Why Did My Xbox 360 Get the Red Rings of Death (RROD) or PS3 Get the Yellow Light of Death (YLoD)?

I get asked this question all the time, “Why did my Xbox 360 get the red rings of death (RROD)?” or “Why did my PS3 get the Yellow Light of Death (YLoD)?”.   The answer to this question is mainly due to the lead-free solder balls that are used with the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and the Central Processing Unit (CPU) chips of the Xbox 360 and PS3. Even though Lead solder would be a better choice for this application, back in 2006 the European Union Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)came into effect and prohibited the use of Lead in most consumer electronic products.  Lead Free solder is harder to melt than Lead solder, but will break down more easily and does not set up as well.  

Due to some inefficiency with the lead-free solder, a poor displacement of air flow, and high amount of heat that is produced from the GPU, the beak down of the lead-free solder occurs.  You will get fractures in the solder balls under the GPU as well as the CPU causing what is called “Cold Solder Joints”.  When you get enough cold solder joints your game console will shut down and the Xbox 360 will give you one, two, or three red rings (RROD) and the PS3 will give you the Yellow Light of Death (YLoD).  Yes this happens to most Xbox 360’s and PS3’s.

This article is mainly focusing on the Xbox 360, but can also be related to the PS3 since both consoles use the lead-free solder and both produce a serious amount of heat that mainly comes from the GPU which runs the graphics of the intense games that are played on these consoles.   When you are playing games on your console, the graphics chip is processing an enormous amount of code from the games and the more code is being processed the hotter the GPU will get.  The Xbox 360 produces enough heat to begin affecting the lead-free solder and it starts to break down and then oxidize; the oxidation is somewhat equivalent to corrosion.  (You get enough corrosion on metal and it starts to break down the metal and it becomes brittle, so goes oxidation to lead-free solder.)

When I am explaining to a customer why their system failed, whether it be an Xbox 360 or a PS3, I give a much shorter and less in-depth answer so their eyes don’t get glazed over.  But, I also let them know how we go about repairing their Xbox 360 or PS3 and help to eliminate this problem from reoccurring anytime soon.  Even though we can repair the Xbox 360 and PS3, it should be noted that failures will happen again in time.  Most people want a permanent fix to their game console; unfortunately there is no permanent fix, but we strive to keep the console working for a long time with some of the things we do that will dissipate much of the heat that these consoles produce.

So the next question is, how do I repair the cold solder joints on the Xbox 360 or PS3 and get rid of the oxidation and back to playing games? That will be answered in my next blog post, so stay tuned… you don’t want to miss our repair techniques and helpful tips if you chose to do it on your own. 

PS3 Eject Stuck Disc Due to Yellow Light of Death (YLoD)

You've rented a game or movie from the local "box" and you start to play the game or watch the movie when your PS3 shuts down.  Thinking it is just a abnormality you try to turn the PS3 back on, but just as the green light comes on, you see a quick flash of a yellow light and then it starts blinking red.  Now what?  The rented game or movie is stuck in the PS3.  How are you going to get it out so you can return the disc and not start getting charged for everyday that you have it?

Well, there is good news for most of the PS3 models, but unfortunately not all PS3 models will allow you to eject the disc.  I cannot state why some of the PS3 models will not allow you to eject the disc out of the drive and I have not been able to find any information to explain why some PS3 models will not allow the disc to eject.  The models that will not allow you to eject the disc are the CECH-A01 and CECH-E01 PS3 models.

You can find the PS3 model information on the back of the PS3; the model number is located next to the serial number.  If you find that your PS3 model is not one of the aforementioned models then you are in luck and you will/should be able to eject the stuck disc.  You will need to first completely shut off the PS3 by turning off the console from the back.  You should now have no lights on the front of the PS3; you are going to hold the "eject" indicator on the front of the PS3 and keep holding while you now turn the system on from the back of the console.  You will keep holding the "eject" indicator on the front of the console which will kick on the fan louder than you normally hear the fan come on.  In a few seconds after you hear the fan kick on you can stop holding the "eject" indicator and then you should see the "eject" blue light start flashing and in a couple of seconds the disc will start to eject allowing you to now take the disc back to the "box" you rented it from.

