$0.96 Faulty PSone Repair - Retro Console Restoration

In this video I restore a neglected PSOne that wouldn't turn on. What appeared to be a simple mechanical issue turned out to be a bit more complicated and challenged my beginner soldering skills. This was a really fun restoration and I learned a lot from working on it. My success motivated me to double down on this hobby (repairing electronics) and try to get better at it, while combining that with my love of retro gaming and older consoles in general.
It was quite eye opening to me that sometimes a faulty component that costs less than a dollar is all it takes to get a device working again, especially in today's throwaway culture where its easier to toss something in the trash and just replace it with a new one.
My gear has improved a bit since this repair video. Below are a few affiliated links 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: amzn.to/2YM4TT7
(Catalina 64-bit drivers can be found on the manufacturer's website)
🔧 Toolkit
Screwdriver Set: amzn.to/2X7s0Gj
🖌 Soldering Essentials
TS100 Soldering Iron: amzn.to/2YIJZUR
No Clean Flux Syringe: amzn.to/2NFUZvQ
No Clean Solder: amzn.to/2NHEAqQ
Desoldering Braid: amzn.to/312Grws
🔍 Soldering Add-ons
Tip Tinner: amzn.to/31w2EF4
Helping Hands Soldering Aid: amzn.to/3ihgksP

[@graevly8066]

As someone who is just getting into video game restoration, it’s satisfying watching others do the same. My first project is a DMG Gameboy, I actually fixed it except for the screen which was unrepairable, so I just ordered a working one today.

[@BorderlineOCD]

That's fantastic. Good for you! It's a fun hobby.

[@gb.recordings]

Hi how you doing I love your channel I have a question I have a PS1 slim and I made a mistake and soldered off some resistors when I was trying to install a mod chip and I also put a glob of solder on one of the chips if you have a email address I can send you pictures of what I'm talking about I want to know if you can fix it and install the mod chip and you could give me pricing

[@Kurumisama]

I'm not sure what's more impressive, how easy you fixed it or the fact that you got a virgin PSone

[@cbspydoge]

What do you mean by "virgin PSone"?

[@Kurumisama]

@@cbspydoge intact warranty seal, with no modchip installed, unless you get one in a sealed box, that's harder to find than an unicorn

[@cbspydoge]

@@Kurumisama Thanks for the quick response!

[@Kurumisama]

@@Fazer_600 depending on the condition it might be worth more than a regular one if it's still functioning properly.

[@Kurumisama]

@Strange things are happening to Woody the thing there is that most of them got them removed

[@BrianOfAteionas]

Nice! I'm glad the drive was in good shape!

[@carlossanbel95]

I'm an engineering student in Electronic Instrumentation. I'm fascinated with the video, I've never been able to repair a device in this way, whenever I try I don't know what procedures to do haha. Good video, greetings from Mexico!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@volkdehey6161]

I'm gonna watch this channel grow to the hundreds of thousands

[@BorderlineOCD]

Wow, that's high praise indeed. Thank you for your vote of confidence.

[@grangameplaysturismo8148]

Probably even millions!

[@rodriguezmontes8242]

OMG I would like to have that knowledge to repair things. In that way, I would never worry about my consoles again.

[@BorderlineOCD]

My first repair was a broken power cord on an appliance. We have to start somewhere. If you think you'd enjoy it, find something faulty and take it apart and see if you can figure out whats going on with it.

[@_anjerikku_]

I do too! These videos really inspired me to want to do console repairs. Its so interesting.

[@banortwi]

So glad I found this channel. Every once in a while, I come across a creator whose all videos are of interest to me. You are definitely one of them. Subscribed and am thrilled to see the channel grow!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm thrilled and humbled with the response I've received so far. Glad you're enjoying the content.

[@NullifiedPerson]

This was soo cool to watch but I thought u had like 100k subs but u only have like 300 and surprised that so many creators are not found and recognized that they also have good content so I will support by subscribing to you my man good job I love this content and this video was in my recommended

[@BorderlineOCD]

Haha a man can dream! I appreciate the kind words and encouragement. Glad you're enjoying the content.

[@valdemar5015]

Almost 2k now

[@kwbalance108]

Hold the fuck up.....Borderline had ONLY 300 SUBS LAST WEEK?! O.O

[@Enjoymentboy]

"Just jerk it around a little bit and make sure it's in there really good". Best tech repair advice I have ever heard.

[@averynicedog1198]

Your channel is so underrated! Keep doing what you are, I subscribed! ( You should restore more consoles it’s such a great content, I will recommend you to my friends)

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you for your words of encouragement and glad you’re enjoying the content.

