PS3 SYSCON Tutorial ｜ How to Diagnose the YLOD on PlayStation 3 using its own System Controller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdGPyv0twmM

THIS IS A TURORIAL to gain access and utilize the System Controller IC on a PlayStation 3 to retrieve the error logs and basic debugging information. These are very useful to help diagnose and repair the console after experiencing issues, such as a Yellow Light of Death (YLOD). However, it can be useful for much more than that. I cover the basics, not the more advanced stuff you can do with it. This is mainly geared the novice who needs a windows tutorial. For Linux users, there is already a PDF tutorial on @db260179's github. I suggest you read through the other resources he has compiled in that download as well. There are usefull schematics, voltage test pad locations, and more.

Links:

Written SYSCON Tutorial: https://www.psx-place.com/threads/syscon-tutorial-windows.41664/#post-372173
Download Python: https://www.python.org/downloads/
Download SYSCON Script: https://github.com/db260179/ps3syscon
SYSCON Error Codes: https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Syscon_Error_Codes
Asking for help (PSX Place forum): https://www.psx-place.com/threads/fault-finding-ylod-with-the-syscon-first-steps-and-error-reporting.30100/

A list of my more useful posts: https://www.psx-place.com/threads/research-experimental-nec-tokin-capacitors-replacement-ylod.25260/page-204#post-301356

Tools & Products Used or Recommended (Affiliate Links):

PS3 Disassembly | T6-30 Torx Security Bit set (https://amzn.to/4fneAfg)
SYSCON UART | 3.3v USB-to-TTL Serial Cable (https://amzn.to/3YohDN3)
Breadboard Jumper Wires | Male to Female (https://amzn.to/3A2Rvzu)
Wire Stripper | 20-30 AWG (https://amzn.to/3Us6QjT)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (https://amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Soldering Iron | FNIRSI DWS-200: https://amzn.to/4lK3MLf
Soldering Flux | STIRRI-ASM-TF no-clean (https://amzn.to/40ihOft)
CPU Deliding Tool | Purpose Built (https://amzn.to/4b911iB)
GPU Deliding tool | Pry Bar Door Panel & Trim Removal Tool (https://amzn.to/4fjBfsO)
Plastic Razor Blade Scraper & Blades (https://amzn.to/3AbKdJJ)
Steel Single Edge Razor Blades (https://amzn.to/4hqgZHR)
99.9% Pure Isopropyl Alcohol (https://amzn.to/40mLuIu)
Microfiber Cleaning Towels (https://amzn.to/4fieUM6)
GPU (RSX) Glue | STARS-922 Heatsink Plaster (https://amzn.to/4ffskZT)
CPU (CELL) Glue | Permatex 82194 Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone (https://amzn.to/3YCLzGJ)
CPU Glue Dispenser | 3ml Luer Lock Tip Syringes (https://amzn.to/3C1YXLF)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Syringe Tip Caps for Luer Lock (https://amzn.to/3YqpauS)
CPU Glue Dispenser | Blunt Tip Dispensing Needles with Luer Lock 14 Ga (https://amzn.to/3UqRigj)
Vacuum Sealer | Came with enough bags (https://amzn.to/4e7GcDQ)
Wolfcraft MT Pointed Spring Clamp (https://amzn.to/4dYyDzv)
Digital Calipers Measuring Tool (https://amzn.to/40kVvWB)
ARCTIC MX-4 (20g) Thermal Paste (https://amzn.to/3A412po)
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) Thermal Paste (https://amzn.to/3YqauMe)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (25g) Thermal Paste (https://amzn.to/3C1YA3K)
Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (2.7g) Thermal Paste (https://amzn.to/3C2mBro)
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (1g) | Liquid Metal Thermal Interface Material (https://amzn.to/3NI4Ccr)
Open Cell Foam Tape | 1/2 X 1/4 Inch (https://amzn.to/4hxF7bA)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Brass Standoffs (https://amzn.to/3O2fGBv)
For Motherboard Brace | M4 Knurled Thumb Screws (https://amzn.to/3ArDLOC)
Rotary Engraving tool | For precision masks removal (https://amzn.to/47AesGj)

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:06 What Is SYSCON?
3:53 Who Do We Thank?
04:34 Disclaimer
05:05 Part 1 - PS3 Turns on
09:00 Part 2 - PS3 Doesn't turn on
16:27 Mullion (External)
19:33 Mullion (Internal)
26:40 Sherwood
28:55 Asking For Help (Outro)

Music:
Fluidscape by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/