A 360 Story - The RED Ring of Death & the 7th Generation Console War @ripfelix3020

RIP Felix I poured everything I have into this video!

I have spent the last few years researching the 7th generation consoles, specifically PS3 launch problems. What caused the Yellow Light of Death. I continue with the 360's RROD, with the help of Josh Davidson (AKA Octal450).

I deep dive into the 7th generation console war with a focus on their respective launch models and their issues.

How did Microsoft handle the 1st reports there was an issue? How did SONY? How did this happen? Who's to blame? I attempt to answer these questions and more. I offer my opinions about who I think won the 7th generation.

I hope it's not too boring, as the information contained is technical and dense. But instead of dumbing it down, signaling I don't think you can understand, I did my best to leave nothing out, while explaining it in the simplest terms I could. With illustrations and examples, to make it easier to conceptualize. I believe that people deserve the dignity and honor of my belief in them. So I will do you the courtesy of believing you will find value in this information, despite it's technical nature!

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Palette Knife Set (amzn.to/3UpB4UM)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
4:20 Preparing for war (Microsoft)
8:33 Recipe for Disaster?
14:57 Xbox 360 Launch
22:56 The Red Ring of Death
26:39 Lead-Free Solder Myth
29:45 RROD Fix Hysteria
31:19 Overheating Myth
34:16 RROD Failure Progression
39:02 BumpGate Proof
41:49 How the GPU was Made
44:30 Honest Mistake?
49:08 Who's to Blame?
54:09 Billion Dollar Recall
55:48 Couldn't Weasel out of it
57:59 PS3 Launch
1:02:50 The Yellow Light of Death
1:04:07 SONY Weaseled out of it
1:07:28 I was Wrong (Fab2)
1:12:37 Facts vs Assumptions
1:15:26 Bad Test Methods?
1:18:53 I was Wrong (RSX & Tokins)
1:20:37 Sony's YLOD Game-plan
1:22:56 Microsoft's RROD Game-plan
1:24:31 Why some consoles prove reliable
1:26:16 Who won the 7th Gen?
1:32:29 Outro & End Credits

Music:

“Satanic Dark Synthwave Music - Black Tar // Royalty Free Copyright Safe Music”
by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

“8bit Dungeon Boss - Video Classica - Kevin MacLeod.mp3” Youtube Audio Library. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200067. Artist: http://incompetech.com

Song: NEFFEX - Desperate [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/Desperate
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/DesperateAT/youtube

Song: Unknown Brain - MATAFAKA (feat. Marvin Divine) [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/MATAFAKA
Watch: http://youtu.be/AlXfbVpDUdo

updated 2 years ago

A 360 Story - The RED Ring of Death & the 7th Generation Console War

RIP Felix 2024-01-15 | I poured everything I have into this video!

I have spent the last few years researching the 7th generation consoles, specifically PS3 launch problems. What caused the Yellow Light of Death. I continue with the 360's RROD, with the help of Josh Davidson (AKA Octal450).

I deep dive into the 7th generation console war with a focus on their respective launch models and their issues.

How did Microsoft handle the 1st reports there was an issue? How did SONY? How did this happen? Who's to blame? I attempt to answer these questions and more. I offer my opinions about who I think won the 7th generation.

I hope it's not too boring, as the information contained is technical and dense. But instead of dumbing it down, signaling I don't think you can understand, I did my best to leave nothing out, while explaining it in the simplest terms I could. With illustrations and examples, to make it easier to conceptualize. I believe that people deserve the dignity and honor of my belief in them. So I will do you the courtesy of believing you will find value in this information, despite it's technical nature!

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Palette Knife Set (amzn.to/3UpB4UM)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
4:20 Preparing for war (Microsoft)
8:33 Recipe for Disaster?
14:57 Xbox 360 Launch
22:56 The Red Ring of Death
26:39 Lead-Free Solder Myth
29:45 RROD Fix Hysteria
31:19 Overheating Myth
34:16 RROD Failure Progression
39:02 BumpGate Proof
41:49 How the GPU was Made
44:30 Honest Mistake?
49:08 Who's to Blame?
54:09 Billion Dollar Recall
55:48 Couldn't Weasel out of it
57:59 PS3 Launch
1:02:50 The Yellow Light of Death
1:04:07 SONY Weaseled out of it
1:07:28 I was Wrong (Fab2)
1:12:37 Facts vs Assumptions
1:15:26 Bad Test Methods?
1:18:53 I was Wrong (RSX & Tokins)
1:20:37 Sony's YLOD Game-plan
1:22:56 Microsoft's RROD Game-plan
1:24:31 Why some consoles prove reliable
1:26:16 Who won the 7th Gen?
1:32:29 Outro & End Credits

