He Broke His Steam Deck so I Bought it for $375 - Let's Fix It!

[@ryansumner3662]

The facts that steam would work on it for the customer is amazing. Steam’s movement for repair is really encouraging.

[@Tronicsfix]

Agreed, and honestly they gave a pretty good price to repair this imo

[@hanuro1362]

@@Tronicsfix that price for the repair sounds like a motherboard swap on their end imo, still nice of them to even take it in contrary to what others would have done like you mentionned

[@mobilelegendsaccount3275]

Open hardware and open software. I love Valve.

[@captaincrunch1707]

That policy I assume is represented by the company who is contracted to repair these injured widdle Decks. Like Tronics mentions, the policy of many other hardware companies is dumpster tier for out-of-warranty repairs etc. Valve is truly enlightened

[@nnnnnn3647]

@@mobilelegendsaccount3275 NOT SO MUCH OPEN/

[@fernandoz6329]

This kind of techno surgery is fascinating. Awesome work, I love the way you managed to sort this micro catastrophe.

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed this one

[@StormsparkPegasus]

$145 to fix this from Valve? That is a really damn good deal and in line with what independent repair shops charge. Props to Valve.

[@SMA2343]

9:30 $145 to fix? That’s like pretty good to be honest. And if it was Steam themselves saying it, the company just earned so much respect from me. They really know their target audience and know that the steam deck is meant to be broken down and upgraded

[@Tronicsfix]

Agreed. imo, that's a good price to fix this

[@ashleylooksfab]

They do charge a reasonable price for labor and PCB replacement!

[@devilmikey00]

Turns out when you take the time to build something designed to be easy to take apart and repair it also means it's much easier for valve to do so was well. Probably 5 minutes worth of labor to swap the motherboard in and out and send it right back to the shipping department.

[@MrNside]

With the amount of trace damage, they would have probably just replaced the entire board, APU and all. Maybe they would have tried to salvage the APU on this board to reball and use on another repair, but the previous owner rendered the rest of this board unusable by their standards I would bet.

[@ashleylooksfab]

@@MrNside Yep the PCB and SMD components would have costed just a couple bucks (or less) at best and replacing the whole board would be more prudent and cost effective than trying to fix the messed up board.

[@seguramlk]

Much respect, Valve for accepting to repair the device and on top of that not charging a whole kidney for it. Nice video, Steve 👍

[@Tronicsfix]

Agreed

[@waltergilliam1804]

I'm not sure how often you show size comparisons like the grain of rice, but its a really good tool to show us what kind of scale you are working on. Great video, props to you for the fix, and to Valve for their right to repair policies.

[@RedMorgan79]

For future purposes... If you have small areas like the hole you want to patch, you canhit it with a little gel super glue mixed with a small amount of baking soda. It creates a paste that is formable and easily sandable when dry. I've seen it used frequently by people who restore Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars.

[@danballe]

These comments needs more up votes!

[@RobGMun]

I've been subbed for a while and I have to say this is the first video where I've been seriously blow away by your skill, when I saw the head of the Q-Tip in the shot when you were cleaning the board it really shows how tiny everything was and you must have the hands of a surgeon to pull that off! Also, how on earth do you do that kind of damage just replacing the SSD?? He must have been clumsy as hell!

[@Tilt_TM]

It looks like he probably broke it off and then tried to solder it back on himself

[@Branx86]

To Fix the connector to the board ,I use clear resin from 3d printers and a UV light and it works great

[@TruckingTom]

I've been watching your videos for quite some time now. Alway love how you try and fix things no matter how hard it may be or if the odds are against you in trying. Also your videos have helped me in the past with fixing my son's nintendo switch. I also bought an ifixit tool kit and bw100 because you use them great products. Thank you

[@vinnycordeiro]

It helps knowing the pitch of the connectors. Keep in mind that there are both metric and imperial pitched connectors out there, and sometimes the difference is very tiny, like 0.05 in (1.27 mm) and 1 mm pitches.

