Dreamcast not displaying video/audio after re-assembly + Pics of damaged mainboard

[Hedgeyourbets]

I wasnt implying its common - just that they dont seem to be worth any extra with my dealings. =/

They run hotter and louder, not a good selling point.

That's part of the beauty of them lol
I think a lot of the appeal is that they're a bit of a novelty really, like you can have a regular dreamcast from the UK/US with just a bit of metal (I'm guessing aluminium) added to the shielding as a heatsink or you can have a slightly rarer variety with wicked cool copper heatpipes. I think it's just about having something a bit different really, a bit like buying a limited edition console or a coloured case, but cheaper. Personally I bought mine because it was sold as not working and didn't have a lid, I do enjoy a challenge. Runs like a dream now.

[runkthepunk]

I really like the metal fan version I don't know why it just seems more 'serious' about cooling like 'it needs a METAL' fan its so hot and powerful!) as mentioned though its actually probably not great.

I have a pipe cooled machine which I never use due to a dicky GD-ROM.

[l_oliveira]

Okay let me share my thoughts about the VA0 Dreamcast:


The good:
1- I have actually seen newer units with blown HOLLY chips but can't remember seeing a single one VA0 with such fail.
2- The Yamaha GD-ROM unit in it sucks, but it's because of that stupid OTI ATA/DSP chip. It's error correction isn't good enough for GD discs.
3- The NEC SPU-3200 laser pickups used on VA0s are better than that trash Samsung pickup you see on newer units. Put a VA1 GD ROM board in it and it runs like a champ.
4- It's generally sturdier than a VA1 unit.
5- It uses 5V bios chip. (I have lots of 5v 29F016 TSOPs here with SSOP adapter boards ...)
6- It's HOTTER but it's still neater than the newer units.

The bad:
1- It's HOTTER but it's still neater than the newer units.
2- It's VIDEO DAC chip is more fragile than that of the newer units. One can easily blow it out by connecting the video cables with having it already connected to the wall plug.
(This can happen on any console using RCA plugs as output, though)
3- It uses 5V bios chip. (3.3v flash chips are easier to obtain these days ...)

The ugly:
It draws more power than a VA1 motherboard so if you shove a PAL power supply in it, it will catch fire !