bubufubu Posted March 2 Share Posted March 2 I've been told that the GPU might be dying on my PS2. It's a US launch version (SCPH-30001). Initially, it had some trouble reading discs back in December. I had the laser (KHS-400B) replaced and that definitely improved/sped up reading of the discs. However, I soon noticed that I could now only play it for 2-3 hours before the game and system would freeze/hard lock on me. I have done some Google searches today but wasn't able to locate any. If anyone has one or knows where I can get one, then please let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bratwurst Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 Sounds like it's overheating. Have the capacitors been replaced? Have the thermal pads been replaced? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubufubu Posted March 3 Author Share Posted March 3 6 minutes ago, Bratwurst said: Sounds like it's overheating. Have the capacitors been replaced? Have the thermal pads been replaced? The repair shop never mentioned this as a possible issue with mine. Not upon the initial diagnostic, replacement of laser lens, or testing of different discs. Nor was it discussed for the follow-up diagnostic, switching out with another brand new laser lens, and further disc testing when I came back to them about the freezing/hard lock issues. From the start, the tech seemed to think it was either the laser lens or the GPU, based on the symptoms. As far as I know, nor the capacitors or the thermal pads have ever been replaced. I'm the original owner and I don't recall any issues of overheating. I've read that fat PS2s (perhaps this specific model) are very heat-tolerant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bratwurst Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 The description of working initially for a few hours and then locking up just strikes me as a heat buildup issue. The reported lifespan for thermal pads is inconsistent but I've seen claims that it's as low as five years, if the pads in yours have hardened/dried out, that'd be something to look at replacing. When your console freezes, does a simple reset or power cycle revive it for another couple hours or does it need to be left off for a while before you can play it some more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bratwurst Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 The fat PS2 also has a built-in power supply which would contribute to heat buildup, especially as it ages, capacitors dry out with time and heat which can affect their performance to a point where they either fail completely or will operate for a short while then temporarily give up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubufubu Posted March 3 Author Share Posted March 3 6 hours ago, Bratwurst said: The description of working initially for a few hours and then locking up just strikes me as a heat buildup issue. The reported lifespan for thermal pads is inconsistent but I've seen claims that it's as low as five years, if the pads in yours have hardened/dried out, that'd be something to look at replacing. When your console freezes, does a simple reset or power cycle revive it for another couple hours or does it need to be left off for a while before you can play it some more? I read that thermal pads very rarely dry out and need to be replaced. I'm certainly no expert on this topic, though. Ultimately, I'd have to bring it to someone else for repair or part replacement. I don't think I'm qualified to do this work. Keep in mind, this is a very recent development (December, 2023). In my 23+ years of owning this console, the only issue I ever experienced was trouble with the laser lens reading scratched discs and blue discs. I cannot recall any instances of being concerned about the console's temperature. Maybe it is overheating and I simply didn't notice it. A simple reset or power cycle has not solved the issue. The first time this happened, I had been playing for 5-6 hours. The system hard locked and the Reset button did nothing. I was forced to power cycle it. When I did, it immediately struggled to load the startup screen. The video ended up freezing but I can't remember if the audio continued to play. I tried two or three games (no previous issue with their condition and the system reading them) and saw similar results. At that point, I was pretty quick to turn the system off and take it to the tech shop. The second instance, I had only been playing for 2-3 hours and got the same symptoms. Turned it off and took it back to the shop. The owner thought the laser might need to be adjusted. They replaced the laser lens with another brand new one and tested a bunch of different discs for 5-10 minutes but saw no issues. I took it home and played it for two hours. Happened again. I haven't played it since. Sometimes, I was able to reset the system and sometimes I had to power cycle. If the tech is only checking to make sure the system boots up, reads all discs, and only playing them for a few minutes, then I'm guessing this is not sufficient to check for overheating. I appreciate your responses. What's your recommendation for my next step? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bratwurst Posted March 3 Share Posted March 3 Thermal pads do dry out, it's dependent on frequency of the thermal cycles they're put through, storage conditions, or just manufacturing defects within a certain batch. If this freezing phenomenon started happening after the first laser replacement I'd ask if the tech pulled the heatsink plate at all and put it back with a ripped pad or could have neglected to check and see if any had fallen out of position. This is just a guess as I don't have the console in front of me to look at it (and I don't want to see it, I'm not soliciting a job here. ) That the system struggles to operate after a freeze and immediate reset or power cycle suggests that it was still in an overheated state and wanted to cool back down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubufubu Posted March 4 Author Share Posted March 4 2 hours ago, Bratwurst said: Thermal pads do dry out, it's dependent on frequency of the thermal cycles they're put through, storage conditions, or just manufacturing defects within a certain batch. If this freezing phenomenon started happening after the first laser replacement I'd ask if the tech pulled the heatsink plate at all and put it back with a ripped pad or could have neglected to check and see if any had fallen out of position. This is just a guess as I don't have the console in front of me to look at it (and I don't want to see it, I'm not soliciting a job here. ) That the system struggles to operate after a freeze and immediate reset or power cycle suggests that it was still in an overheated state and wanted to cool back down. The tech is out today, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to follow up with any questions. Their communication hasn't been good and I'm thinking they charged me too much for the replacement laser and installation. I don't even know if they have the tools to test the motherboard and power supply components. Since the laser has been replaced, I'm wondering if it's worth swapping out the power supply unit with another. I know you're not offering any services but it would be nice if I had someone who could teach me about this stuff in person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bratwurst Posted March 4 Share Posted March 4 Apparently the fat PS2 has a fan- could also be worth checking to see that it wasn't left unplugged inside the console. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubufubu Posted March 4 Author Share Posted March 4 2 hours ago, Bratwurst said: Apparently the fat PS2 has a fan- could also be worth checking to see that it wasn't left unplugged inside the console. She does have a fan. I will make sure to see if it's functioning. I'm in the process of trying to locate another person who does console repairs. I appreciate your help. I'll probably end up opening the unit again, taking pictures, and posting this in another section for further assistance. In the meantime, anyone who comes across a replacement motherboard for this model, in good or better condition, please let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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