Music:

“Satanic Dark Synthwave Music - Black Tar // Royalty Free Copyright Safe Music”
by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio

“8bit Dungeon Boss - Video Classica - Kevin MacLeod.mp3” Youtube Audio Library. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200067. Artist: http://incompetech.com

Song: NEFFEX - Desperate [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/Desperate
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/DesperateAT/youtube

Song: Unknown Brain - MATAFAKA (feat. Marvin Divine) [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/MATAFAKA
Watch: http://youtu.be/AlXfbVpDUdo

PS3 #24 (Part 3) - Replace RSX & NEC/TOKINs

RIP Felix 2025-09-11 | This video is sponsored by JLCPCB. jlcpcb.com/?from=ripfelix

In this part I actually attempt to repair the console. I used a 40nm RSX to replace the defective 90nm GPU. This is knows as the "Frankenstein Mod."

I also investigate Squeept's hieroglyphic carving technique for tokin removal. It takes some getting used to and there's potential for tearing traces, but I find it the easiest method now. After watching my 1st attempt in this video I think you can clearly see why it's not for beginners. I have since used this techniques successfully on several more consoles without incident, so it can be done safely. Because of how quick it is and how clean it can remove them, I do think it's the best method. Just not the least risky.

00:00 MB Support Jig
2:24 Sponsor
3:43 NEC/TOKIN Removal
16:41 0.95v VDDR Mod
17:08 Swap 90nm for a 40nm RSX
22:35 Tantalizer Install
23:24 Assembly & Testing
30:08 Murphy's Law
32:00 A0801103 Error

PS3 #24 (Part 2) | The Heat Test

RIP Felix 2025-08-01 | This video is sponsored by JLCPCB. jlcpcb.com/?from=ripfelix

In part 2 of this repair I assemble and test the console after a Pressure test negative \ Heat Test Positive result. This indicates a Bump Failure. I have been evaluating this testing methodology on PlayStation 3. Josh and I had an interesting BumpGate discussion during the assembly I felt was worth sharing on the channel, given it's relevance to previous videos regarding the subject. It provides more context and footage of tests I've performed since then.

This discussion definitely gets into the weeds and is technical in nature. So if it doesn't interest you, I don't blame you...lol! However, I think it's worth sharing and this is my channel to tank. Soooo, yeah I'm good with that. I don't really care if this tanks my algorithm and it only gets 20 views. I think there's important information contained in this video and it should be put out there. I understand if it's not "entertaining" or up to the standard you've come to expect from my channel.

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

00:00 Intro
00:30 Sponsor
1:49 Defective 360 GPUs
6:02 Poke Test
9:32 Underfill Results
11:47 Microsoft's BumpGate Timeline
15:57 Do lower temps prevent YLOD/RROD?
17:50 More than just Tg!
23:35 Why does it take so long to release videos?
25:17 Temporary "Fixes" & Bad Mods
33:43 Why don't the CPUs die too?!
37:27 Just hanging out while assembling
45:28 Result: How long the heat test lasted

PS3 #24 (Part 1) | The Pressure & Heat Test

RIP Felix 2025-07-10 | This video is sponsored by JLCPCB. jlcpcb.com/?from=ripfelix

This video is the first part of the repair of this console. This COK-001 motherboard had an A0403034 SYSCON errorcode indicating a bad GPU. Either the solder balls cracked or it's bumps failed.

I wanted to evaluate the utility of the pressure and heat tests on a PS3. These tests have been used to distinguish between BGA and Bump failures. Techs like Octal450 (Josh Davidson) have used it with great success on the XBOX 360, which suffers from a known BumpGate affected chipset. In his experience, if a console responds to the pressure test it confirms a BGA defect more often than not. In that case a Reball is a viable repair. On the other hand, if the pressure test does nothing, it does not rule out a BGA defect, but makes bumps more likely and therefor the proper repair would be to replace the GPU entirely.

The heat test on the other hand, is designed to raise the temperature of the underfill, a glue like substance under the die, above it's thermal glassification temperature. This essentially melts the underfill, making it malleable. Do not confuse this with melting solder. Solder cannot melt at these temps! The heat test allows the die to re-seat, unlocking pent up strain, and the bump cracks may be pressed back together. They do not melt back together! They're just touching, like pressing two wires together. It can make a temporary connection to simply confirm the bump failure.