[@Y2JMAN1986]

May your health improve. Beat this diagnosis and be well my friend. I love your videos. Been watching for a few years.

[@greisims]

El suspenso que siente al encender y luego escuchar el sonido... Genial video!!!

[@makiskitsinelis3002]

I've been following you for quite some time now and I must say you are quite a dude at what you do.............well done!!

[@Enjoymentboy]

I've done similar repairs in the past and as long as you can find similar sized connectors with the same number of pins you should be good as long as you replace them on both ends. The last time I did this it was with 3 pin power connectors and I just used pre-wired jst-xh connectors from ebay. Cut the leads short (about 1cm) and soldered male to the board and then the female to the power leads. I find it to be a good option for those hard to find connectors or when you need it done right away.

[@Jorge_Ramirez]

To secure the connector you can try UV Resin, is similar to what the dentist use, very strong!

[@landtimforgot]

I've wondered if there are heat cure adhesives that cure at soldering temperatures? They'd be ideal for pad repair.

[@re-fix9678]

thank for video👍👍

[@lukehyoshy]

That was the most impressive so far for me! Congrats Steve!!! always with the most amazing skills!

[@JAMESLORDTHE7TH]

Love this video! You put a lot of effort into getting the steam deck working again, and the precision was above my own. Overall great repair! I wish you luck in future videos Steve!

[@goosenman2]

Great work! The grain of rice comparison was a real eye opener too.

[@Tronicsfix]

These are pretty tiny connectors!

[@DatHombre]

Wow this is like the best repair video I've ever seen and Ive watched a ton of them! The satisfaction from it working in the end was just- AHHHHH

[@BakedNoodles]

I broke my unfortunately too trying to install a new ssd. They had the screws so tight that it was to the point of almost stripping them. Finally got the case and the backplate off that was covering the motherboard without stripping any screws but THE LAST SCREW on the m.2 wouldn't come out. Had gotten the steam deck cause my current gaming pc is broken but now I guess I've got 2 broken PC's lol ya live and learn I guess. Just wish they wouldn't tighten those dang screws down so much that it's almost impossible to open the dang thing.

[@denyereduardopuentes4410]

This damage is really odd since replacing the ssd doesn't mess with this plug (maybe scredriver slip off and hit???), But it was really nice to see the socket repair! Thanks man for this content!

[@revmaillet]

I wanna know how that hole was made... I cant wrap my head around it.

[@DigitalChema]

Some people try to install 2260 or 2280 NVME's on their steam deck and end up damaging the power controller or the speaker conector, that would be my personal bet

[@denyereduardopuentes4410]

@@DigitalChema oh i see.... I have a 64 model and went for the 256 upgrade because the 512gb ssd was way overpriced... I think you are right!

[@Ariannus]

@@revmaillet The owner melted the hole in the connector when he tried to solder it back on.

[@Vash612584]

@@revmaillet looks like a soldering iron touched it

[@vnagaravi]

11:00 instead of dropping super glue like that try this Pour a drop of super glue on a clean surface and use tweezers or a sharp object to pic super glue and drop it in the object where you need With this, you can control the flow of superglue even in small cracks

[@HannibalCaine]

LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!! In this situation where there's no place to attach the mounting pins, I've had luck using UV resin.... Even rebuilding damaged plastic pieces like the one you got stuck with. lol

[@donkaczy2065]

Good work! . That was little bit difficult but you sorted!

[@Anon.thoughts]

I work in SMT assembly and I love watching your videos. You do a clean professional job. We have a few prototypes we are constructing that are new game consoles, I am pushing them to make them repairable and to make the parts available. I think it would give them a competitive edge. A lot of companies choose a low quality solder so that the console goes bad fast and then you are required to buy a new one. Keep up the good work!!

[@dallasscanlon3587]

Your channel popped up on my KZbin feed. Really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@niall21]

On Digikey/whatever I'd go to 4 pin female connector, smd mount, horizontal connector, HBC brand, and then just look through datasheets.

