Can I install new Intel gfx driver on my VGC JS1?

[andvivia7]

I have the VGC-JS1E with the Intel 4500 graphics adaptor (would have waited for the JS2 if I'd known it would have an Nvidia card!).

I've been getting a lot of "Display Driver igfx stops responding and recovers" type messages with the screen turning black periodically beforehand. This from browsing websites, not intensive apps like games. I'm not sure if this is an overheating problem, driver issue or what.

I have the original driver (October 08) - Intel released a new driver on the 23rd Feb 09 and I'm planning to install this to fix problems/boost performance. The new Intel driver is version 15.13.0.1659

Can anyone tell me if its OK to download and install this driver even though it is not customised by Sony? If I can't, can any Sony staff tell me if a new display driver will be forthcoming?

Thanks

[Blencogo]

Hi MuppetThumper.

I can't give you a straight answer on this because Sony usually prevent installation of Intel Graphics Drivers and only allow the customised Sony driver to install.

On some Vaios you can download the Intel self installing .EXE file and install by running it.

On more recent Vaios Sony block the Intel self installer - so you have to download the Intel .ZIP file and right click on the download and "Extract All". On some Vaios you can install by running the Setup.EXE file in the extracted download. However on some Vaios this will not work.

I suspect you will have the best chance by downloading the Intel .ZIP file and extracting it.

Then
1. Find the device in Device Manager and double-click on it.
2. Go to Driver tab and select Update Driver.
3. Select Browse my computer for driver software.
4. Select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
5. Select Have Disk....
6. Select Browse....
7. Browse to the directory where you have extracted the driver files.
8. Next ..........
9. If you get a warning screen, select "Install Anyway".
10. Close & Re-Boot

But to see if it is possible - you will just have to try!

Please let us know how you get on because several members here will be very interested.

[andvivia7]

Thanks for the pointers Blencogo.

I downloaded, extracted and updated the intel graphics adapter driver as advised (trying to run the downloaded executable did not work as you expected - you must unzip the files).

Good news: the driver updated without problems and without any configuration required.

Unfortunately I cannot see any real difference in performance - World of Warcraft remains a steady 15-20FPS, so anyone looking for improved running of their games will likely be disappointed. More reason to wish I had waited for the JS2 and its Nvidia 9300.

I also ran 3dMark06 - very low score of 985 achieved. Stupidly I didn't do this before updating the driver and cannot now roll back to compare (although I guess I could use a restore point).

Its possible I suppose that Sony may yet release their own version of the driver and that a customised version would have 3D performance benefits. Or perhaps a future driver update from Intel will boost performance? We can but live in hope...

[andvivia7]

long shot this but...

does anyone know if you can replace Intel integrated gfx with an integrated Nvidia chip?
I ask because the successor to the JS1, the JS2, uses the Nvidia 9300 GS.
The JS2 only looks to have this and a faster processor, everything else being the same. Maybe this also means the motherboard is the same?

I realise such an operation would void the warranty, but I'd be willing to take my chances if it could be done.