PS3 Slim - CECH 200X - Capacitors check

[dedalo101]

Hi,
I would to fix my ps3 slim which has many issues (not related to CPU or GPU); before digging into these issues I would to check the capacitors all around the motherboard; I have read that testing capacitors with the continuity check could results in a false positive reading: could someone tell me which is the correct ohm value that should I read on the tester?
Thanks!

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: PS3 Slim - CECH 200X - Capacitors check

You need a ESR capacitor tester to do this not a volt ohm meter

Or just replace all the capacitors that a UF less than 100

To start with or just replace all the capacitors to be on the safe side but you would also need to do this with the power supply as well

[dedalo101]

Re: PS3 Slim - CECH 200X - Capacitors check

Hi,
do I have to buy a specific model or can I buy the cheapest one?
For instance, is this ok?
https://www.amazon.com/KKmoon-Precis...770595&sr=8-92

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: PS3 Slim - CECH 200X - Capacitors check

You would be better off buying this type

https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-MESR..._t3_B077JMYW6K

This is what you are looking for when buying a ESR meter
For a ESR meter

“ Using true 100 KHz sine wave to measure the ESR value, which is equal to the testing method of capacitor manufacturer. “

Now if you want to read the UF value then the you selected would work for this purpose

[dedalo101]

Re: PS3 Slim - CECH 200X - Capacitors check

Clear explanation, thanks; however is there something cheaper? I am a rookie and I would prefer not to spent too much at least without any experience in this kind of works. If there isn't an alternative I would buy it from aliexpress because is cheaper.

[Per Hansson]

Re: PS3 Slim - CECH 200X - Capacitors check

Yes you can look at the project called "Transistor Tester"
There are a couple of kit versions if you prefer to solder it yourself.
And some premade ones that are surprisingly good.
This is all based on an open source project: and so you can reflash the firmware to gain additional functionality.
The Chinese manufacturers just "steal" the open source firmware and call it their own with no links back to the project, just FYI.

Here are some eBay links, IMPORTANT, I do absolutely not endorse any of these, please select a seller you prefer and look up their feedback etc!!!
Most feature rich with Atmega 644: https://www.ebay.com/itm/M644-Transi...3/203041721905
Standard kit version with Atmega 328: https://www.ebay.com/itm/M328-LCD-12...r/201481944845
A seller that has many different variants: https://www.ebay.com/itm/M328-LCD-12...r/201481944845
Bside ESR02 with nice case: https://www.ebay.com/itm/BSIDE-ESR02...r/402358667978

Some links about firmware upgrades:
https://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50720
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testge...14/#msg3039314
https://www.mikrocontroller.net/topic/248078

[momaka]

Re: PS3 Slim - CECH 200X - Capacitors check

Also, regarding the PS3 capacitors: generally PS3's use Tantalum, Ceramic, a few solid polymer electrolytic ones, and of course the well-known (as problematic) NEC/Tokin Prodlizer caps.

So in short, if you have any NEC/Tokin caps, don't even bother getting an ESR meter - just replace those caps on sight. It seems like it really is a matter of -when- they will fail rather than -IF-. By the time I learned this, I stopped doing console repairs. However, I hear people usually replace those with just large-value Tantalums and/or SMD solid polymer electrolytics. Just have a look around badcaps for the NEC/Tokin caps, and you will see what people have used.

[dedalo101]

Re: PS3 Slim - CECH 200X - Capacitors check

@Per Hansson
ok I will take a look to these alternatives based on ATMega; Could I add probes? I mean, are they working with probes and can I check components directly on the motherboard without desolder them (which is pretty impossible)?

@momaka
I suppose NEC/tokin components are not the main issue in my case. Anyway I keep your advice in mind.

[Per Hansson]

Re: PS3 Slim - CECH 200X - Capacitors check

@Per Hansson
ok I will take a look to these alternatives based on ATMega; Could I add probes? I mean, are they working with probes and can I check components directly on the motherboard without desolder them (which is pretty impossible)?

In circuit ESR measurements are pretty much pointless.
It requires that you know the circuit really well to be useful.
And if several caps are in parallel like is often the case, then in circuit measurements are always pointless.
But to answer the questions: yes there is an in circuit test mode in the firmware.
And you can calibrate the unit with cables/probes (cables resistance have to be taken into account via calibration).
The M-firmware will even allow two different calibrations: one for probes and the other for the test socket.

[dedalo101]

Re: PS3 Slim - CECH 200X - Capacitors check

I have already heard that in circuits measurements is pointless without the motherboard scheme... but desoldering each component is clearly not the way to follow... is impossible to desolder each component when I do not know where the issue is/are. I have an idea where it is / they could be but I also I cannot exclude that other parts and related components could have been damaged. So my idea was to identify at least the areas around the motherboard which could have issue and then going deeper (in ways which I don't know now).