Can anyone give me info on my dads embarrassingly old sony desktop MB?

[NathanRice411]

So Back in 04 my dad bought a sony PCV-RS420 Desktop. He rants how he paid 2 grand at the time and that the computer techs at his shop (Which my dad is not, Just a end user) were all bowing to him on his powerful computer purchase. Here is the funny part. When I was young, one of the first lessons he gave me on computers and its hardware is how quickly it can become outdated. He'd always bitch about how quickly hardware becomes suckware. SOO!! It boggles the mind that he wants to do everything possible to somehow upgrade this computer that probably told time with a sundial. As I told him, I truly feel his pain on this issue but everyone else is faced with the same shit! My dad actually thinks I have talent with computers and as much as I LOATHE people who try to impress others of their intellect on all things computers when they DO NOT (the real ones dont advertise their talents, their work & products do) I didnt want to just throw answers at him without some research done first. A quick side note, Its you guys and this amazing site who have seriously almost taught me all that i know so far. and it aint much!! LOL .....SO first question

He asked
can the motherboard be replaced?

When I cracked open the case, the first thing that I noticed was just how small the board was comparing of course to the boards I'm used to and I do remember reading in ("Upgrading and Repairing PC's 20th edition") of quite a few form factors no longer made and was wondering if this could be one of em, and what form factor it is?
Second question.
What are the resons its memory speed limit is 2GB? I wanted to say jokingly that he should check the oil in it.. Funny? eh? eh? ...not funny

Guys, on the MB the only product name I could find (Without being able to take it out) was PCV-RS420. Sony never made a MB Right? My question is, Can anyone point me to a MB that will fit inside this size case and can at least be expandable greater then 2GB of RAM. Crazy, But in this advertisement it said "expandable" up to 2GB of RAM... We've come a seriously long way in a short distance.
I know you all are wanting to say, Its a waste of time jack. Just get a new one! And I say I KNOW!! But I have to find and eliminate all options and since I have daddy issues and want a gold star by my name from him, I need to see whats possible and whats not. Thank you all for reading my rant of a man wanting a pat on the head from his father. Im going to go build my second rocket and this time dad wont say it sucks and we can fly to acceptance land!!! YIPPEEE!!! ... All jokes....

PS:the file included here is the PDF of the computers Specs...

 

[OvenMaster]

Here y'go.
Motherboard Manuals Data & More • View topic - Asus P4SD-VX motherboard - aka Sony VAIO PCVRS420
It's an Asus P4SD-VX board made for Sony, from what I can gather.
Going by this picture:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASUS-PTGD-V...097625775?pt=Motherboards&hash=item3ccaa198af
it would appear - don't quote me on this - that any normal modern mATX board would fit in its place.

 

[Layback Bear]

Honestly you would have to upgrade just about everything in the tower.
I think a wiser move would be just to build a new desktop. It's 10 years old.

 

[DocBrown]

It was great in it's day. But most of the new MB's don't come with IDE or Floppy drive connections anymore.

So you will need all new components inside, also.

So as LayBack Bear says, build your self a new one from NewEgg.com

 

[jgiels]

Not money well spent when whatever barebones system he gets will run circles around the old one.

 

[Britton30]

while the size is mini/micro ATX, his has some very obsolete features, among them, DDR memory, AGP graphics slot. floppy connector, and IDE drive slots.
A new board might be found with a floppy and IDE headers, but the AGP and DDR memory much more difficult.

I'd recommend the new board, CPU, RAM, hard drive, and maybe graphics card as a minimum. DDR RAM if you can find some costs more than newer DDR3 per GB. You could also choose a board with onboard graphics unless he plays some demanding games, some of us older guys do. Let us know a target budget.

 

[NathanRice411]

Thank you everyone here who has replied to my questions. Especially to you Britton30. I appreciate the detailed info. So I showed these comments to my dad and hes now doing what I hoped he would.... Gathering intel on what he wants and he is letting me put a custom rig together for him... I seriously LOVE building rigs!! Thanks to you guys for all the professional sounding replies and understandable answers my dad has finally agreed its time to move on...

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
The old HDD's are likely to be HIDEOUSLY slow too -- most people don't seem to realize it but slow disks can KILL any system --even those with blazingly fast i7 CPU's inside.

