Sega Dreamcast Logic Board Replacement

Written By: wkwong

Comments: 3

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 - 45 minutes

Introduction

A guide to remove the Logic Board from the Sega Dreamcast.

Tools

Step 1

Verify that the console is disconnected from the AC outlet before you begin.
Flip the console over on its back.
Take note of your model number, in case replacement parts are needed.

Step 2

Remove the expansion bay by applying pressure to the small clip on the expansion bay while prying it away from the console.

Step 3

Locate and remove all four black 12mm Phillips #02 screws from the underside of the console.
Note: Remove the expansion bay to locate the fourth screw

Step 4

Internal components can be loose. Be careful that they do not fall out when removing the cover.
Turn the console right side up.
Remove the top cover by gently lifting the upper portion of the console.

Step 5

Verify that the console is disconnected from the AC outlet before you begin. If you have just powered off the system, give the capacitors a few minutes to discharge before you begin working.
Remove the white female pin header by clamping the clip and pulling it up gently from the power board.

Step 6

Remove the two 10mm Philips #02 screws that are fastened to the power block.

Step 7

Do not bend the male pin header between the mounted head when you remove the power supply from the chassis.
Remove the power board by using both hands to gently lift the power board away from the console.

Step 8

Remove the clear plastic film that is tucked between the power supply and the chassis.

Step 9

Be gentle with the white controller cable as it can be a bit fragile.
Disconnect the white controller cable by gently pulling the the cable while wiggling it back and forth until it detaches from the controller board.

Note that on some Dreamcasts the power board (on the left) overhangs slightly over the controller board, meaning one must also remove the power board at this stage. This is relatively straightforward, fortunately. Remove a screw each at the top left of the power board and at the bottom left of the power board, remove the white clip at the top left, pop out the white clip on the left of the power board and lift the power board out from the front where you have the white block containing eight pins that connect the power board to the sub board. Then proceed per the rest of this guide. Hope this helps.

JP Asher -

Step 10

Remove the four 14mm Philips #02 screws located on the controller board.

Step 11

Disconnect the white fan header from the controller port.

Perhaps list the battery type an battery holders that allow for easy replacement in the future?

Brett Kampf - 17/03/20

Step 12

Remove the controller board by lifting it up from the controller port.

Step 13

Detach the orange cable by giving it a gentle pull while wiggling the cable back and forth until it loosens from the logic board.

Step 14

Detach the cables by gently pulling the three GD-ROM cables to remove them from the logic board.

Step 15

Remove the two black 12mm Philips #02 screws located on the left side of the GD-ROM bracket.
The console is rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise in the first photo. The second photo depicts the normal position.

Step 16

When lifting the GD-ROM, be careful that the top half of the casing does not detached from its base.
Remove the GD-ROM by gently lifting it from its base.

Step 17

Remove the white fan header by gently pulling it away from from the controller port.
The white fan header may already be detached if you have completed the Controller Port Disassembly Guide.

Step 18

Remove the two 8.5mm Philips #00 screws from the fan bracket.

Step 19

Remove the two 17.5mm Philips #00 screws from the fan bracket.
Remove the fan from the bracket.

Step 20

Remove the five 10mm Philips #02 screws from left side of the logic board cover.
Remove the three black 12mm Philips #02 screws from the right side of the logic board cover.

Step 21

Lift the metal cover from the console.

Step 22

Before handing the logic board, you may want to use a grounding strap to protect the device from static charge. If you do not have a grounding strip, you may ground yourself by touching a large metallic object.
Remove the logic board and set the logic board on an anti-static surface.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

wkwong

Member since: 14/11/09

517 Reputation

One comment

helpful but my dreamcast had a different logic board and as well as fan and gd-rom so keep that in mind if u see something different in your unit

Nickolas Wilcox - 19/04/15