Introducing two new add-ons for our PSP services! We’ve expanded both our Build-to-Order PSP refurbished consoles and Mail-In Repair/Upgrade services to include CMOS battery replacement and thermal pad replacement. For mail-in customers, these are available as optional add-ons with an additional cost under repair options. For Build-to-Order purchases, both services are now automatically included at no extra charge with every refurbished PSP console.

What is a CMOS battery?
The "CMOS battery" in a PSP is actually a small supercapacitor on the motherboard. It helps maintain the system clock and stabilizes power during battery changes. When this component begins to fail, the PSP will usually reset the date and time whenever the main battery is removed or fully drained. In rarer cases, it may also cause unusual power behavior, such as the console only starting while plugged in or powering on inconsistently.

Because replacing this part can be a fairly complex procedure, we now offer it as a mail-in repair add-on. We’re also including it automatically with every Build-to-Order PSP console we sell.

What is a thermal pad?
A thermal pad replacement involves swapping out the soft, heat-conductive pad that sits between the PSP’s main chips and the metal heat spreader or heatsink. This pad fills tiny microscopic gaps and ensures proper contact so heat can transfer efficiently away from the CPU/GPU area. Over time, thermal pads can dry out, harden, or become permanently compressed, which reduces cooling performance. Replacing them is especially important whenever the heatsink is removed during a shell swap, repair, or mod, since older pads rarely reseat evenly once disturbed. Fresh pads restore proper thermal bridging, helping your PSP stay cooler, run more reliably, and avoid heat-related issues.

If you have any questions about these new add-ons or want help choosing the right service for your PSP, feel free to reach out.