Repaste & Reflow QuestionsI just did my first thermal repaste, on my backup PS3. Arctic Silver MX-4, 'X' pattern. I didn't do anything to heat up the

[XFoxPrower]

So I just did my first thermal repaste, on my backup PS3. Arctic Silver MX-4, 'X' pattern. I didn't do anything to heat up the CPU & RSX before separating the main board but I cleaned up the old paste well. End result, temps dropped 33% (in the 40s). Booted up fine. But start up a GPU-intense game and it would freeze with artifacts while audio continued. I later read about reflowing. But I wasn't willing to put my main board in the oven. Supposedly the solder has to be melted and unmelted? And the CPU cracks due to settling? (Like a house?). When one of these freezes happened, the system wouldn't boot without freezing, until it 'cooled down' (yet the temps were good). So I kept at it. Let it idle in the XMB awhile, monitored temps. Then let it idle in games, even if it were in a catatonic, just to let the CPU & RSX adjust. Then I did a fan diagnostic (Hold Eject as you plug the power cord in). Waited awhile again. And now I've idled in the flames of the start of Infamous without a problem. Temps don't exceed the high 50s now.

So can someone explain what reflowing is and what just happened? Will my system be ok or are its days numbered like a 360 baked in a blanket to resolve a RROD?

 

[HawaiianInTown]

Might be start of gpu failure, very telling characteristics when graphical freezing and artifacts occur. Reflow is used to, in its literal intent, reflow low melting generally lead-free solder balls that exist under a processor. Usually, fractures occur in said solder which will give you these countenance issues belive it or not. I would just reball with leaded solder, and maintain thermal grease annually thereafter.

 

[XFoxPrower]

Might be start of gpu failure, very telling characteristics when graphical freezing and artifacts occur. Reflow is used to, in its literal intent, reflow low melting generally lead-free solder balls that exist under a processor. Usually, fractures occur in said solder which will give you these countenance issues belive it or not. I would just reball with leaded solder, and maintain thermal grease annually thereafter.

Thanks. So the fractures are in the solder, not the die? Can you recommend a good reballing kit? And how difficult is the process? Probably need a heat gun still but I might check into a complete solution.

 

[HawaiianInTown]

Solder fractures, yes. I suggest not getting a reball kit/rework station if you're just doing this one console. It does require some technical skills and a steady hand to make ease of reball processors.

 

[XFoxPrower]

Solder fractures, yes. I suggest not getting a reball kit/rework station if you're just doing this one console. It does require some technical skills and a steady hand to make ease of reball processors.

Makes sense. Though I was thinking of dabbling in reselling modded consoles. I've got more to research. Always fun.

 

[XFoxPrower]

Ooh I like this one it's pretty. And I like the sound it makes too . I guess I like steampunky things.