
The upgrade process for the Sony PC you want to modernize isn’t exactly going to be easy, nor is it possible with the current stock parts. I’ve never worked with one, but it looks like an mATX standardized (Minus maybe a few specifics) motherboard, but if you look at, say, the Teardown of said computer the computer ends up using some proprietary ports for the front panel, which can be problematic. The system you want to build is 64-Bit. This computer only lets you use one of 4 series of 32-Bit processors. In short, you cannot upgrade this computer. You might be able to buy a new set of parts to leave behind the IDE years, but there isn’t any true “Upgrading” with the parts you currently have inside that PC. On top of that, fabricating is likely inevitable to replace or interchange certain ports. I say keep that PC for certain workloads (specific XP-related stuff, for example) and build a new one. A decent low-end PC can cost maybe around $200 or maybe more currently. Just my opinion.
