Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the exciting world of Powkiddy V90S hardware modifications. If you're anything like me, you love tinkering with your retro gaming devices to squeeze out every last bit of performance and longevity. In this comprehensive guide, we'll be covering two essential mods: adding a heatsink for improved thermal management and swapping the battery for extended playtime. Let's get started!
Why Mod Your Powkiddy V90S?
Before we jump into the how-to, let's talk about the why. The Powkiddy V90S is a fantastic little handheld that packs a punch for its size and price. However, like many compact devices, it has some limitations. The primary reasons for modding your V90S are to enhance its performance and extend its lifespan. Specifically, we'll address heat dissipation and battery life – two common pain points for retro gamers.
The Importance of Heat Dissipation
The Powkiddy V90S, while small, can generate a surprising amount of heat, especially when running more demanding games or emulators. This heat can lead to several issues, including:
- Performance throttling: To protect itself from overheating, the V90S's processor may reduce its clock speed, leading to noticeable lag and slowdowns during gameplay. This is the most immediate and frustrating consequence of poor heat management.
- Component damage: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can degrade the internal components of your V90S, potentially shortening its lifespan. Heat is a silent killer of electronics, and it's best to address it proactively.
- Uncomfortable handling: A hot device is simply uncomfortable to hold for extended periods. If your V90S gets noticeably warm, it's a sign that it could benefit from a heatsink mod.
Adding a heatsink helps to draw heat away from the processor and dissipate it more efficiently. This keeps the device running cooler, preventing throttling and protecting the internal components. It's a simple mod that can make a significant difference in the long run.
Extending Battery Life
Another common complaint about the Powkiddy V90S is its battery life. While it's decent for casual gaming, heavy users may find themselves reaching for the charger sooner than they'd like. Swapping the battery for a higher-capacity one can dramatically extend your playtime between charges. Imagine being able to marathon your favorite retro games without constantly worrying about the battery level – that's the power of a battery mod!
A battery upgrade not only gives you more playtime but also provides peace of mind. You won't have to cut your gaming sessions short or carry around a power bank everywhere you go. It's a convenience that enhances the overall gaming experience.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Before we dive into the modification process, let's gather the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here’s a comprehensive list:
For the Heatsink Mod
- Small Phillips head screwdriver: You'll need this to open the V90S case and access the internal components. Make sure it's the right size to avoid stripping the screws.
- Thermal paste: This is crucial for transferring heat from the processor to the heatsink. A good quality thermal paste will ensure efficient heat dissipation. Popular options include Arctic MX-4 and Gelid GC-Extreme.
- Small heatsink: A small, copper or aluminum heatsink is what will actually draw the heat away from the processor. Look for one that's appropriately sized for the V90S's CPU. You can find suitable heatsinks online, often marketed for Raspberry Pi or similar small electronics.
- Thermal adhesive (optional): While thermal paste is essential for the contact between the CPU and heatsink, thermal adhesive can help secure the heatsink in place. This is especially useful if the heatsink doesn't have built-in mounting hardware. Alternatively, you can use thermal tape.
- Isopropyl alcohol and lint-free wipes: These are for cleaning the CPU and heatsink surfaces to ensure optimal thermal contact. Any residue or contaminants can impede heat transfer.
For the Battery Swap
- Small Phillips head screwdriver: Again, you'll need this to open the V90S and access the battery compartment.
- Soldering iron and solder: This is necessary for disconnecting the old battery and connecting the new one. If you're not comfortable soldering, consider practicing on some scrap electronics first.
- Desoldering braid or pump (optional): These tools can help remove solder from the battery terminals, making it easier to detach the old battery.
- New battery: Choose a battery with a higher capacity than the original while ensuring it fits within the V90S's battery compartment and has the correct voltage (typically 3.7V). LiPo batteries are a common choice for this type of mod.
- Multimeter: This is useful for checking the voltage of the new battery and ensuring it's properly connected.
- Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing: This is for insulating the battery connections and preventing shorts.
General Tools
- Plastic opening tool or spudger: These tools help you pry open the V90S case without damaging the plastic. Avoid using metal tools, as they can scratch or break the case.
- Tweezers: These are helpful for handling small components and wires.
- Work mat: A static-dissipative work mat is ideal for protecting your electronics from static electricity damage.
- Good lighting: Proper lighting is essential for seeing what you're doing and avoiding mistakes.
With all your tools and materials in hand, you're ready to start the modification process. Let's move on to the step-by-step guides.
Step-by-Step Guide: Heatsink Mod
Alright, let's get our hands dirty with the heatsink mod. This process will significantly improve the thermal performance of your Powkiddy V90S. Follow these steps carefully:
- Disassemble the Powkiddy V90S:
- Use your plastic opening tool to carefully pry open the case. Start from the seam between the front and back halves. Be gentle and work your way around the device. There are several clips holding the case together, so you'll need to apply a bit of pressure.
- Once the case is open, you'll see the internal components. Take note of the layout, especially the location of the motherboard and CPU. It's a good idea to take a picture for reference.
- Remove any screws holding the motherboard in place. There are usually a few small Phillips head screws.
- Locate the CPU:
- The CPU is the main processor chip on the motherboard. It's usually a small, square chip covered in a silver or gray thermal pad.