If the heat test is successful after an unsuccessful pressure test, that is good evidence of a Bump failure instead of a BGA failure. This is not a definitive test methodology. It is qualitative. It gives you a more likely than not sort of confirmation.

However, just because the heat test can cause the crack to press back together, that doesn't mean it always will. It could re-seat in such a way that the crack is still open. Therefore, if it doesn't work, that doesn't rule out a bump defect. Because of this, these are meaningful only in case of a positive test result. A negative result does not rule anything out.

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

0:00 Intro
2:20 Sponsor
3:39 BGA vs Bump Defects
8:29 Pressure Test
10:36 Heat Test
18:13 What a BGA Defect looks like
20:31 Results & Discussion

A PS3 Story 2: Defending BumpGate Theory

RIP Felix 2025-06-09 | This video is sponsored by JLCPCB. jlcpcb.com/?from=ripfelix

This is a companion video to my original PS3 Documentary. This video updates information presented there with 2 more years of findings and experiments. It is also a bit of a response video to some of the controversy surrounding BumpGate theory as an explanation for YLOD in 90nm PS3s.

In case you're wondering why I spend so much time looking at XBOX 360 GPUs, the reason is because we have more information about their failure modality. I use it as a known bumpgate affected chipset to compare it to the PS3's RSX. If you know what to look for, it's much easier to see another affected chipset. If the RSX were not affected, I should be able to tell a difference between it's materials and the defective ones.

00:00 Intro
3:17 Sponsor
4:38 High-Lead Bumps
6:55 UV/Vis Spectroscopy
12:31 UV Fluorescence
14:09 Tg Poke Test
18:22 Packaging Defects
25:54 BGA or Bumps?
33:06 Pressure Test
35:01 Heat Test
37:14 What BGA Looks Like
41:54 Frankies are More Reliable
43:18 Controversy
43:50 Lead Free Solder Balls?
51:36 Conclusion

Blockbuster in 2024 | 4 day weekend in Central Oregon

RIP Felix 2025-01-02 | This is a "touch grass" video. I needed a break and took a long weekend in snowy Sisters Oregon. I rented some movies at the last Blockbuster Video, played some cathartic games, visited the High desert museum, did some hiking and more. If you're planning a vacation in Oregon, or just interested to see a small piece of what central Oregon has to offer, then this video may be of interest.

I'm not sure if my normal audience will appreciate this change of pace on the channel, but I can't be all PS3 all the time.

The ULTIMATE PS3 | 40nm Frankenstein A01, Overclocked, Water Cooled, Liquid Metal, IT TALKS!!!

RIP Felix 2024-09-29 | Frankenstein Phat PS3 Mod | Written Tutorial (psx-place.com/threads/frankenstein-phat-ps3-cecha-with-40nm-rsx.28069/page-76#post-324546)

Discussion:
I generally aim to restore a console to original function and respect the original intentions of the designers. NOT THIS TIME! No. This time I went beyond repair and committed "Technomancy!" I guess that's on brand for the Frankenstein PHAT PS3 mod this video is about, but I took that theme admittedly to it's extreme. I went FULL POTATO!

Because it's one step down the path that leads to the dark side of repair, I must advise you DO NOT ATTEMPT WHAT YOU SEE ME DO IN THIS VIDEO. It's not repair, it's a bunch of nonsense for fun and to see what will happen, knowing full well it's pointless. I will say however, that no consoles were harmed in the making of this video. Risked? Yes, and I do feel conflicted about that. But hey man! I tried to buy it dead 1st! IT'S NOT MY FAULT THEY SOLD ME A WORKING BOARD! Listen to me complain about buying a cheap motherboard and it working...lol!

This is an ambivalent video for me. It was an outlet for a confusing mixture of emotions. On the one hand, it's my penultimate PS3 accomplishment. A soaring achievement I'm elated about. On the other, it coincided with the hardest professional disappointment of my life. While this video chronicles the former, I do not wish to elaborate on the latter. At times I honestly felt like the stress could have tipped me over the edge. I have developed coping mechanisms to mitigate stress and this video was a creative outlet.

I intend to continue looking for catharsis in my approach to gaming and making videos, as that's the mindset I need right now. I'm seeking a balance on the channel between time I devote to making videos, work and life. It's been hard and I definitely burned myself out making this one. I may have to reevaluate my approach moving forward, but I'm also not convinced it wasn't exactly the right medicine at the right time.

