VGRestore Ep5: SNES 1-CHIP Black Screen of Death

Today I troubleshoot a 1-Chip SNES with the dreaded black screen of death.

[@3vi1J]

Good job. I just discovered your vids yesterday, and am really enjoying them. I'm more of a software guy, but I like playing at troubleshooting/fixing these things myself and it's nice to learn from the troubleshooting processes of others, and see what kind of common faults they've discovered. Keep up the great vids!

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Thanks for watching, means a lot to me. My later videos on Super Nintendo repairs are my better work, in my opinion.

[@SparksNZeros]

im so glad that you decided to share these videos of surface mounted component repair, its almost impossible to find useful advice, im hoping in the new year i can save so many more systems after being inspired.

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Glad to hear and I wish you the best of luck.

[@IIIRuin]

Really love your vids. They're so informative and chill. The tips and advice you give is gold.

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Thanks, one day I’ll get back the desire to fix consoles again. I’m glad people are still enjoying these videos. 👍

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

Quick. Down right up left y b. That's forever in my brain 28yrs later.

[@antoniocouto]

I didn't know that a SNES with the black screen issue could show image with the burn in test cartridge. Tks for this information

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Some do some don’t, I’ve experienced maybe 8/10 black screen consoles do post to the burn test cart.

[@MavHunter20XX]

I spent an hour trying to find the bottom RF shield for a SNES CPU 1 CHIP 02 that I just fixed. Then I thought.....wait a sec, is there even a RF shield on the bottom. Then I found your video.

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

@@MavHunter20XX yeah only the original SHVC boards with the removable sound module has the bottom RF shield.

[@MavHunter20XX]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer ah, that's the only ones I've been encountering until now. You stated you don't sell any of your "work" is that still true? I can't imagine a closet full systems and games. I bet you can get a pretty penny with the disclaimer "as seen on youtube; repaired."

[@Museo_del_Videojuego]

4:41 ive learn a lot in this channel, thanks, what thing is that the Orange one?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

That’s a desoldering braid or desoldering wick. This is the one I bought it’s 50 feet I tend to use it often. www.amazon.com/dp/B008O9VMQU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yfd0Eb2QFVDKW

[@Museo_del_Videojuego]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer thank u so much how nice the things u do with those death games, i really want to be good at that

[@ronaldhenson9170]

I prefer the launch day super Nintendo entertainment system with the 4 rubber feet cartridge locking tab also the sound board the super Nintendo entertainment system has surround sound

[@71dembonesTV]

another great video my friend. is a bad APU known to cause black screen on the other non-SHVC revisions that aren't 1-CHIPs?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Yeah APU-01 Models and even snes juniors.

[@71dembonesTV]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer thanks for letting me know; you're the man. I'm definitely getting one of those test carts to see if I can dig a little deeper on my pile of black screen consoles

[@joshuawilliams9560]

Loving the content. I have a SNES with the black screen of death. There is no corrosion on the pin connectors at all, the board looks very clean. How much would you really consider that it is the APU board that causes it to do the BSOD? I’ve been cleaned everything super thoroughly. Any help would be appreciated. LOVE the channel and subbed of course!

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

You can usually rule out an APU board fault if you try to fire up super street fighter 2 and you get an initial “licensed by Nintendo” screen. Some nintendo games will also fire up the initial Nintendo screen and lock up once the console doesn’t detect the sound board, so you could try to replace the SHVC board if you’re getting initial screens on some games.

[@joshuawilliams9560]

PunkNDisorderlyGamer I would love to show you what I have and pick your brain on a few things. This is awesome what you’re doing man! Saving history and preserving culture!

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

joshua williams yes I love doing this as well, post some videos of your problems and maybe I can help you out. I’d be glad to help.

[@lejesrimul1985]

What did you use to remove the APU chip? I have several black screen snes' that I would like to try and fix up. Looks like a heat gun, tweezers, and some kind of substance you use with the q-tip?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

A cheap heat gun although, I don’t recommend it. I’ve since got a real hot air rework station that works better. The liquid stuff on a q tip is rosin flux.

[@gobosox207]

Another great video. I have the black screen of death on mine too. I'm thinking it's the sound chip though because I can get lufia 2 to boot to the first two screens before it goes black. What do you think bud? Didn't get as far along in your videos from Friday that I would have liked but I'll catch up eventually lol.