IMO you'd be better off tossing the whole thing and build a new one from scratch -- However depending on what you actually want the computer to do you could buy a decent Desktop (without a monitor) for around 350 GBP / 380 EUR / 410 USD which would absolutely KILL the old machine. Get one also that has at least a USB3 port - the speed difference is DEFINITELY worth it.

IMO I'd also add an SSD to the desktop and put the OS on the SSD. Since so few desktops are sold any more you could pick up some really good deals on these. It probably (no certainly) would be a LOT cheaper than building a custom machine. Plus it would work FIRST time, save hunting for drivers and save a lot of work.

However you obviously enjoy building stuff so my old words of wisdom will probably be ignored.
Do ensure you have at least a USB3 port on the rig (speed is far faster than USB 2) and get an SSD for the OS.

(You could go "half way" -- buy a desktop -- then spend the extra money SAVED on a blazingly good large monitor and decent GPU card -- actually even doing this would still be cheaper than building a rig from scratch).

Incidentally copy any data from the old machine to some type of external device -- even CD's if that machine can't write to modern fast USB sticks / external drives.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[King Arthur]

For a point of comparison, I have a PCV-RS410 (the only noteworthy differences to yours are the lack of an AGP slot and no internal USB2.0!) running Windows XP Pro that serves as my secondary desktop. I have it "modernized" with its 3 PCI slots holding a GeForce 6200 video card, a USB2.0 card, and a gigabit ethernet NIC card; it also had its default 512MB of DDR RAM increased to 1GB total.

While it certainly can't handle Crysis, it can handle stuff like Adobe Illustrator, Youtube, and Skype with no problems.

Even though a proper upgrade for your computer will basically entail building a whole new computer, it's still very possible to bring the computer to a point where it can still function adequately alongside more modern computers.

 

[jimbo45]

For a point of comparison, I have a PCV-RS410 (the only noteworthy differences to yours are the lack of an AGP slot and no internal USB2.0!) running Windows XP Pro that serves as my secondary desktop. I have it "modernized" with its 3 PCI slots holding a GeForce 6200 video card, a USB2.0 card, and a gigabit ethernet NIC card; it also had its default 512MB of DDR RAM increased to 1GB total.

While it certainly can't handle Crysis, it can handle stuff like Adobe Illustrator, Youtube, and Skype with no problems.

Even though a proper upgrade for your computer will basically entail building a whole new computer, it's still very possible to bring the computer to a point where it can still function adequately alongside more modern computers.

I'd have to disagree here - the old IDE disks would make running modern software quite hideously slow -- People just don't realize how BAD performance can become on ANY machine when it's got disks that run as slow as molasses.

I think you'd really be better off ditching the whole computer -- A new Mobo would entail upgrading EVERYTHING as you certainly wouldn't want to even THINK of keeping the old disks. The old monitor is probably also a joke compared with the nice new LCD screens with proper HDMI input.

I'm not one for throwing stuff away willy nilly - in fact you could probably keep the old computer as a nice File server - but if you are getting a Mobo a nice modern case with the USB ports AT THE FRONT or in accessible places is a far better idea. Same for RGB (Standard monitor VGA type cable) and HDMI slots too.

Your old PSU in any case is unlikely to fit the spec for modern mobos so you'll have to upgrade that plus purchase some decent Disks and proper memory (DDR3).

By the time you've done all this lot and got a decent processor you are likely to spend around 1000 - 1400 USD (and that's if you can really source cheap parts and get some tax / other discounts). Plus you'll have to spend another possibly 100 USD on a Windows license too.

My idea of getting a ready assembled modern PC without a monitor seems a much better idea - just upgrade say the Monitor / Video and get an SSD. It will be just as good probably than your home build rig and certainly far cheaper.

I've built loads of machines in my time and enjoyed it too but honestly unless you are an extreme gamer or have a very specific requirement it's just not worth the candle any more building from scratch.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Britton30]

Here's an example of how I "rescued" an HP desktop I bought new in 2005, I think.
http://www.sevenforums.com/overclocking-case-mods/194592-show-us-your-rig-3-a-78.html#post1933836
The only things left from the original are CD/R/RW and the case.

