Thermal paste carries heat from the processor into the heatsink. When it dries out, the console runs hot, the fan gets loud, and it may shut off or throttle.

1. Open the consoleShells, screws and shielding come off, and I keep the screws sorted so everything goes back in the right place.
2. Clean out the dustThe fan, heatsink and vents are cleared so air can move freely.
3. Remove the old pasteThe dried paste is wiped off the chip and the heatsink without scratching either surface.
4. Apply fresh pasteA thin, even layer of new thermal paste goes on the chip.
5. Reassemble and testI put it back together and check fan noise and temperatures before it goes back to you.

Good to know: paste is not the fix for every overheating console. If the fan is failing or the vents are blocked, I will tell you what is actually going on. Opening any console can leave signs that it was opened.

Liquid metal moves heat much better than standard paste, and it is the option offered for the PS5 processor.

1. Open and cleanThe PS5 is opened and the heatsink and fan are cleaned out.
2. Remove the old compoundOld compound is fully cleaned off the chip and heatsink.
3. Protect the surrounding partsThe small parts around the chip are protected, because liquid metal conducts electricity.
4. Apply the liquid metalA small, controlled amount is spread on the chip.
5. Reassemble and testI check temperatures and stability under load before returning it.

Risks and caveats: liquid metal conducts electricity, so it must stay exactly where it is meant to. It can also stain or react with some metals, so it is only used where the chip and heatsink are suitable. If your console does not need it or is not a good fit, I will recommend the Clean Only option instead. It is not offered for every console.

The HDMI port is soldered to the motherboard. Pulling on the cable, or a hard bump, can crack the port or lift its pads, which causes no picture, flickering, or a loose cable.

1. DiagnoseI rule out the cable and TV, then inspect the port for bent pins, cracks, or lifted pads.
2. Open the consoleThe console is opened and the motherboard is exposed.
3. Remove the old portThe board is heated and the damaged port is carefully lifted off.
4. Repair the pads and tracesOld solder is cleaned off and any damaged pad or trace is repaired.
5. Solder in the new portA new HDMI port is aligned and soldered in, and each joint is checked.
6. Test and reassembleI test picture and sound and wiggle-test the connection before closing it up.

Risks and caveats: this is delicate micro-soldering. If the pads or traces under the port are badly damaged, the repair is harder and I will tell you before going further. It is done per console model, since PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X ports are not interchangeable. If you are not sure the port is the problem, text me a photo and a short description first.