If it doesn't work the first time, try it again, it works.  If you need more help regarding how to do this you can do a search for a Youtube video and you can also go to our video which will help you get the disc out - http://www.gamedayresources.com/Video-PS3LOADEJECT.html

If you are one of many PS3 owners that have the A01 or E01 models you can try to find a walkthrough on disassembling the PS3 to physically remove the disc or you can find a local professionally licensed company that specializes on Video Game Console Repair to repair the PS3 for the Yellow Light of Death (YLoD), which once repaired, you will get your disc back.  If you are not comfortable disassembling the PS3 or don't have the tools necessary to take the PS3 apart and you are located in an area where there are company's that you can take it to, you may want to consider shipping the PS3 console to a professional company on the web, (hint, hint) we can help you with that... http://www.shop.gamedayresources.com/

By chance, if you decide to take on the task of removing the disc yourself from the PS3 console, you should be aware that the Blu Ray drive will need to be reset because it will think that there is still a disc in the drive when the console is repaired.  It is worth noting this information to any company that you take your PS3 to or ship it to for the repair of the YLoD.  I would also warn anyone attempting to remove the disc to go slow and do not force the Blu Ray drive open as you can cause permanent damage to the Blu Ray drive.

Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Slim Disc Read Error Repair

You finally picked up that new game you've been wanting to buy and it's been that kind of week, you just need to get away.  There is no better escape than melting into your favorite chair, grabbing your favorite snack and beverage of choice and then flipping on the Xbox 360 console for some game time.  You carefully tear off the clear plastic wrap on your new Xbox 360 game, pop out the disc and place it in the DVD tray.  You hit the close button, sit down with great anticipation and then "gasp", nothing.  The game disc isn't loading, the onscreen menu just shows "reading" and then it stops attempting to read and shows "open tray".  You get up, annoyed and hit the eject button and then hit the button again to close the tray, but again it just shows "reading" and then goes to "open tray".

This most aggravating problem is commonly known as "disc read error". Even though it is very fixable it is nonetheless a major interference in your game play.  The cost to get this repaired is around $50.00 USD and about one day turn around depending on whether you can find someone local to do the repair. If you have to ship it out for repair, the time and cost will definitely increase.  To find someone you can either check your local craigslist ads or do a Google search for local repairs. You will want to find someone with verifiable electronics repair experience who has a legitimate business license and insurance. There are no actual Xbox 360 Repair Certifications since there are no programs offered by Microsoft to repair the Xbox 360.

Once you have found someone to repair your Xbox 360 for the disc read error, then you will be back on the road to game play recovery.  But, what if you cannot find someone local that you are willing to pay to repair your disc read error on your Xbox 360? There is always the possibility that you may want to try and repair this problem yourself.   It could be just a dirty laser lens; the repair would take about a half hour to an hour to repair yourself.  (We do not recommend this repair to anyone who is not experienced with repairing electronics) The first thing you will need to do in order to repair the disc read error problem is break open the Xbox 360; this link will walk you through opening your Xbox 360 console  http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/repair/Xbox-360-Disassembly.htm.  Once you have opened the Xbox 360 you will need remove and open the DVD Drive.  We are assuming at this point that you have know-how in opening your drive. Now that you have opened the DVD Drive you can clean the laser lens with a Q-tip and a very small amount of rubbing alcohol.  Put the drive back together and you will want to test the drive before you put the console back together.