[@Spolupyo]

Hey, I have a SHVC-CPU 01 that when turned on the PSU enters into protection mode, I have removed the Voltage regulator from the PCB to see if that was the shorted part but it does the same, does the SNES have more than 1 voltage regulator??

[@MavHunter20XX]

Dang all that soldering, possibly burning yourself only to find out cleaning off that flux fixed it.

[@slowyo9645]

Need help with an issue - Just recently replaced/soldered a new power port (old skool) for my Super Nintendo. After I did this, it erased all my saved data on Super Mario World and Super Mario All-Stars. Both batteries in both cartridges are fine - this issue only starting happening after I replaced the power port. Thanks for any help!

[@shawnnowell7769]

I know this video is older so if I don’t get a response that’s okay, but I have an snes that does sound but no picture, and another that only gets the power light, think that could be cpu or sound chip related?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Try the snes with sound no picture with RF and see if the picture works, if it does you could have a missing passive component on the bottom of the board, or a bad/dirty AV port. As for the one with the LED only, try the same thing. Does the picture change to a black screen, or does it still say no signal?

[@StevenCodeBlack]

So weirdly the BGM music you're playing in this video so happens to be just the SNES Cartridge game I am having issues with I tried the typical things you'd normally do finally got it to boot but then froze mid game all other cartridges except for this particular game work though. How do you fix it if the issue is with the cartridge?

[@michaelgoedeker9697]

Great video!! Thank you

[@Huddy40]

Great video, instant sub. Do you know how to replace a 62 pin connector on a 1 chip board?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Thanks glad you enjoyed

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Yes, to swap out the 62 pin connector on a one chip it’s a bit more difficult. You have to desolder it from the board, one through hole at a time. If you do swap it out might I suggest replacing it with one from a 2 chip that way you could remove and clean it easier.

[@Huddy40]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer really appreciate the advice, the 2 chip idea I'll go with. I have a working 1 chip system but has a broken pin on the connector. I assume I'll have to replace it eventually and when I do I'll take your advice. Thanks again, really dig the channel.

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Huddy thanks, I’m really glad you enjoy the channel. Let me know if you need anymore help.

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

In your experience which chip fails the most often to least often?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

CPU fails most often, PPU they fail about same rate. Now the cpu had 2 revisions before they changed to the one chip, (CPU, CPU-A, and CPU-B) CPU and CPU-A fail quite often, I’ve never had a CPU-B fail on me.

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer wow dude just wow this is awesome info. I just bought 10 super famicoms for parts to fix 3 snes.

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Rock On nice if you need help give a shout, also check out my famicom repair videos.

[@mikekeen1590]

I’ve got a one chip that needs help. I got it w/no power cord. I bought an original power cord n it powers up but no signal to tv. Took it apart n cleaned it w/91% alcohol…no difference.

[@joshuawilliams9560]

I also have another SNES that only reads certain games. Which is weird, because I star fox fires up every single time.

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Sometimes it’s like that, when certain hardware fails.

[@jessebueno1972]

7:20 of the video you didnt know the part name you replaced, but you were almost right "ceramic resonator" from what I read their fail rates are at 0.1%

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Yeah this video was an early one, I was still learning.

[@rubenjaimes1194]

That's starfox music though. 🔥

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

It’s hype!

[@juanchavez4514]

Do you have any advice for me, I have a super nintendo that only has a black screen And sometimes when games are booted, I can hear music and Mario sound effects

[@BestBuddies.]

I have a 1 chip when I power it up it does not play anything just black screen zero life.... Prior to that if you just tapped the snes not even hard it would reset games I have had this snes since 92 as a kid. I am not sure how to fix this I would love to get it fixed

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

You probably have a dirty pin connector.

[@BestBuddies.]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer cleaned everything out verrrry well and still no dice!

[@Quantum_ShotsTV]

Hi hopefully you can help me but my SNES only reads certain games it can play some but others won't work I know it's not the games cuss they work with my other SNES what do you think it can be?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Check out some of my more recent videos to see if they help you out. You may have a bad PPU

[@xCrazyRoosterx]

Hello! I have a 1 chip snes, it powers on but no picture or sound. I tried with working games tested on my working snes. I have a tube television with the blue screen as default. When I power on the snes, the screen doesn't even turn black, it remains blue, there's no signal of picture or sound at all. I tried with AV and RF cables. Next, I tried cleaning the game slot and the board itself, tested all pins of the game slot and the reset button. There's no sign of corrosion or broken traces on the board. Do you think changing the capacitors should help? Great video and greetings from Brazil!

