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

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    Default Broken Saturn - games run super slowly, or not at all (videos included)

    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/0w67ohjer5..._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/rlzurhnr1t..._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?

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    Great Puma (Level 12) Bratwurst's Avatar
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    Could be failing system ram or a processor. Dunno.

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    Great Puma (Level 12) Niku-Sama's Avatar
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    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

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    Thanks for the replies.

    Quote Originally Posted by Niku-Sama View Post
    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.

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