[@Noctorrent]

Very impressive! Didn't expect the super-glue, glad it worked!

[@Tronicsfix]

It worked better than I thought

[@johnnyd5186]

Dude, you're an absolute legend! Amazing work! That grain of rice comparison proves how much more difficult this kinda repair could be. Quick question: what was your greatest repair challenge so far?

[@VideoGameRestoration]

Holy smokes what a repair!!! I didn't think you'd get the connector back!

[@MartinFZelada]

I really cannot believe you made it with this one. Im watching your videos since years by now and im impressed as never and how with a handmade repair instead of a replace is really possible

[@RainbowSheep_was_taken]

Hello, I just wanted to say I love your videos and you inspired me to learn electronics and right now I'm learning how to diagnose faulty electronics. Can you please make a tutorial about that? I already have all the equipment and all I need is to know how to diagnose the electronics. Thanks!

[@James_D.]

Anything can be fixed with the perfect amount of thermal paste! 🤗

[@Tronicsfix]

Lol!

[@michaeltempsch5282]

...and 2 milliPaul of flux...

[@ray24051]

I put some thermal paste on my hemorrhoids the other day it didn't work.

[@nakansam]

Great job Steve. You have taught me so much.

[@Tronicsfix]

Glad to hear it!

[@IFGchannel931]

The way you just slapped super glue all around that connector without even testing it first... I can't decide if brave or careless! Glad it worked!

[@Draganox25]

I did the ssd upgrade, it took me 20 mins and following the ifix it guide it wad super easy

[@exodo7727]

Watching your repair videos are therapeutic to me keep up the awesome work

[@citiadvance8694]

13:28 I think it made the boot sound as he said "come on".

[@spice2110]

INSAAAAANE FIX!!!! This was so hard i bet. Good stuff brother

[@lrrromicronpersei8294]

When I see this sort of damage and where connectors are maybe unavailable you could solder wires on to the pcb and use a different type of plug and socket to connect to the speakers etc Also super glue and baking powder will go hard very quickly but beware the fumes

[@vladimir0rus]

With such kind of repairs you can reinforce Super Glue with a Baking Soda. Or you can use an epoxy glue of course.

[@_RETROFIX_]

Awesome work! Love these challenging fixes!

[@MumbysBar]

Not on a steamdeck but it could be possibl,, I soldered the wires to the board and then put slim 4 pin connectors inline. Might be something to look into.

[@sk8ersublime]

Great fix. You should work on Arcade PCBs. I’d love to watch you fix some old 80s games.

[@Tronicsfix]

That would be fun!

[@stevesgaming7475]

@@Tronicsfix Do it please!!!

[@sk8ersublime]

@@Tronicsfix I do a little bit, replace some throughhole ICs/components , burn new EPROMs, but no patience or setup to video haha. I enjoy watching your fixes, and love the microscope setup

[@jasper265]

I actually picked up the very first sound the device makes when you turn it on (and I also know the second sound takes a while) . So while you were still going "I don't hear any sound from the speakers", I knew the repair had completely succeeded. Based on your expertise, I was not expecting to get such a moment, but apparently I just score high on being attuned to the Deck 😊

[@saberspecter]

Impressive work per usual. I'm on the fence with the Steam Deck. It just looks huge to hold.

[@brianwalker7771]

The hard part of searching for parts is knowing the actual name of the part. If talking to a person you can describe or supply a picture of the part. Try asking ifixit they may be able to provide some some simple answers like the actual name of the part. The one thing I really miss about having a local RadioShack is I could just bring the part in show it and say I need one of these.

[@BrianHollihan]

I got that BW-100 and it does work amazing 🤙🏽

[@DavidMannings]

That was a great fix. It was a really really bad connection it has. But you made it possible to fix it.

[@makermelissa]

That connector looks a lot like a JST SH connector. They’re fairly easy to get and it might be worth keeping some spares on hand.