I want this video to be a thank you to my fans. I hope you enjoy this tribute as much as I needed your encouragement. You have no idea how much it helps. I'm not just grateful. I'm relieved! I literally gave it my blood, sweat, and tears. This may be last video of it's caliber for a while. Things in my life are still in a state of flux, but I have every intention to keep going...when I find the time.

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):
PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4gqSv0x)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3B8Sv5a)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3TuA94Q)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/4e1Fvga)
CPU Deliding Tool | Palette Knife Set (amzn.to/3XtG8bl)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/3Xx3JYM)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3XtFZVl)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/47sRdy1)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/47veu29)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/3B9DHDr)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/47rJ8K1)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/4gx1ixR)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/4etJK3Q)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/4eqYJM5)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3B7om69)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/3B1qjkv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/3Zt9dpX)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3Zz1ZAZ)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/3ZuXjfo)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/4guUJfh)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3XMLPCF)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:20 Purchase & Diagnosis
03:23 Moral Dilemma | Technomancy
04:12 Frankenstein PHAT PS3 Mod
14:55 Frankie Result
17:33 Cleaning & Polishing
21:44 Delid & Tantalizers
25:10 Full assembly + Muurphy's Law = Pit of Despair
27:47 You NEVER Give Up! 2nd RSX Install Montage
30:12 The Big Reveal
32:02 Frankie's WTR Cooled Jetpack | Build Overview
37:19 Overclocking Results & Comparisons
43:18 List of 10 Cathartic PS3 Games
47:56 Outro

How to Fix | Episode 1: Overheating. How to Delid CPU/GPU and fix YLOD - BEWARE of BAD MODs!

RIP Felix 2024-08-30 | DISCLAIMER. DELIDDING CAN DAMAGE YOUR PS3! Carefully watch all of this video and practice on a dead console BEFORE attempting it yourself.

SYSCON Tutorial (written): psx-place.com/threads/syscon-tutorial-windows.41664/#post-372173
SYSCON Tutorial (Video): youtu.be/DdGPyv0twmM
web Man Mod (HB for Temps. Must be jail-broken or running HEN): github.com/aldostools/webMAN-MOD/releases
CPU/GPU Bracers (3D Models): github.com/RIP-Felix/PS3-CPU-GPU-Bracers/tree/main

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):
PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)

Discussion:
This is a PS3 "How to Fix" Tutorial Series. Kicking it off first is how to fix an overheating PS3. How to tell if it's the CPU (CELL) or GPU (RSX), and how to delid both if necessary. I tried to compile all the information I've learned over the years into one comprehensive guide, but there's not really a "safe" way to do it. There's really just techniques that make it "safer." So I present the techniques I've learned and why I use them vs. other techniques you may have seen.

Others have had success using different thermal pastes, or deliding tools. I'm not trying to say they can't be made to work, just telling you why I like to do it my way. Ultimately, you must decide the best way to repair your consoles.

Licensed Music:
8bit Dungeon Boss - Video Classica by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:06 Basic cleaning. Is it Overheating?
02:30 CPU (CELL) or GPU (RSX)?
04:32 CPU (CELL) Delid
05:00 Step 1 - IHS Delid
08:47 To Lid or not to Lid?
12:06 Step 2 - Remove Silicone
13:17 Step 3 - Prepare the Bracer
18:05 Step 4 - Use a Bracer
18:35 Step 5 - Backplate
19:04 Step 6 - Glue the IHS back on!
22:54 Step 7 - Clamp and Cure
25:09 Experimenting with LM
25:56 GPU (RSX) Delid
32:47 Thermal Pads
33:57 19 or 15-blade Fan?
35:34 MOD Busting: APS-231
37:48 MOD Busting: Drill Holes
39:03 Conclusion / Q&A

PS3 Pro (OC) vs XBOX 360. Has the king been dethroned?

RIP Felix 2024-07-14 | This is just my experience overclocking the GPU of several PS3s. It's not a tutorial. For more information regarding the overclock please read the thread, "Project RSX Boost" on the psx place forums.

