How to fix YLOD - Detailed Tutorial

[TacticalLobbies]

I see a lot of tutorials on YouTube about repairing YLODs but most of them are too vague about the process that needs to be done, also some of them aren't done correctly and only lead to you causing further damage to your motherboard.

So I am here to give to a detailed guide on how to repair your console efficiently. But before we begin, there are a few things you will need, here is a list:

• Thermal Compound (Preferably Artic MX-2)
• Heat gun / Hair dryer
• IPA Isopropyl Alcohol (For removing old thermal compound)
• Cotton swabs / Old credit card - (Removing old thermal compound / Applying new thermal compound)
• Antistatic wristband (To stop you from frying any components on your motherboard)

Before beginning this tutorial please make sure that you are NOT standing on a carpet. The carpet will generate static electricity and will cause you to fry your motherboard.
Okay, so I am taking it that you have already disassembled your PS3 and have the motherboard ready.

Step 1 - Cleaning the old thermal compound

1. We want to make sure your motherboard isn't resting on a flat surface. So get two half-inch/inch platforms and have them holding the motherboard up.
2. Get some kitchen roll or a cloth and just wipe away most of the thermal compound.
3. Now take the Isopropyl Alcohol and cotton swabs. Pour a small amount of Isopropyl Alcohol into the cap and then dip the cotton swab into the solution. (Dab it off a little as you don't want to flood your motherboard)
4. Clean the rest of the thermal compound away until the CPU/GPU are completely clean. You may want to do this for the underside of your fan as well.
5. Now move on to the next step.

Step 2 - Heating the motherboard, reflowing the CPU/GPU

1. Before we get started into heating the actual GPU/CPU, we need to first heat the motherboard itself. This makes it easier when we come to reflowing.
2. Take your heat gun/hair dryer and switch to the lowest setting. Go over the board in a zig-zag motion, like so (http://puu.sh/6ZAqr.jpg) - Do this for 30 seconds on each side, making sure the board stays level and the heat gun is about an inch away from it.
3. Now flip the board over so you can see the GPU and CPU.
4. Keeping your heat gun/hair dryer on the low setting, begin heating the GPU making a circular motion keeping the heat gun no more than 3/4 inch away from it. Do not hold it in one place as this will burn the chip. Do this for 90 seconds before moving on to the CPU.
5. After you have reflowed both chips you can move on to Step 3.

Step 3 - Cooling down the board

This is where most people fail when repairing their YLOD, so please read carefully!

1. Keeping the heat gun/hair dryer on a low setting, do the same zig-zag motion we did at the start of Step 2. Don't worry about the distance between the heat gun and the board, just keep that zig-zag motion.
2. There is no need to do both sides, so only do the side with the GPU and CPU. Do this for 45 seconds.
3. Once the 45 seconds is up, leave the board to cool for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 4 - Applying the new thermal compound

1. Once your board has finished cooling, it is now time to apply your new thermal compound.
2. Make two thin lines of paste on both the GPU and CPU. Don't gunk it on.
3. Take your old credit card and begin to spread the paste out, covering the surface completely. Make sure it is evenly spread.
4. Do this for both and you are done. Reassemble your PS3 and get cracking on those games!

Please not that this is only a temporary fix. It can last from a day to up to six months. If you wish to have a more permanent fix then I suggest you look into reballing.

If this doesn't work, you should just buy a new PS3. Or get someone to reball it for you. If it does, then post your results http://www.*************.com/forums/images/smilies/newset1/biggrin.gif


-TacticalLobbies

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