[@NangTalksBoxing]

That bootup sound never fails to give me chills

[@BorderlineOCD]

It takes me back to a certain time and place. Feels like a lifetime ago.

[@Kinsanth_]

That bootupsound should have been used in all other playstations too. Nothing beats the original bootupsound

[@NangTalksBoxing]

@@Kinsanth_ 💯

[@aarorasilainen]

KZbin recommendations did me good. Great video!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@squeakers27]

Seems this video is being recommended and damn it really is a great video. It will be great to see your other videos. A sub earned :)

[@BorderlineOCD]

Definitely check out my other videos if you haven't already :) Thanks for the sub.

[@NSHG]

Glad I found your channel and greetings from Romania. I always love how you're tackling every aspect of every console. From the smallest things like video caps for PSone and Game Gear consoles, to the biggest stuff like reflowing 360s, PS3 YLODs , and the most favourite aspects I love, tackling the OG Xbox and the PS2. I hope that one day I might be able to do a set up and tackle various beloved electronics from my home (Acer 5542G restoration, Compaq CQ56 laptop upgrade, OG Xbox revisiting, PS3s, chipped PS2s and such) and hopefully make videos out of them.

[@Magnus44711URI]

Just happened to come across your channel, and I'm quite surprised at how you haven't got more views and subs - your videos and work are of a very high standard. Keep it up with the content, liked and subscribed :)

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you sir, appreciate the encouragement.

[@chakalzoku3467]

Im glad this was in my recommendations, nice video man

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@waffle_yt2094]

Cool

[@Kinsanth_]

That console now has again many years of lifespan ahead. So satisfying :)

[@kei2142]

10:14 you can also check your previous recordings and see the orientation of the caps.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Indeed, that would make sense :)

[@MaxHustle8052]

Love the Spyro music in the background

[@BorderlineOCD]

It's actually a cover rather than the original track but it's a great rendition.

[@mgssnake]

@@BorderlineOCD great man, very like this track , Demo disc from poland PlayStation Magazine ;) memories

[@lincoln537]

So satisfying to watch. It's good to see people which they know what to do and what to check and they fix things. Well done!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you, still a beginner in board repair but learning a little with each project.

[@lincoln537]

@@BorderlineOCD You are doing great job. Keep posting more videos!

[@InkyEzrox]

Nice work restoring this PSone!! This showed me that in the future, it's worth my time to buy a non-working console and repair it, rather than overpay for a working unit. Repairing consoles actually seems pretty interesting and maybe even kinda fun! You've earned yourself a subscriber, keep up the good work! 😁👍

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it. It’s a fun hobby for sure!

[@Fireblazer-ly3od]

You really deserve more subs. The quality of this video made me think you were more popular than you are. I subbed because I love the videos you make. Keep up the good work!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks for the sub, much appreciated!

[@RezRetroBuilder]

I love that you can get a old console up and running again. I have been at it for a couple months now, just learning how. So thanks for the videos I always find them helpful. I am doing a Sega Genesis 2 right now for my cousin, Sonic the Hedgehog theme. I'm pretty stoked on how it's turning out so far. I actually only bought the broken console for 25 bucks I fixed it and now customizing it and soon to be selling it to her. So thanks again for the awesome videos. Keep it up. Look forward to the next one.

[@No1BRC]

Hey, thats really an interesting video and ha, I just subscribed to be your 1000th. You deserve way more!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks for the sub!

[@rowenramnath2016]

Can this be done in a ps2

[@BorderlineOCD]

Not sure. These particular caps are known to fail on the PSone. I’m not aware that the PS2 has the same known issue.

[@nerdtecinfox0904]

Top vídeo! Congratulations,shout out from Brazil.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Força Brasil!

[@gabrielsampaio3365]

THIS HELP ME SO MUCH I WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY PS1 I will update when try to repair with this GREAT VIDEO

[@BorderlineOCD]

Good luck with your repair.

[@JohnDoe-wl2wu]

Man I have a lot of consoles you really got me motivated to fix my own stuff I hope your page grows and you're successful

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you very much. Good luck on your console repair journey. It’s a fun hobby for sure.

[@cum_as_you_are]

Congratulations! Lucky find

[@Casmar27]

Damn that is a proper repair not those fake ass videos of people fixing fake consoles with coffee grinds. Plus the info is very helpful and very encouraging to try to fix things rather then throwing them away. Especially on a classic console that still looked amazing 👍

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks so much, appreciate the support 👍🏻

[@MrJozza65]

Nice tidy replacement of those caps, those replacements fit in neatly

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you sir. They look kind of hilarious and ridiculous at the same time but I've grown quite fond of them :)

[@BigMartian]

I never watched a tech video from start to end till now. Aura was good.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@sergioaguayogarciara]

Nice repair, very well done. Just keep in mind that capacitors don't have cathodes/anodes. They just have negative/positive leads. Keep up with more nice videos like this!

