Broken "Fat" PS2 from eBay (Not So Broken) - Retro Console Restoration

In this video I work on a 'fat' PS2 that I recently purchased from eBay. The system was advertised as non-working, specifically due to the controller ports being unresponsive. The description stated that the system powers on and reads discs. I've wanted to own a fat PS2 for a while and I'm interested in modding one soon so I decided to take the gamble and see if I could repair it.

The listing only contained a single grainy photo of the system, so I was delighted to receive a unit in fairly decent cosmetic condition. Best of all, the warranty seal was intact so my hopes for a successful repair were running high.

Upon inspecting the controller board, I noticed what appeared to be a bent pin or spring. After some fiddling with it I was able to straighten it out. I was surprised that the controller port came back to life. I was both delighted and somewhat surprised, although if my repair journey has taught me anything its that most repairs are generally feasible and uncomplicated (think broken power connectors and blown fuses).

As for the optical drive, despite the fact it was working, the system was slow to read discs. The inside of the system was quite filthy, so before even considering messing with the potentiometers I refurbished the drive and made sure it was squeaky clean and lubed up with some new lithium grease.

Finally, as with all consoles of this era, the clock battery was dead. Changing the clock battery on this system requires a full teardown to reach the battery socket. Fun! But... I would have done a teardown anyway on a unit this dirty.

I loved working on this system. I have to admit I would have enjoyed a bit more of a challenging repair, but this is what I received and these are the steps that I took to refurbish this unit. I'm looking forward to modding this unit, and I finally own the grandaddy PS2 to watch over the baby Slims that I own. Woohoo!

🎵 Music
Bensound - Endless Motion
https://www.bensound.com

Affiliated links below to some of the tools I use if you'd like to support the channel:

🖥 Composite and S-Video on my Mac
USB Capture Card: https://amzn.to/2YM4TT7
(Catalina 64-bit drivers can be found on the manufacturer's website)

🔧 Toolkit
Screwdriver Set: https://amzn.to/2X7s0Gj
Automatic Wire Stripper: https://amzn.to/30F5TJm
White Lithium Grease: https://amzn.to/2UApx5M
Plastic Restorer Sponge: https://amzn.to/3nwIEd8

🖌 Soldering Essentials
TS100 Soldering Iron: https://amzn.to/2YIJZUR
No Clean Flux Syringe: https://amzn.to/2NFUZvQ
No Clean Solder: https://amzn.to/2NHEAqQ
Desoldering Braid: https://amzn.to/312Grws

🔍 Soldering Add-ons
Tip Tinner: https://amzn.to/31w2EF4
Helping Hands Soldering Aid: https://amzn.to/3ihgksP

🔥 Thermal Compounds
Arctic MX-4 Thermal Paste: https://amzn.to/2Ak2y8w
1.5MM Arctic Thermal Pads: https://amzn.to/2Vv1RQU

Видео Broken "Fat" PS2 from eBay (Not So Broken) - Retro Console Restoration канала Borderline OCD