Sony VAIO VGC-RA820G Digital Studio PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 540, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Dbl Layer, DVD-ROM Drive)

by Sony

Product Details

Data Sheet [74kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 15.6 x 15.3 x 7.4 inches ; 34.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 40 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000300A2U
• Item model number: VGC-RA820G
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 3, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Basics As one of the most affordable members of Sony's distinctly upscale "R" series of desktop computers, the VAIO VGC-RA820G Digital Studio PC brandishes many of the same features Sony incorporates into its pricier R models but falls short of state-of-the-art and does not include a viewing screen. Yet even though it's scaled back somewhat from Sony's top PCs in terms of processor speed, 3D graphics capabilities and hard drive capacity, the unit is nevertheless designed to efficiently handle virtually anything you can throw at it and is certainly a solid hub of a business, personal, home office or entertainment environment. It even features an innovative liquid heat pipe cooling system to squelch excess heat and minimize noise. Gamers and 3D animators may want to upgrade the system's midlevel video card, but the VAIO VGC-RA820G is otherwise ideal for those who want high-end computing without paying big bucks.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. The VAIO VGC-RA820G incorporates one of the fastest CPUs on the market, an Intel Pentium 4 540. New for 2004, this is an upgraded version -- nicknamed "Prescott" -- of the venerable Pentium 4 chip, featuring one full MB of Level 2 cache and a more generous data "pipeline" than prior models. Operating at a speedy 3.2 GHz and of course sporting Intel's Hyper-Threading technology (Hyper-Threading allows a single CPU system to behave at times as a dual CPU system, thus adding substantially more speed to some high-end applications), this CPU delivers more than enough power for any application or environment.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. For the VAIO VGC-RA820G, Sony has installed a whopping 1024 MB (1 GB) of fast PC3200 400 MHz DDR SDRAM memory. This is a generous amount of memory even for a high-end machine, and its rated speed is comparatively quick. As such, it is easily sufficient for any multitasking situation or complex application. Moreover, the system's mainboard is constructed to support RAM upgrades to a whopping 2 GB.

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" video memory is preferable to a controller that's integrated on the mainboard and "shares" the system's main memory, as it will better handle complex procedures.

The VAIO VGC-RA820G incorporates an ATI Radeon X300 LE with 128 MB of dedicated video memory. This is a very solid graphics card capable of displaying any 2D and the vast majority of 3D applications. However, super-high-end cards with double or quadruple the allotment of video memory are even better equipped for the intricate graphics found in today's top-of-the-line 3D games and animation applications. Thusly, serious gamers or 3D designers may need to upgrade this component in order to achieve buttery smooth 3D motion. The card also features such perks as a television tuner and a 16x PCI Express Giga Pocket MPEG2 Realtime Encoder/Decoder to pause, rewind and replay live TV. Furthermore, Sony will package the system with a handy cordless remote control to make TV and movie viewing even easier.

Display:
Sony has not included a display screen, thus allowing you to continue using your current monitor or select from today's many alternatives.

Sound
The VAIO VGC-RA820G generates stereo and surround sound via an Intel High Definition Audio chipset with support for six distinct audio channels. Sony will also enclose a 2.1 speaker system with two desktop satellites for clean middle and high frequencies and a subwoofer for added bass support.

Hard Drive
The unit's large 200 GB internal hard drive is spacious enough for a massive allotment of files and applications and a comprehensive music, video/photo and multimedia library too. Furthermore, this particular hard drive is exceptionally quick -- sporting a fast 7200-RPM speed, an 8 MB buffer, and a futuristic Serial ATA connection. These are all comparatively recent innovations, each increasing the overall speed and performance of the system.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing world. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can enjoy all of the above plus watch the same big budget DVD movies you watch on your home entertainment system. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can also "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of CDs).

This unit features two optical drives -- a DVD-ROM drive for playing music and data CDs and DVD movies, and a DVD +/- RW Double Layer Multi-Format drive through which you can not only do everything above but also take advantage of new double layer DVDs (twice the capacity of traditional DVDs). Moreover, this two-drive setup allows you to create extremely fast CD or DVD copies.