Tutorial: youtu.be/dTwyn28PXJg
Forum: psx-place.com/threads/project-rsx-boost-overclock-your-retail-ps3-rsx-speeds-ps3-cfw-only.36801

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

Music Attributions:
Big Rock - Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Hall of the Mountain King by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

News Theme by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:40 7th Gen. FPS struggles07:40 A M4j0r Breakthrough!
10:11 Selecting Console & Prediction
12:59 Test Conditions
13:56 Overclocking Results
15:52 Underclocking Hypothesis
17:32 Experiment 1 - Stock vs Underclock
19:25 Experiment 2 - Uncapped FPS
20:18 Experiment 3 - Stock vs Overclock
23:14 Undeclocking limbo
24:27 PS3 Slim Results
27:02 Technomancy
31:32 Voltage Mod Breakthrough!
33:31 Voltage Limit
36:36 Bulk Filter Caps
38:40 Overclock Limit
40:03 Final Results & Outro

PS3 Pro Tutorial | How to Overclock a PS3!

RIP Felix 2024-07-14 | WARNING: Overclocking can lead to a brick. DO NOT attempt unless you are willing to accept the risk.

This is a quick Tutorial showing you how to overclock the PS3's GPU and achieve your highest stable overclock, including boosting the core voltage. Every console has a different limit. So, it has to be determined experimentally and that can easily lead to a brick.

Links:
MFW Builder: github.com/haxxxen/ps3mfw-builder-0.2.1-mod
SYSCON Tutorial: psx-place.com/threads/syscon-tutorial-windows.41664/#post-372173
VID Tables: github.com/RIP-Felix/PS3-GPU-Overclock
Overclocking thread: psx-place.com/threads/project-rsx-boost-overclock-your-retail-ps3-rsx-speeds-ps3-cfw-only.36801

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):
PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)

Music Credits:
8bit Dungeon Boss - Video Classica by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Fluidscape by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

I Got Scammed | RARE 300 Movie Pack PlayStation 3

RIP Felix 2023-11-16 | This is a bit of a different video for me. I hope it's not too off from what viewers expect. Kinda just me relating my bad experience with an ebay purchase. An unboxing/lamenting video showing how it was a scam.

While researching the CECHM03 model for another video I came across this 300 Movie Pack PlayStation 3 listing on eBay. It said it was an M03. I wanted to show the variant, but there was too little information about it online. Few pictures, none that show the top of the box where the model number is listed. This listing was the only place I could find that mentioned what model might be inside. So I bought it and got burned.

After arriving I realized this movie pack was originally supposed to contain an L03 model, not an M03. The seller put an ordinary boxed 80GB M03 inside the slip of the 300 movie pack and avoided taking of pictures with the angles that would have given away the deception. Then sold it as "RARE" to get a better deal with the imposter.

While the description was for an M03 console and that's what I got. It was not "Complete in original box" as described. For one, to be "complete" it would need all of the items listed in the contents on the box and it was missing several items. While you could see what was included in the pictures, so that could be considered my fault for not checking, it shouldn't be listed as Complete when it isn't.

Second, there were no pictures of the M03's Box. All the angles show the 300 slip, which I think was meant to make the buyer think it was the box. The M03's box is inside that slip and there were no pictures of that. That's deceptive on it's own, but the M03's box also shows the serial number of the original console that was inside. And it doesn't match the SN on the console within. This critical angle was missing from the listing to prevent me from seeing they didn't match. That means it's neither complete or original. It's just a copy of 300 and a Boxed M03 slipped inside the movie pack's sleeve.

In the end I did get my money back, so it turned out ok. But it was a gross feeling being taken advantage of like this. Scammers suck!

PS3 Slim - LED Error Code!

RIP Felix 2023-09-23 | A very short video showing how to access the LED Diagnostic Mode on a slim PS3. This model is a CECH-3001A with a KTE-001 Motherboard Revision.

It only retrieves the last error that occurred and repeats the same one over an over again. So it's not a real substitute for the SYSCON errorlogs, which records 32, of them. But it's an easy way to se the last one without opening the console. And works on a console that doesn't turn on.

Note: This doesn't work on all models of PS3. So far it appears to only work on CECH-21xx, 25xx, and 30xx models. All phat and Super Slims do not work. I did try it on a 20xx model slim and it didn't work either. I could be wrong, though. If you can get it to work on any other model, let me know how!

