How to Install Tantalizers

Beyond the YLOD

Replace the NEC Tokin capacitors on your PS3 with Tantalizers. Ten steps, about 20 minutes per Tokin.

20 min per Tokin10 stepsPS3 motherboard
Download the PDF guideGet Tantalizers

What you need

Gather everything first so the pads don't cool while you hunt for tools.

  • Small pliersto pull the cap
  • Craft knifeto lift the rails
  • Tantalizersfrom Delid Tool
  • Flux, wick and solderplus a soldering iron
  • 20 minutesfor each Tokin

Find your Tokins

The PS3 has Tokin pairs on both sides of the RSX and Cell. The method is the same for each pair.

Tokin location: RSX, topside
RSX, topside
Tokin location: Cell, topside
Cell, topside
Tokin location: Cell, underside
Cell, underside
Tokin location: RSX, underside
RSX, underside

Part 1: Removal

Take the old Tokin down to bare pads.

1

Pull the cap

Grip the plastic cap with small pliers and lift it off the NEC Tokin.

Tip: Work slowly and lift straight up. The cap comes away in one piece.

Photos for step 1: Pull the cap
2

Pinch off the plastic

Pinch each end with the pliers to snap away the leftover plastic.

Photos for step 2: Pinch off the plastic
3

Find the outer rails

Look for the two outer metal rails that hold the Tokin to the board. Have your craft knife ready.

Photos for step 3: Find the outer rails
4

Twist and lift the first rail

Wedge the knife blade under the rail, then twist and lift it away.

Tip: Keep the blade low and angled under the rail so you don't gouge the board.

Photos for step 4: Twist and lift the first rail
5

Remove the other rail

Do the same on the opposite side until both rails are gone.

Photos for step 5: Remove the other rail

Part 2: Replacement

Clean the pads, then fit the Tantalizers.

6

Flux the empty pads

Apply flux to each empty rail pad.

Photos for step 6: Flux the empty pads
7

Wick away old solder

Use the iron and wick to clear the old solder until the pads are flat and clean.

Tip: Flat, shiny pads give you the best joints in the steps ahead.

Photos for step 7: Wick away old solder
8

Place the Tantalizers

Set the Tantalizers on the cleaned pads, lined up with the original footprint.

Tip: Check the + marks match the orientation shown before you solder.

Photos for step 8: Place the Tantalizers
9

Solder the outer edges

Solder the outer edges of the Tantalizers to the outer pads.

Photos for step 9: Solder the outer edges
10

Solder the inner edges

Finish by soldering the inner pads to the inner edges of the Tantalizers.

Tip: Circles in the photos mark the joints that are easiest to miss.

Photos for step 10: Solder the inner edges

When you finish

  • Every Tantalizer edge is soldered, inner and outer.
  • No solder bridges between the pads.
  • Flux residue is cleaned off.
  • Repeat for each remaining Tokin.

Stuck on a step? Contact us and we'll help. Doing a full repair? See How to Delid.