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Michel Lima changing the capacitors may help, I don’t think you have a bad APU in this case.

[@wickerxman]

Any idea why the cursor would only go up in the test cart menu instead of down? It runs none of the tests either

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

It’s scrolls only down by pressing the “select” button not the d pad. It wouldn’t run any of the tests because it checks for APU circuitry first, this could be replicated with an original SNES by removing the detachable SHVC sound module and attempting to run the test it will lock up at the start of the burn in test.

[@wickerxman]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer Yes when I press select it just goes upward to the top heading and the timer resets.

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

@@wickerxman that’s very odd, I would guess it’s not a 1-chip model? If it’s an early revision it’s probably a bad CPU.

[@dustin2dust351]

Put on surface mount work videos. 👍👍

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Will do, I’m still learning how to do surface mount stuff. I have done some more on other videos on my channel.

[@juliocarter9359]

como se llama el liquido que hechas sobre los chip antes de calentar

[@BurgerWeeze]

Hey @PunkNDisorderlyGamer, I have a 2 Chip SNES with the black screen of death. How likely do you think is it for the sound chip to be the problem? And do you think changing the capacitors would help at all? Thanks for the video though, great in depth analysis!

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

In this case swapping the caps didn’t help, for the previous owner. Try starting up street fighter 2, if you get the “licensed by Nintendo” screen it could be the APU chip. The console will try to recognize the game but, it will lock up if it fails to detect the APU chip. If you’re not getting any initial Nintendo screens on any game it could mean another chip is bad. I would try cleaning the cart slot first see if any debris or bent pins are causing the problem.

[@BurgerWeeze]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer Unfortunately I don't have Street Fighter 2, haha. And I've already cleaned the cartridge slot and my game PLENTY. As well as the entire unit itself, so anything dirt related shouldn't be the issue.

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Lukas Sarnow try all the games you have see if you can get one to show the Nintendo screen.

[@BurgerWeeze]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer Okay I will try that later this week. Thanks for the quick responses, I'll post again after I checked every game.

[@inputfunny]

@@BurgerWeeze 10 months later...

[@kultur-vultur]

Do you have sound still when the S APU chip goes? I have sound, no video, I haven't recapped or changed the fuse yet but I'm expecting the worst case already.

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

No video usually means something other than S-Apu or any other audio chip.

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

So I've been messing around an early revision with the removable sound board. I get a very quick blip of a red screen. Does this sound like anything to you? A certain bad chip?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

No, I’ve never had that happen before.

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer after the caps fuses and cables what's the first chip you'd swap out on that board?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Rock On probably the cpu. What games have you tried? Have they all had the same black screen? Do you have a burn in test cart?

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer I ordered a burn in after seeing you use one. I see what it says when it comes in.

[@user-wj9xq7ig2v]

Any idea what a green screen with some blocks indicate?

[@RPAJ]

My SNES also have a black screen. Its nothing happen, even didnt appear anything on the screen, just black with no sound.

[@VENUEATHENS]

Mines the SNS-CPU-RGB-02, It's getting a black screen.. It powers on but no sound or picture.. I tried cleaning the port for the game but still no difference

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Usually those consoles are reliable. I’m willing to bet you’ve overlooked something. Did you clean the game? Also, on that revision you can’t remove the cart connector, check for bent pins or any debris in the cart slot.

[@VENUEATHENS]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer I bought it from someone for $30, took a chance on it.. It was my favorite console as kid and I never had one.. So I cleaned the games, nothing changed, I did as you, and cleaned up the board/pins with some alcohol and toothbrush.. I then tried to see if the cartridge connector can be removed, mines looks like the variant where it seems to be soldered to the board, with 2 plastic pins on each side in the board holding it in place. I first thought it can be removed, so I tried to push on those plastic pins.. But after seeing the variant which cannot be removed I stopped, not to cause damage.. I did notice one of the tiny pins on what seems to be ram/memory chip (upper left by cartridge connector) looked slightly brown than the others, which looked shiny.. So again I tried to clean that also with some alcohol. Haven't tried to turn on the console yet.. The unit was pristine inside and out, basically like new.. The shell was perfect no yellowing, no cracks, holes or scratches, nothing.. Inside was also very clean, no corrosion spills or messes.. I don't think anyone had taken it apart either.. The guy I bought it from said it was his dads, and it was sitting in storage for 8 years.. I don't really have soldering tools or the everdrive/burn in cartridge test, so I can't run any tests on the unit to know what is actually the problem.. I don't want to do anything past cleaning it.. :(