[@elcafecatlife]

the only things ive been able to tear apart and put back together successfully have been my xbox 1 and ps4 all thanks to your videos and i fixit, if it wasn't for your videos and you recommending ifixit i would never have been able to put those back together, keep the videos coming i cant seem to get enough of them

[@Lichti82]

when you were thinking about how to attach the connector to the board, my first thought was: super glue. i've seen videos where people used super glue to connect a broken off HDMI port to the MB data connection pins. didn't work 😆

[@drewbreezy5854]

That is a good looking handheld. That is for sure.

[@eddy-readysteady-go9001]

If you want a faster more sturdy glue. Sprinkle some baking powder on the crazy glue while its wet.

[@SApcProSergijAleksovski]

You did an Awesome job on that hard repair! Bravo

[@metatron6661]

Nicely done Steve

[@grantrule6593]

Love Your Videos I Binged Watched nearly all of them

[@Sweetrad]

I got into tinkering recently Your videos are my main reference if i dont understand something

[@nikigunn]

I love Valve for the Steam Deck! I've heard great things about their customer service and luckily I haven't needed them.

[@Ozaroth]

11:00 3M Scotch-Weld DP190 or DP100 👍

[@Fareke2]

I would probably search fo JST connecot or something like that. If i dont find the exact connector then you can buy both male and female and make it work.

[@shaunmorrissey7313]

JST actually means nothing, it's a brand, you need the actual connector specs.

[@sledzeppelin]

Very nice work! I thought that connector was beyond saving.

[@TheCod3r]

Great job Steve, nice to see these things are easy to repair (for most of us lol). SteamDeck will definitely be my handheld of choice when they come down in price a bit. I'm not a fan of early adopters tax lol

[@Tronicsfix]

Yep, these things are pretty expensive still

[@AFFL1CTED1]

I'm surprised to hear you guys say this when I've heard the opposite from multiple people including other content creators. The consensus is that it's a fantastic value. Many cite great performance, build quality, and great implementation of additional input capabilities (paddle buttons, dual touch pads, etc.) for the price; especially for the entry level model. Again, surprised to hear you guys say this.

[@AliYassinToma]

I would get a broken mouse and take the cable and connector on the board and replace both.. it would work in ur case as it is a 4 pin connector.. like usb is

[@lordrahl7033]

I just cant fathom how someone could mess up a simple SSD upgrade like this.

[@Bubsy_Mods]

That is pretty impressive dude! Well done 👏

[@robinsutcliffe_video_art]

great repair Steve

[@LazyBunnyKiera]

The speaker connector, look for laptop fan connector. Yeah they often use the same connectors.

[@Tronicsfix]

No they don't. Laptop fan connectors are nowhere near that small.

[@chrisfarley6662]

Could you solder the cable directly to the board and create a new separating point somewhere on the cable? Or is the device too tight for that?

[@ireneirenel5283]

Wow amazing fix x

[@virgildeklerk]

Wow Steve that was amazing, suck a small connector can you imagine how slim that burned side of the connector was... like 0.25mm or so... pffff amazing and really nice fix

[@kindalost1]

Tough fix for the books of history. Well done!

[@Superman-xr1oh]

Great video, love watching your repair videos even though I have no idea what's going on 😆

[@Tronicsfix]

Glad you like them!

[@jwconglomerate332]

Nicely done good sir.

[@rtm516]

Looks like this connector is called 'JST SH 4-pin socket' found it using the faint markings on the socket

[@ukf92]

it might looks the same but JSH SH 4 Pin has 1.00 and this connector it is 0.8 - 0.7mm

[@halezy9681]

Might have been easier to tap into the traces on the board with wire (epoxy/conformal coating to secure) and put in your own in-line 4 pin connector/plug and attaching it to the speakers. Good fix regardless.

[@joshuadavis2175]

Valve is doing amazing things. I absolutely love my steam deck. Keep up the fantastic content!

