How It’s Done
PS3 Frankenstein APS-226 Modernized PSU Rebuild | Dramatically Cooler + Load Tested
We modernized the Sony APS-226 at the component level and put it under sustained load in a high-draw launch PS3. The result: dramatically cooler PSU operation while retaining the APS-226's substantial electrical headroom.
PS3 Frankenstein APS-226 Modernized Power Supply Rebuild
The Frankenstein conversion does not have to stop at the RSX.
In this project we completely disassembled and modernized a Sony APS-226 power supply at the component level while retaining the original Sony circuit architecture and the substantial output headroom that makes the APS-226 such a strong power supply for backwards-compatible FAT PlayStation 3 systems.
This is substantially more than installing another used APS-226 or replacing the original thermal compound.
Component-Level PSU Modernization
The rebuild addresses the major power-handling and thermal sections of the APS-226, including:
- PFC power switching
- Primary switching
- Synchronous rectification
- High-speed rectification
- PFC boost diode modernization
- Bridge rectification
- High-voltage bulk capacitor renewal
- Heatsink and thermal-interface servicing
- Electrical isolation inspection
- Bench and sustained-load testing
We intentionally do not publish the complete component substitution list or detailed modernization BOM.
Dramatically Cooler Operation
The first completed APS-226 modernization was installed into a high-draw 90nm CECHA01 launch-model PS3 and subjected to sustained gaming load.
After approximately two hours of operation, the rebuilt APS-226 remained only slightly above room temperature to the touch.
A FLIR measurement at the monitored PSU surface was approximately 29°C during testing.
For anyone familiar with aging FAT PS3 power supplies, the difference was immediately noticeable.
This does not mean every rebuilt APS-226 is guaranteed to operate at 29°C. Final temperature varies with ambient temperature, console configuration, processor load, CELL/RSX undervolting, fan behavior, PSU condition and measurement location.
What the testing demonstrates is that a properly modernized APS-226 can exhibit dramatically improved thermal behavior while retaining the electrical headroom of the original high-capacity supply.
APS-226 Modernized Reconditioned PSU Service
Service information, pricing and inquiries:
APS-226 Modernized Reconditioned PSU Service
The service can rebuild a customer-supplied APS-226, or an APS-226 core can be supplied from our inventory when available for an additional charge.
Where This Fits in a Premium Frankenstein Build
Our complete restoration strategy is cumulative:
40nm RSX conversion
→ NEC/TOKIN power rail rebuild
→ CELL / RSX undervolting
→ optimized thermal interfaces
→ upgraded cooling
→ modernized APS-226 power supply
Reducing processor power is only part of controlling heat inside a FAT PS3. Reducing unnecessary heat generated by the power supply itself means less heat is being released inside the chassis in the first place.
Watch the Development and Rebuild Livestreams
The APS-226 modernization was developed and installed live on the channel. These streams show the real bench work, teardown, installation, troubleshooting and testing process.
APS-226 Development / Rebuild Part 1
Watch Part 1 on YouTube
APS-226 Development / Rebuild Part 2
Watch Part 2 on YouTube
APS-226 Development / Rebuild Part 3
Watch Part 3 on YouTube
PS3 Frankenstein Repairs & Information
For more PS3 Frankenstein conversions, factory bare-die 40nm RSX upgrades, RSX harvesting, BGA rework, NEC/TOKIN rebuilding, CELL/RSX undervolting, PSU modernization, diagnostics, repair livestreams and specialty repair tools:
iKon Technical Solutions
PS3 Frankenstein Repair
BGA Rework
Component-Level Electronics Repair
Power Supply Modernization
Specialty Repair Tools