[@drumme19r84]

Great restoration, but I would recommend to replace all caps when you first do a restoration. The ps1 is getting a bit old now and it would be a shame if one started to leak and ruin parts of the machine.

[@BorderlineOCD]

I'd definitely consider this on a system that has more personal collecting value to me. I'm keeping a look out for the original PS and may do a more thorough restoration once I get my hands on one.

[@cadetdiaz]

You amazing you just being back my fun and beautiful childhood memories thanks for the video great tips

[@BorderlineOCD]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tricomputing]

I'm impressed with your troubleshooting skills and how cleanly you got the caps off the board. Your soldering skills need some work. This is an older video so I'm going to assume your skills have improved since this and you have invested in some better quality solder and a better iron.

[@DrDocta]

Can’t believe this guy hasnt even surpassed 500 subscribers yet! You have amazing content, I was honestly expecting atleast 5-11k subscribers. Hope you keep growing! I also have a request. Can you try to repair and restoration on a gba/ gba sp? I guarantee you will get lots of views on the video.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the content. My most recent handheld purchase was a bunch of DMG Game Boys and some Pockets. I have a few more to repair before I look for another haul but the GBA is on my radar!

[@DrDocta]

Borderline OCD Okay, I would enjoy watching a pocket restoration though!

[@BorderlineOCD]

I've done a Pocket video replacing the polarization filter check out my other videos if you haven't seen it already :)

[@welshtony1]

Great repair fair play. You just gained a new Sub :) Looking forward to other videos now

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks for the sub!

[@welshtony1]

No problem

[@drewbreezy5854]

Good video. I liked your high detail, zoom shots

[@anthonywatson3130]

Just so I learn something, you connected your probe to the video input signal on your capture card, then traced that signal back to before the damaged capacitor, right? Great job!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Yes, that is correct.

[@networkoperations]

@@BorderlineOCD so the probe being connected to the stereo audio out is?...

[@BorderlineOCD]

Nothing connected to the audio inputs during testing. Just the composite input to probe the various points on the board to check for the video signal. Once I solder the new caps I just use the regular AV Multi Out cable but no sound testing before that stage.

[@guilhermekfwst]

Spyro's OST as background music. Very nice.

[@BorderlineOCD]

It's actually a rendition but a pretty good one nonetheless :)

[@hashrulsubzero]

Great video. Love your restoration work on the PSone.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you!

[@Miketage]

Epic video! Just fixed a psone because of this video, had to rebuild the switch. Thanks for sharing, new sub right here.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks for the sub!

[@zackmerritt2408]

Great video man! appreciate the resourcefulness. great looking ps1. keep up the videos!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you!

[@steelcityreseller8170]

Just picked up a PS1 and there's no video...sound, but no video. Stumbled upon your video and hoping it's an easy fix like yours was! Really enjoyed the video. Nothing fancy, just getting it done. (That's a compliment!). Subscribed and going to check out your other videos. I haven't done any electronic repairs yet, but want to get into it. Hopefully, if my issue is those capacitors, it'll be an easier one to start me off.

[@yurigum]

Great work and nice video editing! You have one new subscriber, keep it going :)

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks for the sub! I'm slowly working on my editing. I think some of my recent videos are a bit better but improving with each video I hope!

[@yurigum]

@@BorderlineOCD I have beginner skills in fixing electronics and soldering. So for me more important is how to troubleshoot, than what video editing quality is - it's not a big deal 😉

[@pk.002]

Great work. I enjoyed watching this and your time to explain each step. You make me even more confident in my own tinkering ability. :)

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you! As long as you think you'd enjoy it, don't let any perceived lack of expertise stop you from tinkering. I barely know what I'm doing half the time but I always end up leaving a project knowing more than I did going in.

[@journeytree]

God I love the first Spyros soundtrack.

[@BorderlineOCD]

The audio in this video is a cover rather than the original but its a very good rendition.

[@journeytree]

@@BorderlineOCD Even the reimagined soundtrack is amazing. Anything with the spirit of the original soundtrack is good.

[@The-Warm-voice1359]

after fixed just play 3 games on her resident evil 1 metal gear 1 fear effect.. thx bud wonderful video

[@BorderlineOCD]

Great to hear.

[@lyimoej7198]

The console was simple and awesome

[@BorderlineOCD]

Simple times indeed, although at the time I'm sure we all thought it was anything but simple. More like groundbreaking haha.

