I used to think reflowing a console GPU was a waste of time

For years I told customers it was a band-aid fix that would fail again in six months. Then a guy brought in a PS4 with the classic blinking blue light, and after the usual cleaning and paste swap, it still wouldn't boot. Out of ideas, I ran the hot air station over the main chip for about 90 seconds at 380 degrees, following a guide I found. The thing fired right up. That was over two years ago, and he still brings it in for cleaning. I'm not saying it's a permanent fix, but for some machines, it clearly buys a lot of time. What's the line for you between a proper repair and a temporary fix that's still worth doing?

2 comments

2 Comments

lopez.brooke2d ago

Been there, done that. Sometimes the band-aid fix is all you've got, and it works.

singh.uma2d ago

Reminds me of the time I fixed my sink with duct tape.