PS3 PS3 CECHA RSX Swap (40nm) – JP Limited – SYSCON Patch, VDDC Mod – Need Detailed Help

jw0710

Member
Hi,

I'm from Germany and currently working on a PS3 CECHA (COK-001) project.

I managed to import a limited edition Japanese launch model and I'm planning to upgrade it by replacing the original 90nm RSX with a 40nm version from a CECH-21xx Slim console.

The idea is to reduce heat, improve long-term stability, and still keep full CFW compatibility. I also want to install a Tantalizer and set up a custom cooling solution. The board is disassembled and prepped, RSX removed, and I'm now getting ready for the mod.

So far:
- UART connection is working, using the PS3 UART GUI Tool
- Error log shows repeated 0xA0403034 entries (RSX thermal shutdowns)
- PS3 Slim 40nm is laying arround here
- Company with BGA Machine is found

I know there are several English threads here and even a tutorial floating around, but since I'm a German native speaker and this is a rare console, I'm being extra cautious. I'm afraid to mess something up during the SYSCON patching or the voltage mod, and I'd really appreciate more detailed guidance.

What I need help with:
- Adjusting the VDDC on the COK-001 to match the 40nm RSX (1.10–1.12V). I can't find clear documentation on what needs to be changed (resistors, shunts, etc.)
- SYSCON EEPROM patching. I know the SYSCON needs to accept the 40nm RSX, but I'm not sure where and how to patch the dump. Some mention copying parts of a Slim dump, others mention editing fuse IDs or I²C responses.
- Any tips before powering on the console after the RSX swap. I'd like to know what else I should watch for (I²C signals, PLL, filter caps, etc.)

If anyone has done this before or could explain it in more detail, that would help a lot. German or English is fine. I'm not skipping research, I just want to make sure I do this right.

Thanks in advance. I'll gladly share logs, pictures or anything needed.

Error:

B1kPaFs


Playstation in Question:
undefined


Old CECHA RSX
SPsTYjm


Slim RSX
eUQup63
 
Practice on something else first if you don't want to kill this cechA!

Once your comfortable with the entire process go for it




Hi,

I'm from Germany and currently working on a PS3 CECHA (COK-001) project.

I managed to import a limited edition Japanese launch model and I'm planning to upgrade it by replacing the original 90nm RSX with a 40nm version from a CECH-21xx Slim console.

The idea is to reduce heat, improve long-term stability, and still keep full CFW compatibility. I also want to install a Tantalizer and set up a custom cooling solution. The board is disassembled and prepped, RSX removed, and I'm now getting ready for the mod.

So far:
- UART connection is working, using the PS3 UART GUI Tool
- Error log shows repeated 0xA0403034 entries (RSX thermal shutdowns)
- PS3 Slim 40nm is laying arround here
- Company with BGA Machine is found

I know there are several English threads here and even a tutorial floating around, but since I'm a German native speaker and this is a rare console, I'm being extra cautious. I'm afraid to mess something up during the SYSCON patching or the voltage mod, and I'd really appreciate more detailed guidance.

What I need help with:
- Adjusting the VDDC on the COK-001 to match the 40nm RSX (1.10–1.12V). I can't find clear documentation on what needs to be changed (resistors, shunts, etc.)
- SYSCON EEPROM patching. I know the SYSCON needs to accept the 40nm RSX, but I'm not sure where and how to patch the dump. Some mention copying parts of a Slim dump, others mention editing fuse IDs or I²C responses.
- Any tips before powering on the console after the RSX swap. I'd like to know what else I should watch for (I²C signals, PLL, filter caps, etc.)

If anyone has done this before or could explain it in more detail, that would help a lot. German or English is fine. I'm not skipping research, I just want to make sure I do this right.

Thanks in advance. I'll gladly share logs, pictures or anything needed.

Error:

B1kPaFs


Playstation in Question:
undefined


Old CECHA RSX
SPsTYjm


Slim RSX
eUQup63
 
Honestly, I think I'm capable of handling most of the process myself. I've done several RGH mods on Xbox 360s, I build custom wiring harnesses, and I professionally repair Game Boy cartridges – so soldering and electronics work aren't an issue for me. Also I bought the PS3 defective and as shown it has Error Code 3034 so the RSX is done either way.


What I'm most worried about is misinterpreting parts of the guides – not because I don't speak English, but because technical English is on a whole different level compared to everyday conversation. It's easy to get the gist wrong if you're not 100% familiar with all the terms, especially when the guides aren't super detailed.
As for the RSX swap itself, I'm planning to have that done externally. I don't have a BGA rework station, and buying one just for this job wouldn't really make sense financially – not for a one-off.
So yeah, that's my plan.
 
I'd say your exactly correct. Technical english is a whole different language.
I am sorry I can not help further with your questions re VDDC and syscon, but I would like those exact same answers myself.
So I hope a senior member see's this post and is inspired to write a for dummies guide :adoration:

Honestly, I think I'm capable of handling most of the process myself. I've done several RGH mods on Xbox 360s, I build custom wiring harnesses, and I professionally repair Game Boy cartridges – so soldering and electronics work aren't an issue for me. Also I bought the PS3 defective and as shown it has Error Code 3034 so the RSX is done either way.


What I'm most worried about is misinterpreting parts of the guides – not because I don't speak English, but because technical English is on a whole different level compared to everyday conversation. It's easy to get the gist wrong if you're not 100% familiar with all the terms, especially when the guides aren't super detailed.
As for the RSX swap itself, I'm planning to have that done externally. I don't have a BGA rework station, and buying one just for this job wouldn't really make sense financially – not for a one-off.
So yeah, that's my plan.
 
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