Connectivity and Expansion
With no less than seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports, you'll have lots of room for plug and play gadgets such as digital cameras and printers. Sony has also installed two IEEE 1394 "FireWire" ports (often used for fast data transfer from digital camcorders), an S/PDIF jack for crystal clear digital audio, two S-Video inputs for lossless digital video, a DVI monitor port for the highest quality images on flat-panel monitors, and a memory card reader for reading today's most popular memory cards from devices such as digital cameras, PDAs and more. Communication options include an integrated Gigabit Ethernet LAN interface for substantially faster network and Internet access than traditional 100Mbps and 10Mbps Ethernet, and a 56K data/fax modem for low-speed dial-up connections

Operating System and Software
The VAIO VGC-RA820G features a software package that's clearly aimed at fans of multimedia. Headed by Microsoft's Windows Media Center Edition operating system and Microsoft's Works 8.0 productivity pack, the bundle also features Adobe Premier LE video editing suite, Adobe Photoshop Elements digital imaging utility, and a half dozen of Sony's own top notch audio, video and photo tools.

Control
Apart from the aforementioned remote control, the system includes a convenient VAIO Keyboard and a no hassle PS/2 optical mouse.

Product Description

Includes: stereo speakers w/ subwoofer, IR remote control, keyboard, PS/2 optical mouse, Sony Original Software, Premiere(SM) Standard, Photoshop Album Starter Edition, Photoshop Elements 2.0, Works 8.0, Norton Internet Security, & more. Sony VAIO VGC-RA820G Desktop Computer - This desktop computer delivers the latest in computing technology, which provides an amazing multimedia experience. One great feature is the Giga Pocket Engine TV Tuner & MPEG-2 Encoder. Coupled with the Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition 2005 operating system, you can watch, record, & pause live television with the convenience of a remote controlled, easy-to-use interface. But that's just the beginning 200GB 7200RPM SATA HDD ATI Radeon X300 w/ 128MB of memory Double Layer DVD Writer - (write) up to 2.4x DL DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 32x CD-R, & 24x CD-RW DVD-ROM Drive - up to 16x (up to 40x CD-ROM) 3.5 1.44MB Floppy Disk Drive 5.1 Channel Intel HD Audio 56k v.90 Fax Modem Memory Card Reader - Memory Stick, Compact Flash Type I/II, xD Picture Card, SD/MMC, & IBM Micro Drive Ports - TV In/Out, VGA Out, DVI Out, 10/100/1000 Ethernet, 7 USB 2.0 (3 front), 2 PS/2, 1 S/PDIF Out, 1 Parallel, 1 6-pin FireWire (rear), 1 4-pin FireWire (front), 2 S-Video (1 front), 1 Headphone/Microphone, 1 Line-In, RCA/Composite A/V (1 front), & 1 Coaxial (VHF/UHF) Slots - One 16x PCI Express (occupied), One 1x PCI Express (occupied), & 2 PCI (1 available) Bays - 2 External 5.25 (occupied), 1 External 3.5 (occupied), & 3 Internal 3.5 (2 available) Unit Weight - 34.2 lbs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Liquid-cooled speed monster! Great for VIDEO and Multimedia!, December 4, 2004

By 

Robert Glantz "Rmplstlskn" (Charlottesville, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGC-RA820G Digital Studio PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 540, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Dbl Layer, DVD-ROM Drive) (Personal Computers)

I have owned one since 11/15/04 and I am very happy with the performance. Although the price is not the most affordable, I think you get your money's worth and then some. Just be sure to take advantage of all the rebates. Now for why I gave this a 5 STAR rating...

I do video, lots of video. I edit it, render it and author it to DVD. This, except for games, is probably the most SYSTEM intensive tasks a computer could be asked to do. I was trying to do it before on a P4 Toshiba notebook, which worked OK until it was time to render. Redering video heated up that notebook CPU till I thought it would melt down. I needed MORE POWER!

The Sony R-Series has that power... all in a whisper-silent, LIQUID-COOLED, very sleek and modern-looking package. I won't bore you with specs as they are listed above, but I will rave on the SPEED and POWER this system has! My 20GB video files now render in an hour or two and I just barely feel warm air coming from the "radiator" system. One very cool machine, especially since Intel's Prescott CPU's are well known for being a VERY HOT running CPU. Others have CPU fans, which work OK, but you just can't beat LIQUID COOLING. A very nice PLUS for Sony.

It also has a 200GB SATA hard drive spinning at 7200rpm! You can't get much faster without going SATA RAID with multiple hard drives or a 10,000rpm drive. There is also room for TWO additional SATA hard drives. No capability for standard ATA drives unless you disconnect one of the optical drives though, which is a mild bummer.

Let's not forget the 1GB of 400MHz DDR Memory! That is almost DOUBLE what other systems offer and that extra 512MB of DRR RAM makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE in EVERYTHING you do. Sony just saved you the hassle of adding it later on... and trying to "match" them up to avoid mismatched conflicts. Big plus!