Helpful links:

SYSCON tutorial: psx-place.com/threads/syscon-tutorial-windows.41664

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Palette Knife Set (amzn.to/3UpB4UM)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

PS3 SYSCON Tutorial | How to Diagnose the YLOD on PlayStation 3 using its own System Controller

RIP Felix 2023-09-19 | THIS IS A TURORIAL to gain access and utilize the System Controller IC on a PlayStation 3 to retrieve the error logs and basic debugging information. These are very useful to help diagnose and repair the console after experiencing issues, such as a Yellow Light of Death (YLOD). However, it can be useful for much more than that. I cover the basics, not the more advanced stuff you can do with it. This is mainly geared the novice who needs a windows tutorial. For Linux users, there is already a PDF tutorial on @db260179's github. I suggest you read through the other resources he has compiled in that download as well. There are usefull schematics, voltage test pad locations, and more.

Links:

Written SYSCON Tutorial: psx-place.com/threads/syscon-tutorial-windows.41664/#post-372173
Download Python: python.org/downloads
Download SYSCON Script: github.com/db260179/ps3syscon
SYSCON Error Codes: psdevwiki.com/ps3/Syscon_Error_Codes
Asking for help (PSX Place forum): psx-place.com/threads/fault-finding-ylod-with-the-syscon-first-steps-and-error-reporting.30100

A list of my more useful posts: psx-place.com/threads/research-experimental-nec-tokin-capacitors-replacement-ylod.25260/page-204#post-301356

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:06 What Is SYSCON?
3:53 Who Do We Thank?
04:34 Disclaimer
05:05 Part 1 - PS3 Turns on
09:00 Part 2 - PS3 Doesn't turn on
16:27 Mullion (External)
19:33 Mullion (Internal)
26:40 Sherwood
28:55 Asking For Help (Outro)

Music:
Fluidscape by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

DIY or BUY - BGA Rework Station | Frankie will MELT your spheres off!

RIP Felix 2023-08-01 | THIS IS NOT A TUTORIAL. DO NOT DO THIS!

In 2019 I got serious about stepping up my soldering game and worked my way up to Ball Grid Array (BGA) Rework with the goal of reballing the Backwards Compatible PlayStation 3’s GPU.

I’ve limped along with a Ghetto reballing setup, using a T8280 Preheater and 853D Rework station for a couple of years. With practice that worked and I was able to make my own Frankenstein Phat PlayStation 3, which is where you replace a failed 90nm GPU with a more efficient 65 or 40nm model. But it requires a lot of manual attention and it’s not ideal. For awhile I’ve been thinking about hacking together a DIY BGA Rework Station, gathering materials, drawing up schematics, watching videos, and reading articles about the various aspects. And I finally decided to do it.

I would not recommend anyone do this unless you are just looking to push your electronics skill and have a project to work on. I ended up spending more than it would have cost me to buy one! Which would have saved me the last 6 months of my life. Oh well, you live and learn. Besides I had fun, which was mainly the point.

PS: You're not supposed to know what the Potato is yet. Have fun speculating in the comments.

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

Music:
8bit Dungeon Boss - Video Classica by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Horror Music by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Ghost Processional (Alternate) by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Martian Cowboy by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Militaire Electronic by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Medusa by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:59 Week 1-5 Build Montage
05:18 1st PWR Test (w/o Heaters)
10:20 Results, Red Herring, & RIP 853D
13:26 Week 6 & 7 - Heater mods, TCs,
16:20 Week 8 - LEDs & 909D (Magic Smoke!)
26:51 Week 9 - 2nd PWR Test (w/heaters)
31:30 T8280 Safety Inspection
34:14 Rework Attempt #1 (Bumbling buffoonery)
41:09 Rework Attempt #2 (Overthinking it)
49:42 Week 10 - Built-in Preheater
51:54 Week 11-13 - Climbing/Slipping...fighting
52:16 UNHOLY Popcorn & Delamination
56:35 Summit Day!
58:57 Outro

FrankenStation (Trailer)

RIP Felix 2023-07-20 | To all those who asked what I have been up to, here's your answer. Besides being slammed by work and life, I HAVE been working on projects in my free time (what little I have). I know that I haven't put out a video in awhile, sorry. Not a full-time YouTuber. I bit off more than I could chew in a reasonable amount of time with this one. It ballooned into a 6 month project. Didn't think it would take that long to make and edit, but it did. But eh...this is a hobby.

PS3 #2: Ressurecting the impossable! | EPIC rollercoaster repair that nearly broke me.

RIP Felix 2023-01-25 | THIS IS NOT A TUTORIAL.

In September of 2020, I attempted to fix my second Yellow Light Of Death PS3. PS3 #2 has been the longest running repair I've attempted. This video summarizes both my successes and mistakes over the two year period I spent on this console. As such, it's jam packed. The latter half especially.

