Game console spare parts

Complete Guide to Video Game Console Spare Parts: PlayStation & Steam Deck

Welcome to the command centre for repairing and upgrading your video game console at iLevante.com! If you're here, it's because you value your equipment as much as we do and understand that a small fault doesn't mean it's game over. On the contrary, it's an opportunity to learn, repair, and extend the life of the machine that has brought you so many hours of enjoyment. This guide is your definitive reference for understanding the most common problems, getting to know your console inside and out, and finding the exact spare part you need. Let's get started! 🚀

Before lifting the bonnet, it's essential to know the engine. Every console is a world of its own, with an architecture and components that define its performance and potential weak spots.

PlayStation 5: New-Generation Power

Sony's PS5 marked a generational leap forward thanks to its cutting-edge architecture. It comes in two main versions: Standard (with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive) and Digital (without a drive). That is purely the only difference; inside, both beasts share the same heart.

• CPU: 8-core AMD Ryzen Zen 2 @ 3.5 GHz.
• GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2 with 10.3 TFLOPS of power and Ray Tracing.
• RAM: 16 GB GDDR6.
• Storage: An ultra-fast 825 GB NVMe SSD, the real star of the show that almost completely eliminates loading times.

PlayStation 4: The Generation That Defined an Era

The PS4 remains an incredibly popular console with a legendary library of games. Its two most common variants are the PS4 Slim, a more compact and efficient version, and the PS4 Pro, designed to deliver 4K gaming and enhanced performance.

• CPU: 8-core AMD Jaguar (slightly faster in the Pro).
• GPU: AMD Radeon. The big difference is here: 1.84 TFLOPS in the Slim and 4.2 TFLOPS in the Pro, allowing it to achieve higher resolutions.
• RAM: 8 GB GDDR5 (the Pro includes an extra 1 GB of DDR3 RAM for system tasks).

Valve Steam Deck: PC Gaming in Your Hands

The Steam Deck isn't just a portable console; it's a compact PC that lets you take your Steam library anywhere. Its two main models are primarily distinguished by their spectacular screen.

• APU (CPU+GPU): A custom AMD chip with Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architecture, optimised for portable gaming.
• RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5.
• LCD Screen: The original version, featuring a 7-inch screen with a 1280x800 resolution.
• OLED Screen: The latest version upgrades to a 7.4-inch screen, with more vibrant colours, pure blacks, HDR support, a 90 Hz refresh rate, and lower power consumption.

Fault Diagnosis: What's Wrong with my Console? 🧐

No matter how well-built they are, intensive use and the passage of time can take their toll. Identifying the problem is the first step towards finding the solution.

Heat, the Silent Enemy: Overheating and Excessive Noise

Does your console sound like a jet engine? Does it shut down on its own during an intense gaming session? The culprit is usually the cooling system. Over time, dust clogs the fans and heat sinks, and the thermal paste that connects the CPU/GPU to the heat sink dries out and loses its effectiveness. This prevents the console from dissipating heat, causing it to throttle its performance for protection and, in extreme cases, shut down entirely.

The Dreaded 'Drift' and Other Controller Faults

"Joystick drift" is that frustrating fault where your character moves on its own. Technically, it's caused by the wear and tear of the potentiometers inside the joystick module. Continuous use wears down small carbon tracks, sending incorrect movement signals to the console. Other common controller faults include unresponsive buttons (due to worn-out contact membranes) or a battery that no longer holds a charge.

Connection and Disc Reading Problems

An accidental tug on the cable can be fatal for the HDMI port. On the PS4 and PS5, this is one of the most common repairs. The symptoms are clear: no video signal or a flickering picture. On the other hand, if your console has a disc drive and suddenly stops reading discs or makes strange noises while trying, it's highly likely the laser in the lens assembly has reached the end of its life and needs replacing.

