Beat the Heat: Cooling Solutions for Your Overheating R36S

Don’t let thermal throttling ruin your retro gaming sessions! Here’s how to keep your R36S cool and stable.

1. Immediate Fixes

• Stop Overclocking: Lower the CPU clock speed (via Settings > Advanced). Even a small reduction (e.g., 1.5GHz → 1.2GHz) cuts heat significantly.
• Reduce Brightness: Dim the screen to minimize power draw.
• Close Background Apps: Ensure no extra processes are running (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth).

2. Passive Cooling Mods (No Tools Needed)

• Elevate the Device: Use a phone/tablet stand to improve airflow underneath.
• Sticky Heatsinks: Attach small aluminum heatsinks (Amazon/Banggood) to the back casing. Focus on areas near the CPU.
• Thermal Pads: Add 1mm thermal pads between the internal chip and backplate (requires opening the device).

3. Active Cooling Solutions

• USB Desk Fan: Position a mini USB fan (like this one) to blow air onto the R36S during play.
• Phone Cooler: Clip a magnetic phone cooler (e.g., Black Shark FunCooler Pro) to the back. Use double-sided tape if needed.
• DIY Fan Mod: For advanced users, solder a 5V 30mm fan to the R36S’s USB port (guide on GBATemp).

4. Environmental Adjustments

• Play in Cool Rooms: Avoid direct sunlight or hot surfaces.
• Take Breaks: Let the device cool down every 1-2 hours.
• Clean Vents: Use compressed air to remove dust blocking airflow.

5. Long-Term Prevention

• Avoid Demanding Games: PSP titles like God of War or Metal Gear Solid push the hardware harder—stick to lighter games (e.g., Lumines).
• Undervolt the CPU: If your firmware allows, slightly reduce voltage for lower temps (proceed with caution!).
• Replace Thermal Paste: If you’ve opened the device, apply high-quality paste (Arctic MX-6) to the CPU.

Community-Backed Hacks

• Case Mods: Drill small ventilation holes in the backplate (see r/SBCGaming examples).
• Heat Dissipation Tape: Wrap the motherboard in copper foil tape to spread heat.

What NOT to Do

• ❌ Block Vents: Don’t place the R36S on fabric or carpets.
• ❌ Overclock + Cool: Combining overclocking with cooling mods risks permanent damage.

Final Tip

If overheating persists, downgrade your firmware. Newer updates sometimes prioritize performance over thermal management.

Share your cooling hacks below—help others keep their R36S frosty! ❄️

Need more help? Check out Retro Game Corps’ R36S guide for detailed modding tutorials.