This video is best viewed after watching PS3 #1: Tantalum Terror. I am telling the story of how I got into PS3 repair. I'm doing so in chronological order of the events.

Links:
Original Posts detailing this console (Started in the same Post as PS3 #1. Scroll down to #2). psx-place.com/threads/research-experimental-nec-tokin-capacitors-replacement-ylod.25260/page-137#post-261514

SYSCON Tutorial: psx-place.com/threads/research-experimental-nec-tokin-capacitors-replacement-ylod.25260/page-192#post-295119

Frankenstein Phat PS3 Tutorial: psx-place.com/threads/frankenstein-phat-ps3-cecha-with-40nm-rsx.28069/page-76#post-324546

PS3 Tantalizer: psx-place.com/threads/research-experimental-nec-tokin-capacitors-replacement-ylod.25260/page-217#post-313627

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

Licensed Music:

8bit Dungeon Boss - Video Classica by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200067
Artist: http://incompetech.com

Dama-May - Primal Drive by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200086
Artist: http://incompetech.com

“Blaxland Nihilore” Free Music by AN
Follow us on Instagram @an.freemusic

Mechanolith by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100879
Artist: http://incompetech.com

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro & Backstory
01:30 Types of YLOD
03:01 NEC/TOKIN Hysteria
05:51 Bias, Delusion, and Misinformation.
10:15 Thermomechanical False Repair
13:46 The Determined Fury of Purpose!
15:51 Reballing's Hard
17:56 Here's Frankie! (RIP)
19:53 Revisit - A test of skill
22:54 Trolls, Rabbit Holes, and Troubleshooting woes.
27:32 Troll in the Voltage Tree
29:07 Progress?
31:45 Testing Phase
33:33 Conclusion

PS3 #1: Repair Horror Story | NEC/Tokin Caps and Tantalum Fix EXPOSED!

RIP Felix 2022-12-24 | THIS IS NOT A TUTORIAL! Do not attempt what you see. I'm not endorsing all the products or methods I use in the video. I am simply recounting my experience and being critical with the benefit of hindsight.

Back in 2019 I started my journey into repairing PS3s. I had little experience working on consoles this complex. So I didn't know what was in store for me. I did what most self respecting hobbyist does, watch YouTube videos, read online tutorials, and jump head first feeling confident I wouldn't break my neck. What I didn't expect was that most of the available information was misleading. As with most consoles nowadays, SONY wasn't exactly jumping at the opportunity to help out. So the repair community was in the dark.

And times were dark indeed.

This video series follows my repair log for each console. In this video I'm mainly recounting my experience with PS3 #1, since at the time I wasn't recording video. I took relatively few photographs too. So the imagery is pieced together from other videos, pictures or staged to get the point across. It's a reenactment, mostly. Try not to get hung up on discontinuities.

Also, I'm telling the story with the benefit of hindsight. I make silly mistakes in diagnosing the console, choosing repairs, and I tried to detail my thought process. My hope is that being candid about my mistakes will help others avoid making similar ones.

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

Licensed Music:

8bit Dungeon Boss - Video Classica by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200067

Artist: http://incompetech.com

Blaxland Nihilore - Free Music by AN

Source: youtube.com/watch?v=96ndTU4xi88

Follow us on Instagram @an.freemusic

Dama-May - Primal Drive by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200086

Artist: http://incompetech.com

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:22 - Purchase & Inspection
01:56 - 1st Tantalum Attempt
04:37 - Misinformation & Rationalizations
06:48 - Sciencey, but flawed 2nd Attempt
08:45 - IT'S ALIVE?
10:34 - Postmortem & 3rd Attempt
11:04 - Blue pill keeps the fairy tale alive
12:34 - Delusion fuels the flame
14:26 - Where there's smoke there's fire
16:50 - Just needs more bridge wires, right?
19:00 - Reality don't care how desperate your are!
20:37 - Ghetto Reballing or Coup De Grace?
22:17 - Recipe for Disaster
23:25 - Conclusion

A PS3 Story: The Yellow Light Of Death (De-cringed)

RIP Felix 2022-12-23 | The reception to this video has been incredible. I didn't think this video would get more than 1000 views, considering the technical nature and niche subject matter. While I poured my soul into doing it justice, this was my 1st video. And as such it has issues, which were pointed out in the comments. I went over all the critical comments and revised the video to address the most frequently mentioned issues.

