After my PlayStation 3 acquired YLOD, I frantically searched the internet for easy solutions for YLOD. I didn’t want to pay Sony $ 150 and wait weeks to get my PS3 back. So after I finished my research it seemed like I had three options available: reflow, repackage, or a PS3 YLOD repair repair guide.
Reflux can be done at home by watching videos on the Internet, but it requires some skill and supplies. The most expensive supply is a heat gun. Reflow involves taking the PS3 apart and reflow the solder between the computer chips and the motherboard. While it’s flowing again, it’s important that you don’t have your heat gun too hot, because if your heat gun is too hot, it can completely screw up your motherboard. Also, it is very important to isolate the motherboard during an ebb. Personally, I use bubble wrap and aluminum foil. The insulation protects the other parts of the motherboard that you don’t want the heat to reach. Then after flowing again, you need to reapply the thermal compound to the computer chips (CPU and GPU). From experience I would recommend Arctic Silver Thermal Compound, it may be a bit more expensive but it will make your reflow last longer. Getting your PS3 flowing again on your own definitely comes with some risks. Personally, I re-stream my PS3 three times, and then the fourth time, it doesn’t turn on anymore. After a process of elimination, I reasoned that I had simply heated my motherboard too long and damaged some component. Another thing to consider about reflux is that it is not permanent. My backflow repairs generally lasted 3-5 months. Reflow is a relatively easy fix that you can do yourself if you can find the right videos and have the right supplies. Just keep in mind that there is a risk of actually messing up your console.
The second solution I mentioned is re-balling. Re-balling consists of replacing the solder balls that attach the computer chips (CPU and / or GPU) to the motherboard. The replacement solder used will be much more durable than the old solder. Batter is impossible to do unless you have the right equipment. The necessary equipment is very advanced and costs thousands of dollars. Changing the ball should be left to the professionals, who can send your console to one of these professionals and have them reset it for you. There are a lot of people on the Internet who are dedicated to changing balls professionally. Re-balling will be the only safe permanent solution for your PS3 if you are a very amateur gamer. Which means that the original solder on the PS3 is not meant for hours and hours of gaming. The downsides of changing the ball include: you will most likely have to turn off your console, unless you can find someone locally, and changing the ball can be a bit expensive. You can search the internet to see what kind of deal you can get, but it will generally cost you $ 90 or more.
The third and final solution I mentioned is to buy a repair guide. The repair guide will eliminate the risk of repairing your console yourself by thoroughly explaining and guiding you through everything you need to do. Also, if you have any questions, the support provided is excellent. The solution provided by the guide will last longer than if you were to flow back yourself, if not a permanent solution. Plus, the repair guide is less than half the cost of rework. With a repair guide, you can replay as quickly as necessary to complete the repair, which usually takes about an hour, and you don’t have to ship your console. For a more detailed review of the repair guide I recommend, follow the link below.