Log in

View Full Version : Broken Saturn - games run super slowly, or not at all (videos included)



coolfoam
10-12-2019, 09:30 AM
I have a Saturn, but it doesn't work properly.

We get the splash screen and can get to the system menu. It runs audio CDs fine.

I've tried it with two games: Sonic Jam and Nights.

Sonic Jam doesn't work at all - it just plays a jarring noise (from the TV - not the console). Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0w67ohjer5x6rvy/IMG_7788.MOV?dl=0

Nights runs, but incredibly slowly. I also wonder if the disc is running at full speed in the console? Could be my imagination but it looks a little slow to me. Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rlzurhnr1tirxso/IMG_7787.MOV?dl=0

I've given the lens a clean with a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol but to no improvement. I removed the case and nothing looks obviously wrong or broken.
Tested the PSU with a multimeter - it seems to be sending the right power. My buddy tried adjusting the lens screw just for the hell of it but no improvement. I think there's a chance he made it worse.

My friend runs a used game store. He had a spare Saturn in the back. Both this Saturn and mine are model 2s (round buttons) but have different-looking PSUs. As an experiment we put the laser unit from the spare Saturn in my Saturn. It results in... EXACTLY the same problems, with both games.

Any suggestions?

Bratwurst
10-16-2019, 08:22 PM
Could be failing system ram or a processor. Dunno.

Niku-Sama
10-22-2019, 02:16 AM
i say buy his spare saturn.
i see artifacting on that nights video, and i agree with a processor or ram on its way out too. video ram to be more specific

coolfoam
10-22-2019, 12:03 PM
Thanks for the replies.


i say buy his spare saturn.


Yeah this had occurred to me as an option, and seems like the best route as it doesn't sound like fixing it would be straightforward.