So my PS3 has had the YLOD 2 times in the past 4 months, and fixed it both times. I figured it's time to do something a little more extreme than a temporary bandaid. I decided to not only liquid cool it, but swap it into a computer case.
 
I researched computer cases that would possibly facilitate my PS3 and decided on the Apevia X-Master (silver)....it had the dimensions I was looking for for my home theater cabinets, and it had a PSU for operating the liquid cooling.
 
Here's my list of parts for the liquid cooling:
 
2x Koolance GPU-200 Water Blocks
XSPC X20 450 Pump/Reservoir
XSPC 120mm Radiator
Tygon Tubing: 3/8" ID 1/2" OD
Koolance Liquid
Koolance fittings G1/4: 3/8" ID 1/2" OD
 
I just finished what I could, I have a few more parts on order so this IS a work in progress. Here's what it looks like inside.
 





 
 
 
As you can see, swivel barbs would be best for the X20 (got those on order). I can't close the case until then. I'm working on cutting the 5.25" bay plate for the BD and the power/eject. I also rerouted the hdd away from the mobo and into the 3.5" bay.
UPDATE: Pictures of final setup are on page 3 of this thread.

Very nice! Hope sony doesnt sue you for that. lol. Kidding.

Once I have it completely finished, I will.

The temp is definitely low. I can touch the water blocks no problem.....I am, however, experiencing a problem. It's not the YLOD, but after anywhere from 10-20 minutes it shuts off -- 3 beeps, flashing red light (no yellow light). I thought it might have been from my hdd extension cable messing with the hdd, but I took that out and slid the hdd back into the mobo cradle. It still didn't fix it. I'm gonna have to rip everything apart and reflow the mobo (I should have reflowed it to begin with). I'll have the final verdict in about 6 hours (give or take).

The MOD itself looks very cool...... good idea

Yeah, we're definitely in the same "camp." I don't want to let my cecha01 go either!

Are you always going to have it like that with no cover.

I can't see the last picture you posted for some reason but I will say this, when I was researching all of this a few months ago I came across a company in the UK (I believe) that actually made a waterblock (yes, one waterblock that spanned both the gpu and cpu in one unit) for the old ps3's but it would have cost around 250USD to get it over here and that's just too much really when you can buy those blocks you used for cheap.
 
I'd certainly try to make it more aesthetically appealing if you're using the pc case. My idea was to have a unit that sort of expanded on the ps3 as a whole aka became a solid part of the ps3 shell (so I'd still have portability with the unit.) Naturally that would take up two plug spaces in the wall for the pump, but it wouldn't be too bad to rig up, especially if it was done with the ps3 standing vertically.

SpeeDemon1219

MaelstromOC

I can't see the last picture you posted for some reason but I will say this, when I was researching all of this a few months ago I came across a company in the UK (I believe) that actually made a waterblock (yes, one waterblock that spanned both the gpu and cpu in one unit) for the old ps3's but it would have cost around 250USD to get it over here and that's just too much really when you can buy those blocks you used for cheap.

I'd certainly try to make it more aesthetically appealing if you're using the pc case. My idea was to have a unit that sort of expanded on the ps3 as a whole aka became a solid part of the ps3 shell (so I'd still have portability with the unit.) Naturally that would take up two plug spaces in the wall for the pump, but it wouldn't be too bad to rig up, especially if it was done with the ps3 standing vertically.

I assume you're talking about Innovatek with regard to the water block.

I think you misunderstand my goal in doing this. If it was for aesthetics, trust me, I would have gone with a different case. I needed a case with specific dimensions to be able to fit into my home theater cabinets. I have an APC power conditioner with 10 outlets on the back, so dedicating two outlets for both the psu and ps3 isn't really a concern.

My ps3 has also ylod twice in the past 5 months so I was going for functionality vs. looks. Keeping it as cool as possible is my main priority. This is a work in progress and I am not finished yet. I'm still waiting on 2 more parts to come in the mail. Stay tuned......

All you need to do now is overclock that sucker to 5.0 GHz and the gpu to 1GHz

@ MaelstromOC
 
Restored the broken link to the picture you were trying to view. I renamed it and forgot to paste new link.

I finally got my last couple parts in the mail today (even though usps tracking said it was out for delivery yesterday...had to call them up this morning and they said, "Oh...it's here, I don't know why it didn't get delivered. Do you want to pick it up?"....what the hell kinda question is that?! Leave it to our federal postal service to F things up!). Anyways, after about 6 hours of messing with this mod, I finally got it the way I want. Here are some final pics:
1) Drained fluid and altered tubing
2) Routed HDD away from mobo to the 3.5" drive bay (to reduce heat soak in mobo)
3) Swapped my SilenX fan on rad with two of my Scythe Ultra Kaze's for added cfm
4) The 2 USB ports on front cover are functional now
5) Working on fabricating the cover to fit a 230mm fan (I had lying around) for exhaust purposes. Cover is staying off until then.










All in all, I'm happy with the way this turned out. I put in a lot more time than I cared to, but I kept coming up with better ideas as I went.

Hopefully this solves my overheating issue. You'll definitely hear from me if it doesn't!

Peace,

SD

Maybe the first in a PC case? But I have seen watercooled PS3's before.

How's the performance from it? I'm sure it runs a bit more smoother with less heat! Congrats!!

mod. I noticed it's a fat PS3 and I remember those things ran REALLY hot. I have a newer slim model and it doesnt get hot but the drive is kinda crappy, would be cool if you could stick a faster blu ray drive in these. Next mod?

blacksapphire08

mod. I noticed it's a fat PS3 and I remember those things ran REALLY hot. I have a newer slim model and it doesnt get hot but the drive is kinda crappy, would be cool if you could stick a faster blu ray drive in these. Next mod?

 
The Blu-ray drive's controller board cannot be swapped because it's coupled with the PS3 it came in. However, you can remove just the drive (without controller) and swap it into another PS3 without problems as long as the drives are similar.
 
What model (CECH???) do you have?