60GB (Phat) PS3 Owners - YLOD - Fix It Before It Happens - 56k Warning

YLOD - Fix It Before It Happens

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**This may or may not fix your YLOD problem. The YLOD could mean many different things. This is for the majority of 60GB "Phat" PS3 owners who are experiencing problems due to OVERHEATING. It's highly recommended that you do this anyway (if you own a 60GB model) to keep your PS3 cool and possibly extend its life span.**

Afraid of getting the YLOD?

Did you get the YLOD and want to get your launch PS3 back up on its feet (not guaranteed to work, but it's worth a shot)?

Well, you've come to the right place. ;)

This guide is for 60GB (Phat) PS3 owners only. If you own a new PS3 slim, this really isn't necessary (yet).

Replacing Thermal Compound

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For a guide on how to disassemble your PS3, click here.

• Once you have your PS3 completely taken apart, your CPU and GPU should be exposed and it should look something like this:

• Looks horrible, doesn't it?
• This is one of the main reasons you guys are getting hardware failures (YLOD) on your PS3s. Thermal compound should be replaced around every two years. This is long overdue and further use could damage the CPU/GPU.

• The stock thermal compound isn't looking so good. Time to replace it to extend the life of your PS3. :)
• The next step is to clean the old stuff off. I highly recommend using rubbing alcohol and some cotton swabs.

• Just dab the cotton swab in the alcohol and wipe it all off. Make sure its all nice and dry and it should look something like this:

• Now, it's time to put on the new stuff. :) I recommend the best - Arctic Silver 5

• ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 is great too.

• Update: You could also use Tuniq's TX-2 (zero curing time, best performance) or Cooler Master's ThermalFusion 400

• If you give the Arctic Silver 5 around two weeks to cure, it should be able to preform as well as Tuniq's TX-2. If you want instant results, just get the Tuniq TX-2 or Arctic Cooling MX-2.

• Just put a little dab of it on your RSX and CELL (pea-size amount).
• I'm sorry that I don't have a picture of me applying the thermal paste, but here are a few images that demonstrate how much is needed.

• Don't bother spreading it around. Just place the heatsink back on, apply pressure, then lift it off. It should look something like this.

• That's the perfect amount. ;)
• When your PS3 is all together again, turn it on and leave it run idle for awhile to let it heat up and spread a little more.
• After that, you're done! You should see results within the next few days (depending on how long you play on your PS3).
• If you used MX-2 or Tuniq's TX-2, you should see results almost immediately. That stuff cures very fast.

the only reason the thermal compound is fail is because they use that crap, cheap ceramic stuff.

SONY, I WILL HAVE MY VENGEANCE!

I dunno, But maybe Sticky this?

Ne freaking way am I smrat enough to do that. Cool slides though.:)

This will come in use if my 60 gb decides, to defect on me.

Oh, and Riku did yours die?

Oh, and Riku did yours die?

samuraiguns

So does this only affect 60GB owners? I have a slim so I'm worried about having to do this in 2 years...

So does this only affect 60GB owners? I have a slim so I'm worried about having to do this in 2 years...

link7654

I had to do this after my 60gb overheated and got YLoD, it's really not to hard to take apart a PS3 (just remember where the screws go and you're good ;)) So if you're thinking about doing it, or if your PS3 gets YLoD, you probably should try this before shelling out a ton of money.

Also I've heard good things about ThermalFusion 400 compound, haven't tried it myself yet though.

Damn, where were you in late 2008?:lol:

Every two years eh? Sounds realistic to me since my first one quit on me a year and ten months. A lot better to fix it myself than to pay $190 that I don't really have to spare.

But I have to ask though. On the first instance of YLOD, is it reversible? Or is it considered dead once it hits? Because my first wasn't "two years" to be exact, but I don't really want to have to dissemble my PS3 "every year" either. Especially if I have to go out and find that paste.

Great thread though! One of the very RARE useful threads on here. Mods, make this a sticky will ya??

I had to do this after my 60gb overheated and got YLoD, it's really not to hard to take apart a PS3 (just remember where the screws go and you're good ;)) So if you're thinking about doing it, or if your PS3 gets YLoD, you probably should try this before shelling out a ton of money.

Also I've heard good things about ThermalFusion 400 compound, haven't tried it myself yet though.

TehSonofUgly

So this method did work once it occurred...?

I had to do this after my 60gb overheated and got YLoD, it's really not to hard to take apart a PS3 (just remember where the screws go and you're good ;)) So if you're thinking about doing it, or if your PS3 gets YLoD, you probably should try this before shelling out a ton of money.