The video is a very solid, middle-of-the-road Radeon video adapter that can handle most needs less the serious gamer. Even then, buy a top-line card and just replace the one in the Sony. The Sony gives you a E-PCI (Extended PCI) slot, which is where all the video is moving, leaving AGP behind, so you have a GREAT upgrade path for video. There is even a couple PCI slots for other stuff you might want to add.

Now, a really great feature is the plethora of video and audio inputs and outputs. You have a full array of Firewire, USB 2.0, S-Video, Video In, Stereo Audio, Speaker and Mic in the front, as well as more in the back. You shouldn't need more than that! It also has a Giga-Pocket TV Tuner that works perfectly with the Microsoft Media Center Edition Operating Software.

Ahhh, the MCE Operating System, built on XP, is pretty good but I've had a few crashes, where my old XP PRO almost NEVER crashed. But the Media Center is pretty cool and worth the occasional crashes and glitches. It functions as a TOTAL MEDIA CENTER where you can record TV like a DVR, watch TV, scan the Guide for upcoming flicks, play your .mp3 or other audio files and watch your video files as well. It basically brings it all together in one spot which can be nice. I hope to use the DVR function more as I ponder getting a new Media Center Extender so I can pipe the video out to my TV in the Entertainment Room. Otherwise, the TV feed on my Sony XBRITE 19" Monitior (also HIGHLY recommended) is a bit grainy unless you have HD cable feed. DVD's look awesome though!

Basically, a great POWER USER system! If you are a computer novice, you can find a more entry-level system and save some dough and not even know what you are missing. But for those like me, none of the other brands, even the new HP Media Center PC, could equalt the Sony on features, quality and power.

Rmpl

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the machine!, December 29, 2004

By 

D. D'Eugenio (Palm Beach, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGC-RA820G Digital Studio PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 540, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Dbl Layer, DVD-ROM Drive) (Personal Computers)

I bought this system replacing a monster Dell I sent off to college with my son. I thought leaving the comfort of DELL would be uncomfortable, but that lasted as long as it took to set this system up and let it fly! This machine is amazing! I was given a Vaio Laptop a few years ago from a client and that machine has logged thousands of miles of travel and hardship and NEVER stopped working; a true battleship. I thought if the laptop is that good; the desk top has got to be as well. The theory is correct!

I don't get the tech stuff, read Robert's review for that; I know this Vaio has been an outstanding machine; very reliable and very easy to upgrade. With it I got a SAMSUNG 17" flat screen, 4 various printers, a wireless LAN and editing software. The machine is silent, you'll find yourself looking over to see if it's processing. But as fast as you navigate, the system is ahead of you, it is that fast. I recently added two 250G HDs without any effort. The system walked me through it. If you're looking for an alternative to DELL or Apple (I agree, both are excellent), I will recommend this SONY system.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best desktop for the money, January 8, 2005

By 

Gadgester "No Time, No Money" (Mother Earth) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Sony VAIO VGC-RA820G Digital Studio PC (Intel Pentium 4 Processor 540, 1 GB RAM, 200 GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Dbl Layer, DVD-ROM Drive) (Personal Computers)

Just helped a friend buy this machine at J&R. It's just incredible. Not only is it well equipped -- just check the specs! -- but it runs very fast and very quiet. While in store we ran a few of the included applications. I specifically tried out the full version of Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 that comes with the system. The program launched and ran very fast. We opened a couple sample pictures and all the filter effects and transforms we tried were done quickly, much faster than on any other machines.

The P4 540 processor is state-of-the-art, bested only by the 560 which is just a tad faster. These processors are faster than the older P4 at the same clock speed, due to improvements in the core and L2 cache. The DDR2 RAM is also very fast, great for video-editing (as the first reviewer points out) and Photoshop tasks.

Like all Sony Vaio's, this one is packed with multimedia features. I won't rehash the details. You also get a dual-layer drive; just keep in mind that at this point (Jan. 2005) dual-layer only works in the DVD "plus" R/RW format, not the DVD-R/RW format. The Sony's drive can burn DVD-R/RW, DVD "plus" R/RW, and dual-layer DVD "plus" R/RW, plus CD-R/RW, of course. This is just totally state-of-the-art and future-looking.

When we did research on which power PC to buy, we discovered that the Sony VAIO VGC series was actually cheaper (sometimes by a lot) than similarly equipped machines from Dell, Gateway or HP. Of course, none of the other makes make a cool machine like this one; this is basically a gamer's machine at an affordable price.