[@minmogrovingstrongandhealthy]

Have a friend who did mostly old consoles restorations and he told me about these specific models that often there is nothing broken it just need a solder reflow on few places or a good cleaning, people toss them out without even realizing it's a near perfect unit, basically by tossing it out only then creates actual further damage. Some shops also have these sitting for years and due to being in bad environment they accumulate rust. Also said that the ones he found just had rust on them even tho powered on and played games without issues, why were they in boxes for years in repair shops no one knows... Lots of ignorance and neglect is what kills these consoles and not manufacturing faults.

[@jusabe64]

soberbio.gran reparacionde la psone...suerte la mia de haber encontrado este tutorial.ya pedi los dos condensadores...espero poder arreglarla pues hace años que duerme averiada...gracias por este tuto amigo.

[@bittersweetjesus]

I thought this was a song from Spyro. Nice vid.

[@BorderlineOCD]

It's a rendition but its a good version.

[@goxy287]

Amazing how simple it is

[@BorderlineOCD]

In hindsight, yes :)

[@meunaimharouj6325]

Great video! very clean repair, thank you for sharing sir, subscribed ! :)

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks for the sub!

[@mszastro]

Hmmm ok 398 sub and doing so good content with great quality Im glad that your video got recommend +1sub!👍

[@BorderlineOCD]

Oh wow, I didn't realize the video was being recommended. Thanks for your sub!

[@noto1232]

PlayStation original intro screen is so satisfying 😂🤩😯🤤😱

[@TateBreakerBane]

Nope

[@tropa.do.l7]

It's such a cute console psone baby

[@Ed-Irvin]

Just to confirm what I think I saw in the video, you have a regular meter probe alligator clipped to an RCA composite cable and fed into your capture card? That's pretty slick!

[@t1luso609]

good job fixing. youtube should have a lot and a lot more of fixing things.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you!

[@micarifamily1]

I do the same stuff just not on video trying to get the nerve up to do it...lol. Great video btw and good clean work Very nice keep it up!

[@mr.unknown1386]

My favorite game was Tomb Raider II, that took me a very long time to beat back in 98 or 99, can't remember.

[@ajithcrsmes5155]

2years back I got one from scrap ,for free working perfectly 🤗

[@BorderlineOCD]

I found a toaster oven like that. Never a game console though. Good for you!

[@steso8979]

always the freaking av connectors ;D

[@BorderlineOCD]

The video issues are apparently a common issue with these, along with the optical drive gears breaking and power switch failing...

[@LouiesLog]

It's such a cute console

[@ceefusjenkins2281]

Great fault finding.

[@ellie5238]

Wow, now I want to learn how to weld, thx!

[@BorderlineOCD]

I'm no soldering expert and I've still managed to fix countless gadgets and appliances. Just buy a cheap soldering iron to start and have some fun with it. If something is already broken you don't have much to lose!

[@BulldogautoGaming]

Nice video man. Great restoration.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you sir, I appreciate it.

[@BMR86]

this is fantastic work!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks a lot!

[@JustanOtakuanimeawsomeness]

Just how does the PS1 look so nice on that monitor? I'm blown away! Also great video.

[@EdduAP]

Waiting for some joysticks repair. Great videos.

[@foxgaminyt8912]

Spyro the dragon is my favourite game ever

[@BorderlineOCD]

I'm experiencing the Spyro games for the first time after all these years I can see why its a fan favorite.

[@TheCerpinTaxt]

Hey, nice video. I recently discover your channel and its awesome, Greetings from México.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you and welcome aboard!

[@K9B8H6]

finally a good youtube recommendation

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you!

[@taltechchip5827]

You have a new subscriber:) nice find and fix. Give your self a good soldering iron. You have the skills and deserve good tools! Nice repair video!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you very much. Funny you should say that :) I bought a TS100 last week and had a chance to use it in a recent video (replacing an internal GameCube battery). I certainly appreciate having a better iron and quality flux/solder. As a beginner I am glad I worked my way up to it though. The benefits may have been lost on me if I hadn't practiced on a cheaper setup first.

[@taltechchip5827]

@@BorderlineOCD That is how the universe works lol, Excellent choice :)

[@nunofelicio]

I like your anti-static mat! ;)

[@BorderlineOCD]

Lol things have improved a little since the making of this video.

[@cerveraoliver]

Great repair video! I have to fix my PSone too..

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you.

[@MrKyogre14]

Nice repair! First solder was a little ugly, but really excelent result after all! I wanna see more

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you! My soldering is slowly improving with each repair :)

[@rs1n]

Fantastic walkthrough of your diagnosis process... but why on a towel where you could easily build electrostatic charge?