Also I've heard good things about ThermalFusion 400 compound, haven't tried it myself yet though.

TehSonofUgly

That stuff is awesome. Tuniq TX-2 is up there as well.

But I have to ask though. On the first instance of YLOD, is it reversible? Or is it considered dead once it hits?

Denji

Yep it's reversal (if it's just an overheating problem due to bad thermal paste), however running your PS3 really hot can make you run into a slew of other problems. Better to be safe than sorry.

[QUOTE="Denji"]

But I have to ask though. On the first instance of YLOD, is it reversible? Or is it considered dead once it hits?

TehSonofUgly

Yep it's reversal (if it's just an overheating problem due to bad thermal paste), however running your PS3 really hot can make you run into a slew of other problems. Better to be safe than sorry.

That's good to hear! (read)

At least it's a solution. I wouldn't doubt disconnecting it's power the second it happens and wait till it cools off will help it before attempting this. But I would hope it's just paste though. Especially if your PS3 is well ventilated and not abused.

Simple actually, i myself have built all my own PC's so this will be a cake walk.

Got some Mx-3 here too, my 40Gb is out of warranty anyway so ill just do this when it YLOD, if ever.

Wow, I didn't realize that TX2 was the best thermal compound out right now. :o

To anyone who hasn't done this yet - Get TX2.

Wow, I didn't realize that TX2 was the best thermal compound out right now. :o

To anyone who hasn't done this yet - Get TX2.

Rikusaki

I would assume that this paste is available at hardware/electronics suppliers??

[QUOTE="Rikusaki"]

Wow, I didn't realize that TX2 was the best thermal compound out right now. :o

To anyone who hasn't done this yet - Get TX2.

Jettero-Heller

I would assume that this paste is available at hardware/electronics suppliers??

Thank you Rikusaki! I will get the Tuniq TX-2 Thermal Paste & try to fix my 60GB PS3. If it works, great! You will save me an extra $300 but if it doesn't, I have nothing to lose since my 60GB has been dead since last Christmas & I'll just get a Slim as planned.

MODS - Please Sticky this! It will be helpful in the future for those who get the YLOD & want a Do It Yourself Guide.

Edit - Not complaining but I went to Newegg to get the Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound & the shipping cost is nearly $16.00 to Hawaii. Uh...... WTF? How much does this Thermal Paste weigh? I mean holy turd on a stick. That's a freaking rip-off if I've ever seen one!

Does anyone have a recommendation for Thermal Paste off of www.amazon.com with their Free Super Saver Shipping Deal? I would appreciate it! Only one I see so far is Arctic Silver 5. Is that ok compared to the TX-2? Thank you in advance!

91 platinum trophies? Damn! It takes a lot of trophies to get me impressed. :P Cool guide, I had no idea this was a problem. How do I know when to do this? I haven't had any problems with my PS3 (aside from Assassin's Creed 2 making my PS3 freeze 4 times back in January).Chaos_Bladez

Ryusaki, that is quite amazing. I thought anyone over Level 10 was doing well with collecting trophies but nevermind that. He just blew it out of the water with Level 37.

God damnit, WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THIS SOONER RIKU?

Sticky, NOW.

Wow, great guide!

Sounds like my PS3 should be good as new after this procedure.

I just recently ordered a new laser to replace the broken one I have, and with this thermal paste business, I guess I'll be disc-read-error and YLOD-free for at least a few months :D Thanks!

I'm contemplating doing this, but my problem is artifacting similar to this. So I'm wondering does this mean my gpu is already shot or will reapplying new thermal paste fix the issue?

I was under the impression that when a PS3 YLODs it is not due to bad thermal paste, but rather due to the solder connections on cpu/gpu coming loose. The paste is reaplied, but it is neither the problem, or the solution to YLOD. My 80gig died over a week ago and Ive read/watched just about everything I could find on "YLOD fixes", not one of them has ever mentioned the thermal paste as the fix itself. Also, you need a much better coating of paste than the OP reccomended, not just a small dab in the middle. Here is the most popular I found (also worked for me): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_Ic1_TY-GU--Rob--

Good job on this bro! very helpful to the 60GB owners!

Remember, it's not necessary to spread out the paste. Actually, it's better if you didn't.

These charts prove that allowing the thermal compound to spread out naturally gives you much better results.

Wait, are you meaning to say that I paid $180 to get my PS3 repaired when that is all they probably do at the Sony repair center? What a complete rip off.