The Challenges of Portability: Battery and Screen on the Steam Deck

On a portable console like the Steam Deck, two components are especially vulnerable. The battery, like that of any mobile device, has a limited number of charge cycles, and its capacity degrades over time. An unfortunate drop or knock can result in a cracked screen or dead pixels, completely ruining the gaming experience.

Your Repair Arsenal: Types of Spare Parts Available at iLevante.com ⚙️

Once the problem is diagnosed, it's time to get equipped. Here we detail the most sought-after spare parts you'll find in our catalogue.

Screens: The Window to Your Virtual Worlds

Especially crucial for the Steam Deck, replacing a screen can bring your device back to life. The available options allow you not only to repair but sometimes even to upgrade the original experience.

• LCD Screen: This is the original standard for the Steam Deck. It offers good image quality and is a reliable and budget-friendly replacement option.
• OLED Screen: If you're after the best visual quality, this is the screen for you. It offers infinite contrast (perfect blacks), a much wider colour gamut (HDR), greater brightness, and a 90 Hz refresh rate for superior smoothness. It's the ultimate upgrade!

Batteries: The Power to Keep the Game Going

A new battery is one of the most satisfying upgrades. It restores the original autonomy to your controller or portable console, freeing you from cables.

• DualShock 4 Controller (PS4): The most common battery model is the LIP1522. The original is typically 1000 mAh, but at iLevante.com you can find replacements of up to 2000 mAh to double your playtime.
• DualSense Controller (PS5): This uses the LIP1708 model. Various replacement capacities are available, from the original 1560 mAh to extended versions that can exceed 2500 mAh.
• Steam Deck: The original battery is 40 Wh in the LCD model and 50 Wh in the OLED model (which, despite being larger, doesn't necessarily last longer due to the more demanding 90Hz screen). A replacement will restore its lost portability.

Cooling Components: Fans and Thermal Paste

To solve overheating problems, a replacement fan and high-quality thermal paste (such as Arctic MX-4 or similar) are your best allies. This is maintenance that can restore your console to the silence and performance of its first day.

Connectors, Modules and Lenses

In our catalogue, you'll find everything from the smallest to the most complex components: HDMI ports, USB-C charging connectors, analogue joystick modules to eradicate drift, conductive membranes for buttons, and of course, KES laser lenses for the PS4 and PS5 disc drives.

Getting Hands-On: A Basic Guide to Common Repairs 🛠️

Warning! Carrying out these repairs yourself involves risks and may void your warranty. Proceed with care, ensure you have the correct tools (Torx security screwdrivers, plastic spudgers, tweezers), and if you don't feel confident, consult a professional.

Basic Maintenance: Cleaning Fans and Replacing Thermal Paste (e.g., PS4)

This is the most rewarding repair. Broadly, the process involves: removing the top and bottom covers of the console, disconnecting and removing the power supply unit, taking out the hard drive, and finally lifting the motherboard to access the heat sink. Carefully, clean the fan and the heat sink fins of all accumulated dust. Then, wipe the old thermal paste off the APU and heat sink with isopropyl alcohol and apply a small bead of new paste before reassembling everything in reverse order.

Advanced Repair: Replacing a Joystick Module (e.g., DualSense Controller)

Putting an end to "drift" is possible, but it's not for beginners. The process requires completely disassembling the controller, removing the covers, battery, triggers, and finally the main circuit board. The joystick module is soldered to the board with up to 14 contact points. This repair requires experience and soldering equipment (a fine-tipped soldering iron, solder, and desoldering braid). You must very carefully desolder the faulty module and solder the new one in its place, ensuring all connections are secure and free of short circuits.

At iLevante.com, Your Game Continues

We hope this guide has been useful and gives you the confidence to tackle any issue your console may face. Repairing is not only cost-effective but also sustainable and very rewarding. Explore our catalogue of spare parts for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Steam Deck, and remember that at iLevante.com, we are here to help ensure the game never ends. Happy repairing! 💪