- Memes reduced (without ruining the metaphors)
- De-clicker applied to reduce mouth sounds
- Music volume reduced
- Other minor tweaks to avoid confusion.

Links to all the posts mentioned in the video can be found here:
psx-place.com/threads/research-experimental-nec-tokin-capacitors-replacement-ylod.25260/page-204#post-301356

[POLL] Did your reballed PS3 last?
psx-place.com/threads/reballing-the-90nm-rsx-does-it-work-long-term.38203

About Copyright:
I tried to transform, talk over, or take it out of context for narrative purposes. Credits are in order of appearance. The purpose is educational, critical commentary, which is protected under the "fair use" exception defined by Section 107 of the Copyright Act in the United States.

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | KSGER T12 (amzn.to/3YAYMjf)
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

Licensed Music:
8bit Dungeon Boss - Video Classica by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200067
Artist: http://incompetech.com

“Free Music by AN Blaxland Nihilore” YouTube, uploaded by Free Music by AN, May 10, 2020. youtube.com/watch?v=96ndTU4xi88. Accessed August 14, 2022.
Follow us on Instagram @an.freemusic

Harsh Alien Machine by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Artist: http://audionautix.com

Echoes of Time v2 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300030
Artist: http://incompetech.com

Cylinder Nine by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/cylinders
Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com

Chapters...
0:00 YLOD Introduction
4:19 PS3 Model Comparison
7:13 Preventative Maintenance?
11:51 YLOD Confusion
13:48 NEC/TOKINs?
18:00 YLOD, POST, and Google...Oh my!
20:18 SYSCON Diagnostics
23:22 The Great TOKIN Massacre
27:19 BGA vs Bumps
27:56 What the XBOX 360 taught us
33:02 "Who's to Blame?"
36:52 Disclaimer
38:09 "BumpGate" Theory
39:43 Science warning
48:02 The Defect?
53:07 Is Reballing BS?
56:20 The Solution?
58:21 Frankenstein Phat PS3
1:03:58 65nm or 40nm RSX?
1:10:50 Conclusion
1:18:37 End Credits

A PS3 Story: The Yellow Light Of Death

RIP Felix 2022-09-01 | This video condenses the last 4 years of my life into 90 minutes! It was a passion project and I hope that comes across. I tried my best to be objective, but there's plenty of opinion and theory. I soft launched this video and corrected some of the inaccuracies viewers pointed out. Thank you, your feedback was helpful!

I don't claim to be 100% correct!

Links to all the posts mentioned in the video can be found here:
psx-place.com/threads/research-experimental-nec-tokin-capacitors-replacement-ylod.25260/page-204#post-301356

[POLL] Did your reballed PS3 last?
psx-place.com/threads/reballing-the-90nm-rsx-does-it-work-long-term.38203

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (amzn.to/47AesGj)

About Copyright:
Where copyright materials are used, I transform, talk over, or change context for narrative purposes. Credits at the end of the video are in order of appearance. The purpose is educational, critical commentary. The "fair use" exception defined by Section 107 of the Copyright Act in the United States should apply. I made a good faith effort, at least.

Licensed Music:
8bit Dungeon Boss - Video Classica by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200067

Artist: http://incompetech.com
“Free Music by AN Blaxland Nihilore” YouTube, uploaded by Free Music by AN, May 10, 2020. youtube.com/watch?v=96ndTU4xi88. Accessed August 14, 2022.
Follow us on Instagram @an.freemusic

Harsh Alien Machine by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Artist: http://audionautix.com
Echoes of Time v2 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300030
Artist: http://incompetech.com

Cylinder Nine by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Source: http://chriszabriskie.com/cylinders
Artist: http://chriszabriskie.com

Chapters...
0:00 YLOD Introduction
4:19 PS3 Model Comparison
9:40 Preventative Maintenance?
14:17 YLOD Confusion
15:59 NEC/TOKINs?
21:12 YLOD, POST, and Google...Oh my!
23:39 SYSCON Diagnostics
26:41 The Great TOKIN Massacre
30:44 BGA vs Bumps
31:15 What the XBOX 360 taught us
36:21 "Who's to Blame?"
40:07 Disclaimer
41:45 "BumpGate" Theory
43:19 Science warning
51:37 The Defect?
56:30 Is Reballing BS?
1:00:01 The Solution?
1:01:25 Frankenstein Phat PS3
1:09:03 65nm or 40nm RSX?
1:16:20 Conclusion
1:24:08 End Credits