 

[King Arthur]

For a point of comparison, I have a PCV-RS410 (the only noteworthy differences to yours are the lack of an AGP slot and no internal USB2.0!) running Windows XP Pro that serves as my secondary desktop. I have it "modernized" with its 3 PCI slots holding a GeForce 6200 video card, a USB2.0 card, and a gigabit ethernet NIC card; it also had its default 512MB of DDR RAM increased to 1GB total.

While it certainly can't handle Crysis, it can handle stuff like Adobe Illustrator, Youtube, and Skype with no problems.

Even though a proper upgrade for your computer will basically entail building a whole new computer, it's still very possible to bring the computer to a point where it can still function adequately alongside more modern computers.

I'd have to disagree here - the old IDE disks would make running modern software quite hideously slow -- People just don't realize how BAD performance can become on ANY machine when it's got disks that run as slow as molasses.

Indeed, old and/or slow HDDs can bottleneck a computer very badly. I've noticed this most prominently when I'm shuttling large files between my XP machine and other computers like my primary desktop (the one in my system specs) or the home server which are all equipped with SATA2/3 HDDs, even with gigabit networking throughout the connection the IDE HDDs on my XP machine bottleneck transfer rates badly.

For what the computer does though which is basically Adobe Illustrator and some office work, as well as other tasks that my primary computer would be simply overkill for (Skype), it serves that capacity very adequately and I'm personally happy with how well it's standing the test of time.

Certainly my experience is only a personal one and I do not deny the fact that IDE HDDs are very slow by today's standards, but depending on what the OP wants to do on his computer there still remains the possibility of that computer being useful.

 

[Britton30]

I may be wrong on the numbers. I think the last, greatest IDE spec was 150MBs while the first SATA spec was 1.5GBs, 10 times faster. Many older drives were also of the 5400RPM variety too.

 

[bobkn]

I may be wrong on the numbers. I think the last, greatest IDE spec was 150MBs while the first SATA spec was 1.5GBs, 10 times faster. Many older drives were also of the 5400RPM variety too.

The fastest PATA connection that I recall was Ultra ATA 133 (133MB/s).

The original SATA was 1.5Gb/s (small b indicates bits, capital B, bytes), or 187.5MB/s.

No factor of 10, but still significant. 6Gb SATA (sometimes called SATA3) would be at 750GB/s, faster than the sustained read of a good SSD.

I'm a little surprised to see that the motherboard has a 24 pin ATX connector plus a 4 pin CPU +12V connector. It might even support an up-to-date motherboard, although I'd bet it too weak to support a husky graphics card, even if it had the PCI-E power connectors (I expect that it does not).

With PATA peripherals, an AGP graphics card, and DDR memory, there's not much to save in the box.

 

[Britton30]

Serial ATA - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You are correct Bob. I looked it up instead of using my memory.

 

[carwiz]

Other than being a hideously ugly case, you could re-use it but I would go from scratch. I have an old Sony VGC-RB30 I thought about gutting for the case. I like the flip doors on it. It's still being used for a couple of programs and to drive a wide body printer so I can't let it go just yet.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
I still think the best bang for buck by quite a margin would be to get a new PC without a monitor -- it would have a proper PSU in it - all the cables and connectors would be easily accessible rather than in the old days where a case was often on the floor with USB ports / Audio ports and even monitor . video ports stuck at the back and inconvenient to access.

Then get a super dooper decently large LCD monitor preferably at least 28 inch (with good resolution - HDMI HD quality at a MINIMUM spec), possibly a better graphic card than the generally built in one -- these can be turned off in the BIOS if you use your own card, and a 250GB Samsung 840 SSD for the OS and apps.

This lot will probably perform better than what you might end up with yourself, would certainly be CHEAPER -- you could buy yourself a TABLET or another LAPTOP with the money you have saved compared with the original build, and probably look a much more professional job. -- I'm not doubting your Engineering skills but from what I've seen of most people's builds - while they work they usually look like something of the "caricature" of the absent minded inventor / professor with wires etc all over the place .

These days saving hard earned money IMO is certainly well worth while - and if the end result is likely to be BETTER AND CHEAPER then I'd go for it and use the money saved on buying something else you want.

