Skip to main content

The PlayStation 3 (or commonly known as the PS3) is the third home computer entertainment system produced by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the successor to the PlayStation 2. It was released November 11, 2006

780 Questions View all

How thick thermal pad for YLOD fix?

How thick should the thermal pad be for the ps3 YLOD fix?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 2
Add a comment

9 Answers

Chosen Solution

Actually, it does matter how much thermal compound you use. You should apply enough to cover the top of the chips, but not enough to be squeezed out by the pressure of the heatsink clamps. This is vital, because too much thermal compound can cause problems due to the fact that it is conductive, and if it comes into contact with chips on the motherboard, you can end up with a $300 paperweight. Just recently, I repaired a RROD Xbox 360, that already had an attempted fix, but had thermal compound oozing out under the heatsinks, so doing it right is important.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 5

2 Comments:

Playstation 3 Yellow Light of Death Fix Kit

is the grey pad, i wonder how thick they can be,

by

I totally agree with Chris - you do not want goo oozing out. Daniel are you asking about the rubberized thermal pad in the YLOD fixit kit?

by

Add a comment
Most Helpful Answer

The thermal pads in the YLOD Fix Kit are 2mm thick.

PlayStation 3 Yellow Light of Death (YLOD) Fix Kit Image

Product

PlayStation 3 Yellow Light of Death (YLOD) Fix Kit

$24.99

Was this answer helpful?

Score 8

4 Comments:

Does ifixit sell the thermal pads separately?

by

I need thermal pads too.

by

I know this is old, but is it safe to buy 2mm thick thermal pads from a reputable company, or is there a probability that the pads will be too thick? It's for fat PS3. Not the backward compatible one, but a big one anyway.

by

@Philippe Morin 2mm is 2mm no matter which company. Of course, preference here is given to the iFixit store, but any decent store can sell you the right thickness.

by

Add a comment

Good mod for you to try for the PS3 Yellow Light of Death:

Carefully remove the low-quality original thermal paste and try a reputable brand like Arctic Silver. The thickness does not matter too much as long as the paste covers the entire contact area and makes good thermal contact.

You could also try changing the paste on the Emotion Chip.

There are many other things which cause the YLOD, so this suggestion may not help. It seems to work about 1 time in 4 from what I hear.

Best wishes.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 3

1 Comment:

On the original PS3 (A) the emotion chip was covered by a "pad" not paste. I can't speak for the other versions.

by

Add a comment

NOTE: Also, unless you reball or reflow the PS3, replacing the Thermal pads and paste will not really matter.

This is completely wrong, the thermal paste Sony ( or any company ) uses is usually of lower quality and it gets worn out very easily, same goes for the thermal pads.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 2
Add a comment

A lot of people on here are confusing "Thermal Pads" with "Thermal Paste", which are not even close to the same thing. One is a pad, the other is a paste.

Also, the PS3 and 360 are not even comparable, as the process is not the same. In theory yes, in process no. I find working on the PS3 more similar to a laptop, where the xbox is a little more easier to access like a desktop.

I myself, would like to purchase the Thermal "Pads" only, as I already have tools and a heat gun. I've only found one seller on eBay, but they sell one large pad you have to cut up and it's still $12.

NOTE: Also, unless you reball or reflow the PS3, replacing the Thermal pads and paste will not really matter.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 0
Add a comment

Pads for long term, paste for short. NEVER mix the two.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 0
Add a comment

I fixed mine with just paste before and lasted not even a week, will the the pads and paste make it long term repair?

Was this answer helpful?

Score 0
Add a comment

How do I use the pad and paste is there a video that could show me how to do it?

I found plenty of videos regarding how to use the paste but not the thermal pads ?!

Was this answer helpful?

Score 0
Add a comment

Oh man… when it comes to thermal paste you need to use enough to cover the chip completely. If a little oozes out it is okay AS LONG AS IT IS NOT A CONDUCTIVE THERMAL PASTE! Ones like Arctic ceramique are fine to squeeze out since they do not conduct electricity. If you are going to use something like Arctic Silver then I would be especially careful since that one IS conductive.

Be sure to use really good quality thermal pads since they can move the heat away from the chips more efficiently which will make it last longer.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 0
Add a comment

Add your answer

DANIEL bernesdsd will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 4

Past 30 Days: 31

All Time: 40,339