- Carefully remove the original thermal pad. It might be sticky, so use your plastic opening tool or tweezers to gently peel it off.
- Clean the CPU and Heatsink:
- Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free wipe to thoroughly clean the surface of the CPU. Remove any residue from the old thermal pad.
- Clean the bottom of the heatsink as well. This will ensure optimal thermal contact.
- Apply Thermal Paste:
- Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU. A pea-sized amount is usually sufficient. You don't want to use too much, as it can actually impede heat transfer.
- Alternatively, you can spread a thin, even layer of thermal paste over the CPU using a plastic spreader or a credit card.
- Attach the Heatsink:
- Carefully place the heatsink on top of the CPU, aligning it properly. Apply gentle pressure to ensure good contact between the heatsink and the CPU.
- If you're using thermal adhesive, apply a small amount to the corners of the heatsink before attaching it to the CPU. Make sure the adhesive doesn't get between the heatsink and the CPU surface.
- If your heatsink has mounting hardware, use it to secure the heatsink to the motherboard. This will ensure it stays in place.
- Reassemble the Powkiddy V90S:
- Carefully place the motherboard back into the case.
- Reinstall the screws that hold the motherboard in place.
- Snap the case back together, making sure all the clips are properly aligned.
Congratulations! You've successfully installed a heatsink in your Powkiddy V90S. This will help keep your device running cooler and prevent performance throttling. Now, let's move on to the battery swap.
Step-by-Step Guide: Battery Swap
Extending the battery life of your Powkiddy V90S is another fantastic mod that can significantly enhance your gaming experience. This process involves replacing the original battery with a higher-capacity one. Here's how to do it:
- Disassemble the Powkiddy V90S:
- Just like with the heatsink mod, you'll need to open the V90S case. Use your plastic opening tool to carefully pry it open, starting from the seam between the front and back halves.
- Take note of the internal layout, especially the location of the battery and its connections. Again, taking a picture for reference is a good idea.
- Locate the Battery:
- The battery is usually a rectangular or square pack located in its own compartment. It's connected to the motherboard via two or three wires (positive, negative, and sometimes a temperature sensor).
- Disconnect the Old Battery:
- This is the trickiest part of the mod, as it involves soldering. If you're not comfortable soldering, consider practicing on some scrap electronics first.
- Use your soldering iron to heat the solder joints where the battery wires are connected to the motherboard. Once the solder melts, gently pull the wires away from the board.
- If you're having trouble removing the solder, use desoldering braid or a desoldering pump to remove the excess solder.
- Carefully remove the old battery from its compartment.
- Prepare the New Battery:
- If the new battery doesn't have the same connector as the old one, you'll need to solder the wires from the old battery connector to the new battery.
- Make sure to match the polarity correctly (positive to positive, negative to negative). Incorrect polarity can damage the battery and the V90S.
- Use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to insulate the connections and prevent shorts.
- Connect the New Battery:
- Solder the wires from the new battery to the corresponding solder pads on the motherboard.
- Again, make sure to match the polarity correctly.
- Use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery and ensure it's properly connected.
- Secure the New Battery:
- Place the new battery in the battery compartment. You may need to use some double-sided tape or foam to secure it in place and prevent it from moving around.
- Reassemble the Powkiddy V90S:
- Carefully place the motherboard back into the case.
- Reinstall the screws that hold the motherboard in place.
- Snap the case back together, making sure all the clips are properly aligned.
Excellent! You've successfully swapped the battery in your Powkiddy V90S. You should now enjoy significantly longer playtime between charges. Remember to charge the new battery fully before using your V90S.
Testing and Troubleshooting
After completing the mods, it's essential to test your Powkiddy V90S to ensure everything is working correctly. Here are some things to check:
Heatsink Mod
- Temperature: Run some demanding games or emulators for a while and monitor the temperature of the device. It should feel cooler to the touch than before the mod. You can also use a temperature monitoring app if you want to get precise readings.
- Performance: Play some games that previously experienced slowdowns or lag. You should notice a significant improvement in performance if the heatsink is working correctly.
Battery Swap
- Battery life: Play your V90S until the battery is fully drained and note how long it lasts. Compare this to the battery life you were getting before the mod. You should see a noticeable increase.
- Charging: Make sure the V90S charges properly with the new battery. The charging indicator light should illuminate when the device is plugged in.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the V90S doesn't turn on after the mods:
- Double-check all the connections, especially the battery connections. Make sure the polarity is correct.
- Ensure the battery is charged.
- Check for any loose screws or components inside the case.
- If the V90S overheats:
- Make sure the heatsink is properly attached to the CPU and that there's good thermal contact.
- Reapply thermal paste if necessary.
- Ensure the heatsink is not blocked by anything inside the case.
- If the battery life is not improved:
- Make sure you installed a battery with a higher capacity than the original.
- Check the battery connections and ensure they are secure.
- The new battery may need a few charge-discharge cycles to reach its full capacity.
Final Thoughts
Modding your Powkiddy V90S with a heatsink and battery swap is a fantastic way to enhance its performance and longevity. These mods are relatively straightforward, but they require patience and attention to detail. By following this guide, you can significantly improve your retro gaming experience. So, go ahead and give it a try – your V90S will thank you for it!
If you guys have any questions or run into any issues, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy gaming!