Yeah, I've been thing about doing this by the end of this year (my ps3 completes 2 years in august), though it is a 40GB model, I've reard that the 40GB ones comes with a way better Thermal paste then the BC models, so I don't know.

Do you guys think it's necessary?

I had to do this after my 60gb overheated and got YLoD, it's really not to hard to take apart a PS3 (just remember where the screws go and you're good ;)) So if you're thinking about doing it, or if your PS3 gets YLoD, you probably should try this before shelling out a ton of money.

Also I've heard good things about ThermalFusion 400 compound, haven't tried it myself yet though.

TehSonofUgly

The thermal paste needs to be spread out or you are going to cause more damage than good. It is ment to make an even contact throughout the entire surface to allow the most possible heat transfer from valuable parts. With it only on like 50% of the surface you will not get very good results.wooooode

This is absolutely correct. The bead method of applying it (illustrated above) is meant for specific types of pc processors, such as single or dual core, where the chips are positioned closer to the center. The Cell processor configuration is much different than a standard PC processor. Therefore it's important to spread the compound evenly around the processor otherwise you will not have adequate heat dissipation. The manufacture of AS5 also suggest different methods of apllication depending on what type of processor you have so i highly sugguest you dont use the bead method on the ps3.

Of course i wouldnt recommend anyone doing this if i havent done it myself first and i promise you it'll do wonders for your ps3.

[QUOTE="Rikusaki"]

[QUOTE="--Rob--"]I was under the impression that when a PS3 YLODs it is not due to bad thermal paste, but rather due to the solder connections on cpu/gpu coming loose. The paste is reaplied, but it is neither the problem, or the solution to YLOD. My 80gig died over a week ago and Ive read/watched just about everything I could find on "YLOD fixes", not one of them has ever mentioned the thermal paste as the fix itself. Also, you need a much better coating of paste than the OP reccomended, not just a small dab in the middle. Here is the most popular I found (also worked for me): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_Ic1_TY-GU--Rob--

thats the extent of your reply?

"The paste is neither the cause, or fix for YLOD"

Care to address? As I already said, your OP seems at odds with every other YLOD fix article Ive seen. You got a lot of ignorant people running around happy here, extraneous charts about thermal paste performance and application were really the least of my concern with your OP.

Well it seems that most of the problems is just overheating that comes from bad thermal paste. Now YLoD could actually be any number of problems from a dead PSU to bad solders, but for the most part its just this. And really the reason why there might be solder connections coming loose is because of the board warping from overheating (this was the big issue with 360, heat + X-clamps = RRoD) so it's best to do this anyway to keep your PS3 running cool so you dont encounter those other problems.

[QUOTE="TehSonofUgly"]

I had to do this after my 60gb overheated and got YLoD, it's really not to hard to take apart a PS3 (just remember where the screws go and you're good ;)) So if you're thinking about doing it, or if your PS3 gets YLoD, you probably should try this before shelling out a ton of money.

Also I've heard good things about ThermalFusion 400 compound, haven't tried it myself yet though.

bobaban

Yeah it did and has been running fine since late June. I also spent a lot of time cleaning out dust too (the previous owner must not of had a vacuum :P)

Arctic **** Silver did not fix my problem. I am going to use flux and Innovation Cooling 7 Diamond compound. Hope that this will be a permanent fix.

Remember, it's not necessary to spread out the paste. Actually, it's better if you didn't.

These charts prove that allowing the thermal compound to spread out naturally gives you much better results.

Rikusaki

your graph dosent have a y axis label, can i ask what it is?

some games like uncharted 2 and badcompany 2 (bad co. 1 also) and GTA to name a few cause my fan to kick in to high gear, whereas games like demon's souls do not. I imagine it has something to do with the processing and overall temperature of the unit... I have had my 40gb model (using a 250 gb hddrive now) for just over two years. I wonder if this will do a better job of heat dissipation? I have my doubts though because if I open my balcony door the fan eventually backs down. My ps3 just seems to be extremely sensitive to heat, and just to clarify, it is sitting on a completely open tv stand, no back or front or sides (it's glass, pretty nice haha).

[QUOTE="Rikusaki"]

Remember, it's not necessary to spread out the paste. Actually, it's better if you didn't.

These charts prove that allowing the thermal compound to spread out naturally gives you much better results.

shabab12

your graph dosent have a y axis label, can i ask what it is?

Degrees Celsius.

Great post :]

I just wish I saw something like this before my console suffered the YLOD.