[@aqiiiiiiiil]

Nice work.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you.

[@ojodelhuracan.4602]

thank you!! i have the same problem in my psone

[@dominikinfante9002]

Okay okay thanks again for all.

[@Mochi-yo1wy]

Found this video, i like it...pls make more video, restoration console or gaming

[@BorderlineOCD]

More on the way :) I also have several other console repair and restoration videos if you haven't seen them already.

[@beansama7752]

I don't know which one would scare the hell out of me more; the PS/PS2 intro or the og Xbox intro lmao

[@naj12198]

Anything a ps1 can play my phone can do better . How far we've come is impressive.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Indeed. It feels like another life when I remember playing this console when it was new.

[@toxicavenger6172]

I need to check the power switch on mine. I never thought about doing that.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Apparently a common fault with these. You can also short the pins on the back (horizontally, not vertically) to manually close the switch if yours is broken altogether or something.

[@toxicavenger6172]

@@BorderlineOCD the switch seems to move up and down fine but I never thought about checking it with it opened up all the way. I also need a diagram so I can also check the fuses as well.

[@proten40]

You should go back and replace all the electrolytic capacitors with the correct ones!

[@BorderlineOCD]

You should go do your homework and learn the basics of electronics.

[@Gamechangerr667]

I'm studying to be an Electronics Engineer and I love this!

[@BorderlineOCD]

That's great, and glad you liked the repair.

[@florider_hd]

Idk why but back in the day i thought the phone was better than the og ps. I bought one and was disappointed. Now i have both of them...

[@Mosfet510]

Good video and I like the channel name.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you :)

[@kingir5209]

Great vid

[@janioyahoo]

You deserve more subscribers.

[@BorderlineOCD]

I appreciate the sentiment. I'm enjoying the repairs and restorations and learning a lot in terms of video editing. I'm thrilled this may folks are interested in what I'm doing.

[@anisalial-maghrabi3215]

Wooow Good work 👍👍🙂

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you!

[@N1twoN12]

Iv seen this in other videos too but why do you have to have the capacitor turned and facing a specific way? Video was awesome thank u plz make more

[@chapa8165]

Nice video! Suscribing. 👋👋 From Argentina

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks for the sub!

[@dqwatts]

Got a PSOne in great condition but with no power . I’d love to send it to you for repair 😭 I don’t have the patient to get the supplies & attempt to fix it myself

[@BorderlineOCD]

I have another PSone video on diagnosing common power and video issues that goes into a bit more detail than this video. I'm sure you can figure out what's going on with it!

[@SwedishRetroTechNerd]

Wow i really enjoyed watching amazing work this just a tip grab old electronics in the trash fix and sell you will get a lot of money by doing that.

[@BorderlineOCD]

Haha thank you for the tip. Believe me if I ever saw any gaming console in the trash, it's definitely coming home with me!

[@lucagabrielskywalker6461]

Excelente video, pero una historia contaba de un ingeniero al cual llamaron para reparar una máquina industrial, a lo cual el ingeniero le cambió dos tornillos y le cobró una suma considerable, el dueño de la máquina le dijo... "pero cómo me va a cobrar tanto por dos tornillos que cambió?" A lo que el ingeniero le respondió, "Yo no le cobro por dos tornillos que cambié, le cobro por SABER CUÁLES tornillos cambiar", Es cómo en éste caso, no es el valor de los capacitores sino saber cuáles son esos capacitores que funcionan mal.

[@BorderlineOCD]

That's very true :P It is eye opening though that the only thing wrong with it cost less than a dollar to replace.

[@roystonevans2223]

Just found you.... Fantastic fault finding buddy.... I'm just starting out in this repairing console world and have the same issue I think... Will let you know how I get on... Sub from me.... Keep it going 👍

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thank you, glad you may have found the repair helpful. Good luck with bringing your PSOne back to life.

[@nickabbott319]

You get it fixed man?

[@roystonevans2223]

@@nickabbott319 I'm afraid not buddy.... I switched nearly all of the capacitors out for new... Now the think won't turn on... Never mind no signal as before haha.... But im not giving up... I'm using my old psone as experience before I tackle my old ps3 ylod... Do you do repairs also?

[@nickabbott319]

Royston Evans Oh that sucks,I know sometimes it’s challenging to fix tech.Im glad you’ll keep going at it tho and hopefully your ps3 of yours will get fixed aswell.And oh no I don’t own a ps1,I just find these types of videos pretty cool

[@sweeetboy1907]

thank you

[@RezRetroBuilder]

Thanks!

[@BorderlineOCD]

Thanks very much