If after you have cleaned the laser you are still getting the "open tray" on your monitor or TV you will need to determine if the laser is bad or if something else is wrong with the DVD Drive.  Most of the time the laser will be the culprit that stops working.  But, just to make sure it is the laser you are going to want to test a couple of other parts on the drive first.  With the top and bottom DVD Drive cover removed, and the DVD tray in the closed position, move the laser forward and then backwards to see if the worm motor is moving freely.  If the lasers moves back and forth smoothly, then you can assume that the worm motor is working properly.  Next we want to test the disc spindle motor, this is the motor that spins the disc when the drive is engaged and reading your DVD's.  Again, with the tray in the closed position you will find the spindle motor in front of the laser and manually spin the motor using your finger.  If the motor is spinning smoothly then you can assume that the spindle motor is operating properly.  The last thing you will want to check is the spindle magnet on the top of the top drive cover to check to ensure that the spindle is not damaged and isn't stuck.  If it isn't damaged or does not feels stuck then you can assume that it is functioning properly.

At this point we have eliminated everything except for the laser.  Where to get a laser for your Xbox 360 DVD Drive?  First we have to determine what laser we need; here is a link to determine the drive that you have: http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/Xbox_360_DVD_Drive_Comparison.htm.  One drive missing from this list is the Phillips LiteOn drive, but it looks just like the Phillips BenQ drive and takes the same laser; the internal drive is different but as stated uses the same laser.  If your Xbox 360 has the Samsung or the Hitatchi DVD Drive, you will need to find and purchase the HD63 Laser Lens, if your Xbox 360 console has the Phillips BenQ or the Phillips LiteOn drive you will need the iHop-141x Laser Lens.  To purchase one of these lasers you can search eBay or Amazon, the cost will be around $6.00 USD to $15.00 USD.

One thing that you cannot do with the Xbox 360 DVD Drive is swap the DVD Drives due to a keycode that is on the drive controller board which is married to the motherboard.  The keycode on the controller board will only work with that motherboard and if you do swap the drives then your Xbox 360 will not read any Xbox 360 Game Discs, it will only read DVD's at this point.  If you do decide to purchase a new drive, you can purchase the same drive that you currently have and take the drive controller board out of the original drive and install the controller board into the new same drive.  The Samsung and Hitachi drives do not require any soldering, but to swap the controller boards of the Phillips BenQ or the Phillips LiteOn Drives you will need to desolder the original board and solder to the new same drive.  The last alternative is to copy the keycode from DVD contoller board via your computer and some special software and serial card and install the keycode onto any working drive made for the Xbox 360.

Note:  Using a different drive than the original drive with the Xbox 360 may keep you from updating your console with Xbox live or updates from game discs.

If all of this seems overwhelming or not practical because you lack the tools or skills to try any of these repairs, you can send in your console to us to repair the problem for you. Go to GameDayResources

Red Dead Redemption Avatar Rewards

Since it’s release on the 21st of May I have been playing an awful lot of Red Dead Redemption. Whilst progressing through the game I managed to unlock a new avatar item. At the moment, unlocking most of these items remains unknown, but as I find new ones I will update this article.

Here is a list of Red Dead Redemption Avatar Rewards I have found out how to unlock so far:

Sombrero: Shoot someones hat offRed Dead Redemption shirt (red): Found in a trunk in Riley’s Charge cabinRockstar shirt (black): Found in trunk in attic of your final safehousePosse shirt: Rumoured to be unlocked via an upcoming Social Club challenge called “Strike It Rich”Gentleman’s Attire: Rumoured to be unlocked via upcoming Social Club challenge “Skin It to Win It”

If you have found any new Xbox 360 unlockable Avatar rewards in this game, please leave a comment below and I will update the list.

Mark Hamill to retire as Joker after Arkham Asylum 2

As a HUGE Joker fan, this saddens me. In a recent interview with IGN UK, voice actor Mark Hamill revealed that he won’t be revisiting the role of Joker after the release of Batman: Arkham Asylum 2. At first, he was reluctant to do the voice work on the sequel, saying, “My answer to (Rocksteady) for the sequel was; “Guys, we’re never going to be able to top the original” and that he had intended to leave the role on “a high note” with his work on the original Batman: Arkham Asylum.

However, once Rocksteady told Mark Hamill of their intentions for the sequel he agreed to reprise the role. “This will be my last, there’s no question about that,” said Hamill, “but it’s the last hurrah”.