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Tony Atin spray some alcohol on the game cartridge pins and insert and remove the game a few times. Then try to fire it up don’t worry if the pins or contacts are still wet from the alcohol. I’m willing to bet it’s fine.

[@VENUEATHENS]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer thank you, I will try that.. incidentally if I can't get it to work, would you consider, be interested in working on this unit? I'm not sure where you're located, I can send the board out to you, you can tell me what you need with it, quote me a price, and I can make a payment to you through Venmo..

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Tony Atin unfortunately, I’m not doing any services right now, I’m super busy at the moment. Even if I did take it in for service it would probably cost more than just buying a new one altogether. If you factor in labor, shipping and if it needs a new CPU I simply don’t have any on hand at the moment not cost effective to be honest. If the exterior is in good shape, try to source a working unit with a beat up exterior that’s in working condition.

[@ericxpokinatchax5215]

My street fighter 2 cart has this issue but other games work just fine. Anyone know what it could be?

[@TheUpliftingGuy]

I've a 1-Chip North American SNES and I get a buzzing sound when turning the SNES on and the sound volume is very low. Do you perhaps happen to know what can cause this type of issue? I've recapped the SNES, but the issue is still present. Any direction or help would be much appreciated!

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

TheUpliftingGuy did you try a different set of AV cables? Was this making a buzzing sound before you recapped? Double check your solder points make sure everything is soldered. Also, make sure you got the caps in the right orientation (negative and positive). Lastly try the RF out to see if you get sound from that.

[@TheUpliftingGuy]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer Hi, yes tried different AV cables and all ended up with the same result. Yes, the recap was done to get rid of the buzzing sound which didn't. Yes, it was making the buzzing sound before the recap and is doing it after the recap. I'm using a 3rd party AC adapter (power supply) but the same power supply is used on another SNES that's not a 1Chip and the buzzing sound isn't present. So I'm really lost here and not sure what causes this issue. Have double checked the soldering and the caps face the right direction when it comes to + and - Could it be that I've to replace the same sound chip you did in the video to fix the low volume with buzzing sound?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Try with the RF out first on channel 3 if you get sound it’s not the APU, and even if you don’t get sound I don’t think your problem is the APU chip.

[@TheUpliftingGuy]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer Thanks for the heads up! Going to see if I can get hold of RF somewhere and try it on channel 3, thanks for the tip. I do get sound with Scart cable, but the volume is very low and when I turn the volume of my TV up I can hear the buzzing sound. I don't have the same issue on my other SNES which is not the 1chip.

[@TheUpliftingGuy]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer So I finally got hold of the RF cable and tried it on channel 3 and the sound was working fine, but the TV screen was black & white with flickering. When I turned off and on the SNES and tried it again the sound disappeared. Now it happens every time with the RF cable and there's no sound. Is this indication of defective APU chip?

[@jimthewhale]

What do you use to clean the board with?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

99% alcohol

[@RPAJ]

Can i borrow your screwdriver?

[@MundoNintend0]

I already wrote to your email, check it to agree to the sending of my two consoles for you to repair.

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

I replied.

[@carlnikolov]

RIP super nintendo. Chip reflow? Ugh. Ebay.

[@74bobby]

We need to get you more Subscribers...

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Thanks for the kind words, I’m really trying to up my sub count.

[@74bobby]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer interested in fixing a game cube with a bad lid switch?

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Robert Lewis that shouldn’t be too hard to fix.

[@74bobby]

@@PunkNDisorderlyGamer I'll send it you Brother the first chance I get. Don't worry about sending it back either...

[@PunkNDisorderlyGamer]

Robert Lewis that’s quite generous. If you do, would you like me to make a video for you?

[@tiagoaraujo1374]

Trocar apu super nintendo

[@augustohidalgo4120]

Liar liar