I've built as I said before - loads of rigs in my time and people seem to think I'm quite a neat Engineer too but these days unless I really needed a particular machine for a very specialized one off type of application there is NO way where I could build my own rig cheaper than what I could get commercially including some extra components for adding to the commercial build. Modern manufacturing has cut the cost of these machines to way below anything a single build could do.

If an old timer Engineer like me is advising you to go for a pre-built system then it must say something -- I was bought up in the days where most shop bought computers were expensive and performed very poorly -- then it was a "No brainer" to "Roll your Own" - but these days the whole nature of the beast has changed --really it's not worth the candle doing it any more except in really rare and special instances.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Nigsy]

I think you have your answer. Build from scratch.

I have just built a PC for my son, got all the bits off ebay including the base system (An old Stone PC with a BTX board)
PC - £15 (Intel Pent 4@ 3ghz)
DDR2 Memory 4gb £4.50
Sonar Sound Card £1.25
Sparkle Geforce Graphics card £7
Western Digital Black 250gb drive (7200rpm) £18

Installed my old W7 home edition disc....and for under £50 he has a reasonable PC that will handle most of what a 12 year old can throw at it.

 

[JoezFodor]

Keep the housing only!

So Back in 04 my dad bought a sony PCV-RS420 Desktop. He rants how he paid 2 grand at the time and that the computer techs at his shop (Which my dad is not, Just a end user) were all bowing to him on his powerful computer purchase. Here is the funny part. When I was young, one of the first lessons he gave me on computers and its hardware is how quickly it can become outdated. He'd always bitch about how quickly hardware becomes suckware. SOO!! It boggles the mind that he wants to do everything possible to somehow upgrade this computer that probably told time with a sundial. As I told him, I truly feel his pain on this issue but everyone else is faced with the same shit! My dad actually thinks I have talent with computers and as much as I LOATHE people who try to impress others of their intellect on all things computers when they DO NOT (the real ones dont advertise their talents, their work & products do) I didnt want to just throw answers at him without some research done first. A quick side note, Its you guys and this amazing site who have seriously almost taught me all that i know so far. and it aint much!! LOL .....SO first question

He asked
can the motherboard be replaced?

When I cracked open the case, the first thing that I noticed was just how small the board was comparing of course to the boards I'm used to and I do remember reading in ("Upgrading and Repairing PC's 20th edition") of quite a few form factors no longer made and was wondering if this could be one of em, and what form factor it is?
Second question.
What are the resons its memory speed limit is 2GB? I wanted to say jokingly that he should check the oil in it.. Funny? eh? eh? ...not funny

Guys, on the MB the only product name I could find (Without being able to take it out) was PCV-RS420. Sony never made a MB Right? My question is, Can anyone point me to a MB that will fit inside this size case and can at least be expandable greater then 2GB of RAM. Crazy, But in this advertisement it said "expandable" up to 2GB of RAM... We've come a seriously long way in a short distance.
I know you all are wanting to say, Its a waste of time jack. Just get a new one! And I say I KNOW!! But I have to find and eliminate all options and since I have daddy issues and want a gold star by my name from him, I need to see whats possible and whats not. Thank you all for reading my rant of a man wanting a pat on the head from his father. Im going to go build my second rocket and this time dad wont say it sucks and we can fly to acceptance land!!! YIPPEEE!!! ... All jokes....

PS:the file included here is the PDF of the computers Specs...

Hi,
I've got the same Sony PCV-RS420 bought it in January of 2004 in Miami.
It is still running on its original parts, only the C drive had to be replaced after a blackout.
I can feel what your dad was thinking keeping the pc and upgrading the same time.
What I will do is to keep the Sony housing and replace pretty much everything inside.
The psu is originally just about 207watts only and small as the house.
This is crucial to upgrade for at least 400watts. I don't care about the floppy drive
But the Vaio light at the front must be working after the upgrade.
Basically I need to buy a mATX motherboard Pc set of USB 3.0, Hdmi, Sata or Ssd and one dvd
Writer should be enough plus the graphic card etc.
Once I got one I will just move it into the old Vaio.
One thing I'm not sure is how to upgrade the front USB and the iLink.
Any help welcome!
Cheers!