After all the years he has done voice work for the Joker, I can understand why he may want to move on. Still, it’s a shame to know there will be no more Joker after this. Sure, someone else will take on the roll, but for me I feel Hamill’s work suited the “Clown Prince of Crime” perfectly.

On a more positive note, Rocksteady must have something amazing instore for the next Arkham Asylum game to have convinced him to voice the Joker just one more time.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution – first impressions

I managed to bag myself a real bargain purchases, the game yesterday. Deus Ex: human revolution for only £ 29.99 with free 800MS, Argos card (I think the invitation to tender shall expire at the end of the day is fast, 9, in September!). And wow, what a game!

Now, I haven't played this yet so you will not be able to make it through the review, but what I have played so far, the discussions with my friends and I read reviews online, this looks really special game. From the beginning, you can see how they have made this game, the art style and music to detail. Sure, some of the character designs and the look a little bit away from the lip syncing, but not enough to ruin the experience.

Apparently, this game is played with an appropriate style; is a stealthy, or gun everything that moves, such as the maniac. I, personally, try to keep a stealthy approach to take, in the light of the bad guys out of the shadows and silently. At the moment I'm pretty shit it is honest. I get quite a lot of air transport through the territory, only spotted one and having to resort to Shooting my way through difficult. I must be doing something wrong ...?

For my first play through, I think I will just try and work through the game the best I can. This game is a good way that it does not really seem to play in one way or the other. And learn how they certainly makes me a better player? I hope so anyway!

So, if you have the free time this weekend, to go out and buy or rent this game. From the moment when it is started, in the opinion of the own something big. Quite a few people are already in the game, the title "Game of the Year", but to me, yet I look forward to the experience of Batman: Arkham city and Skyrim before I decide what my favourite game this year.

If anyone is playing this at the moment, and there are some great tips on how to manage this game, please visit the leave in the comments area.

Red Dead Redemption Multiplayer Unlockables

Red Dead Redemption has an addictive (yet slightly buggy at the moment) multiplayer mode which allows you to form gangs/posses with friends, ride the open plains, and take down enemy hideouts. It is so much fun, that it has been hard to take the time away to write this article.

As you kill stuff and complete certain tasks you gain experience (XP), which in turn levels up your character unlocking new titles, mounts and weapons. There are 50 ranks in total, as well as a Prestige-style “Legendary” mode which allows players to revert back to Rank 1 once they hit 50, but with the added benefit of even fancier new unlockables.

Here is a list of all currently available unlockable weapons and mounts in Red Dead Redemption:

Rank 1 – Cattleman Revolver, El Senor Mount
Rank 2 – Repeater Carbine
Rank 3 – Throwing Knives
Rank 4 – Lusitano Nag Mount
Rank 5 – Volcanic Pistol
Rank 6
Rank 7
Rank 8 – Winchester Repeater, Turkmen Mount
Rank 9 – Schofield Revolver
Rank 10
Rank 11 – Pump Action Shotgun
Rank 12
Rank 13 – Springfield Rifle
Rank 14
Rank 15 – Dynamite
Rank 16
Rank 17 – Double-Action Revolver
Rank 18 – Sawed Off Shotgun
Rank 19
Rank 20 – Rolling Block Sniper Rifle
Rank 21
Rank 22 – Fire Bottle, Cleveland Bay Mount
Rank 23
Rank 24 – Semi-Automatic Pistol
Rank 25
Rank 26 – Semi-Automatic Shotgun
Rank 27
Rank 28 – Carcano Sniper Rifle
Rank 29
Rank 30
Rank 31
Rank 32 – Henry Repeater
Rank 33 – Hungarian Half-Bred Mount
Rank 34
Rank 35 – High Power Pistol
Rank 36
Rank 37 – Double-Barrel Shotgun
Rank 38
Rank 39
Rank 40 – Bolt-Action Rifle, American Standardbred Mount
Rank 41
Rank 42
Rank 43 – Evans Repeater
Rank 44
Rank 45
Rank 46 – LeMat Revolver
Rank 47
Rank 48
Rank 49 – Mauser Pistol
Rank 50 – Buffalo Rifle, Bonzo Mount (Bull)

Legendary 1, Rank 50 – Buffalo Mount
Legendary 2, Rank 50 – Albino Buffalo Mount
Legendary 3, Rank 50 – Super Bull Mount
Legendary 4, Rank 50 – Zebra Donkey Mount

Update: for a long time!

