Anyways using the Hair Dryer Trick or Opening fix the PS3 temporally.
Permanent fix is the reball method. Basically melt off the non-metal balls that SONY was forced to use and replace with metal solders (balls). I made it sound so easy, but it's not. It's not a long process either, you just need the right set of skils and the right tools.
I have two PS3's. One's a 40GB and the other's a 160GB. The 160GB died and I tried the reflow method: open up your PS3 flush it out with Flux, clean off the thermal paste, take an industrial heater and heat the CPU and GPU for about a minute. Let it cool, apply new thermal paste, close the PS3 up and 'enjoy' your PS3 for about a month before it does the same thing all over again.
Again, permament fix is the reball method. Some stores may offer it and it should cost anywhere from $70-$120 to fix. Turnaround (when you get it back) depends on the store.
There's one in Barrie, ON for any Candian in the area interested. It's called PowerUp Gaming. Repairs is one of their branches. Turnaround is one hour.
If you're in Alberta, there's one in Edmonton. I don't recall the name of the store, but I believe it's inside the Edmonton Mall.
Buying/trading in for a new PS3 is also an option. Just take out your Hard Drive and install it in the new one.
CALLING ALL CANADIANS!
*always wanted to do that
I was chatting with the said company PowerUpGaming concerning repairs and prices.
Here's the convo:
You - Click here to change
Hello. I'm wondering if you offer the reball method, as a simple reflow won't keep my PS3 running for long.
Kevin Wells joined the chat
Kevin Wells
Good afternoon, Thanks for chatting.
A professional reflow will last for a year or more if it is the first repair done. Reball's are quite expensive to do as it is twice as time consuming to perform.
Normally we do not offer reball services as part of our regular offerings because of time restraints. We have 2 part-time technicians which handle all of our repair services in the business.
So your system has been repaired prior to now?
You - Click here to change
Yes. I've personally done it. Didn't have a reballl/reflow machine to heat the solders up to the required temperature. My PS3 can still run and turn on, however rigorous gaming isn't recommended.
Kevin Wells
That is the major part of the issue. You can not do a reflow without the proper equipment first off. BUT, if home repairs have been done then it shortens the lifespan of a professional reflow if you choose to have one done later on.
The required temperatures are within 10c of actually frying the processor and that is why professional equipment is recommended.
You - Click here to change
Yes, I understand that. Right now, my only options are reballing, or buying a new system.
Kevin Wells
Our reflow service is priced at $70 and comes with a 3 month warranty. Reball's through us are provided at a cost $
110. If the repair is unsuccessful then there is no charge for the repair service.
You - Click here to change
Okay. I'll consider it. You guys are the only professionals I can trust at the moment. There are a couple of people offering this service from their homes which seems very sketchy.
Kevin Wells
Well, anyone working from their homes would have to have a
220volt line running to their repair bench which most don't have.
We appreciate the confidence, our work speaks for itself. Our success rate is extremely high.
You - Click here to change
Indeed it is. Do I need a set appointment, or can I just drop by anytime during the day when you guys are open?
Kevin Wells
Just drop by and get it booked in for a repair. Typically our turnaround is around 2 to 4 days depending on our work load when dropped off. Systems dropped off today are being booked for a Monday pickup.
We are open Monday to Friday from 11AM to 9PM, Saturday from 11am to 7PM, Sunday from 11am till 5PM.
You - Click here to change
Alright, sounds good
Kevin Wells
Is there anything else I can answer for you?
You - Click here to change
Do you mind if I copy this conversation to help out others on a forum called GTPlanet?
Kevin Wells
No, I don't mind. Feel free to post away.
You - Click here to change
There are a couple members with the same problem, and if any member is located nearby in Canada, this might be able to help them out.
Alright.
Kevin Wells
Have a great day and if you have any other questions then please break into chat anytime.
You - Click here to change
Okay. Have a nice day
Here's the site:
https://www.powerupgaming.ca/Repairs_ep_41.html
Here's their YT:
https://www.youtube.com/user/PowerUpGamingCanada/feed