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

Great work! And it works

[@MrPrincepop]

👍 I love this show, it's like watching a TV medical show without the relationship drama.

[@cassandralyris4918]

Dang, that was actually a very impressive fix. Pretty sure Steam/Valve would've just replaced the mobo. I'm happy to see they're at least willing to do such fixes though. I hate that that has become so rare with product releases these days.

[@Kooster69]

When you talked about rebuilding this Steam Deck, I heard the Six Million Dollar Man theme in my head.

[@XSpImmaLion]

Awesome! Glad you managed to work it out Steve, very hard fix. People asking, I imagine the former owner went in to replace the SSD, accidentally pulled the speaker wire at some weird angle, ripped the whole thing off, and then perhaps tried to fix it himself... which resulted in the melted blob and further damages. I've done some of that myself, can't deny. :P Kinda thing that happens when you are just learning stuff, or you don't have a properly sized soldering iron tip for that component size and you mistakenly try to make do with what you have. xD Should also be noted, Steve makes it look easy, but that's very hard and a whole lot of experience on Steve's side... micro board repair is something I won't even try, particularly when I see that traces were ripped off. My hands and patience aren't steady enough for that. xD

[@yahyadadshah9408]

Great work 👍🏻

[@techhoarder3416]

I recommend a new "disconnect" point by making a "faux breakaway cable". Get ANY 4-pin connector with both male and female parts. Solder one of them to the board via its wires. This prevents any force from ever being applied at the motherboard connection since you would just disconnect the male/female connectors like a breakaway cable. You may have to use a very small pair of 4-pin connectors due to the lack of space.

[@mperry0913]

Excellent surgery there!! Felt like it was one of those " We can rebuild it. We have the technology. We can make it better than it was. Better, stronger, faster." It's the Six Million Dollar SteamDeck. 🤣

[@blakekelley8112]

how do you manage to melt and break off a speaker terminal attempting to change an ssd?

[@Panzertank123]

exactly, i am like wtf

[@Ethos711]

I'm guessing they accidentally bumped it with a hot soldering iron, based on the bulge.

[@DiegoMS]

I asked myself the same thing! My guess is that he tore it off and then tried to solder it back on with a giant solder tip.

[@halezy9681]

the owner broke it, the melting was them attempting a repair with a standard iron by the looks of it.

[@Tronicsfix]

Lol, not sure!

[@phazonclash]

Wow good job, that wasn't an easy one!

[@MickeyFilantre]

Can you make a video of the tools you use and what are they used for?

[@Tronicsfix]

Maybe

[@fullsend_ny7948]

you do some amazing work and will always be the go to channel if i break any of my electronics

[@kokobeans6956]

you may have been able to patch that hole using 3d printer filament and a dremel to friction weld the hole shut.

[@loubakker5049]

Well done sir !

[@Yukeena]

That last part had me scared for a sec when it didn't turn on. I'm glad you were able to fix it!

[@Tronicsfix]

Ha, ha. Me too!

[@mihyouko]

Yes! I also took apart my steam deck (multiple times...) and it really takes a considerable amount of time (without reacting to anything) on the first boot after the battery was disconnected. That really scared me the first time it happened to me. At least now I was prepared.

[@vincentcloud]

Someone screwing up and only charging $149 even if you voided the warranty is very generous. Most companies would shrug there shoulders and tell you buy a new one. Gotta give Valve a big W on this repair model.

[@_warky]

Super X is awesome for holding things together

[@davevanrossum9374]

Nice job good to go👍👍

[@paulrayner6744]

When you showed that grain of rice I was shocked on how small that connector really is.

[@insparks782]

I'm not even sure how that could even have gotten damaged. The speaker cable has absolutely nothing at all to do with the SSD swap.

[@drdrako98]

Do you think you could make a soldering guide for beginners? Not hot air, but proper technique with flux, solder and an iron? Wick vs solder sucker?