It has been a very long time, because this blog has been updated with the most recent. Much has changed in the last year, which has meant less time to play, and the more time spent living and beat the lama terrible effects. Things start to look up and now even though I have worked many long days and nights, I'm managing to get back on track a little for my social life, and the cooling off (playing!).

One of my main activity has been catching up on some unfinished games. You know how it is, you can use the resource shortage in the great game, then another has released you don't just play and before it can be expected to know, you load the incomplete games that you are thinking, "Damn that was amazing. Why not complete it? ". I got mass effect 2 release, and which is still in it's plastic pockets!

So what games I've been playing lately …?

I do not consider myself a fan out of the survival horror games, but this one really surprised me! I think mainly it, co-op element. I love that all of the games that you may experience with a friend. Just found it more enjoyable. And what can be more fun than trying to survive, a mad chainsaw-zombie creature, which is a shareholder in a limited ammo?

I also like how you can upgrade your weapons and find a hidden collectables. I'm working through this game relatively slowly at the moment, but I really enjoy spending the odd hour here and there to work through it.

Darksiders is definitely one of those games where I thought, "Why can't prevent the playback of this!?". The graphical style is amazing, the characters are dark and interesting, and the story and gameplay is really connected to me! Initially, this game seems linear adventure game (a bit like crash bandicoot: the wrath of cortex), but after about an hour it really opens the game, similar to Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the style is. In order to solve the great puzzle games are loads of secrets to find bosses and unlockables for the character. Great stuff!

For those who played on the network, for me or for me is your friends list to know that I am "to the achievement of the whore". Not quite to the extent that I am a completionist … Parliament does not just exist. But I like to play and improve your My. Modern Warfare 1 and 2 on the network and really into it. But for some reason Black Ops really pulled me in order to make the whole online in multiplayer mode. Darksiders, because I was not so much, but if I have the time to spare parts and friends on the network, this is a lot of places to run on the date on which the game!

It is a brief summary of where I am up to at the moment, and I have been playing the game sort. Is not new, that I am very eager to play (such as a new Deus Ex game) loads, but now you want to stop some of the oldies.

Games are to play or feel need to be reviewed and completed?

Xbox 360 Repair Process Explained, but a bit about me first

I am not a morning person, although I get the most out of doing things in the mornings. I have to do things myself and I want to know everything about what it is I am doing.  For example, when it came to fixing xbox 360's, I wasn't going to watch a Youtube video to figure out how to fix them.  

I have a background in the working knowledge of BGA Reflow process when I worked for a computer manufacturer, DFI, back in the '90's.  I purchased multiple broken Xbox 360 consoles, studied the specs for melting solder and tested on the consoles I purchased until I was at the point of knowing that I could fix them better than anyone else. 

I burnt up a few of the Xbox 360's just in testing the specifications of the melting points of Lead Free Solder, but we also learned our tolerances of heat.  

My equipment that I use for this process has improved over time and the fix that I developed has greatly improved.  We added improvements to the motherboard and airflow design over time and we repeat the process on every console that we get in to fix.  

We've added PS3 repairs along the way, which is a very challenging system, but we developed a process that fix the toughest consoles.  Reflow process on the PS3 is unique and time consuming but when done properly, the PS3 can run for a long period of time.  Our process on the PS3 is different then most and it is not the same as when reflowing the Xbox 360.  You cannot fix the Xbox 360 or the PS3 the way kids show on YouTube, it may come up for a short time but it does not correct the overall problem.       

get more information from www.gamedayresources.com