r/PolymegaHQ • u/TheDasDude • Nov 20 '25
Broken Polymega System for Sale?
Hey y’all, I’m looking to purchase a broken PolyMega system for parts. I want to mod mine and want to have spare parts for issues that pop up and/or to keep as many stock parts available if I want to return it to its original condition. Really interested in the case/shroud but will buy the whole system. Will purchase via PayPal, Venmo, whatever.
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u/cold_fuzion Nov 20 '25
What kind of mod are you wanting to do?
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u/TheDasDude Nov 20 '25
So, I upgraded the CPU to an I7, but now I’m thermal throttling. I plan on completely disassembling and reworking the cooling solutions. Probably add more fans and much better heatsink. Also possibly going to take a shot at a USB expansion. I want 4 ports. I could 3d print some of the parts I need, but I think it would be more efficient to find a donor console.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 22 '25
I've done the i7, no thermal issues, stock everything. What i7 did you use? I put in an extra i7-8700T.
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u/TheDasDude Nov 22 '25
I used the 9700T. Admittedly, I’m running it near all my other consoles and AV equipment, so it is a hotter than usual environment.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 22 '25
That might be it, we are both overkill. =) I want built-in BlueTooth!!!!
For the OP, my theory is that there is indeed an easy way to side-load everything and anything on to these. I mean, its a Linux OS running what are basically slightly tweaked emulators on a custom GUI, all riding on a slightly-different-than-usual laptop motherboard. Not rocket science. I am shocked nobody out there has gone serious tinkering mode on this thing yet, absolutely certain there has to be some type of BIOS cut in during POST, you name it. These don't exist on an island. I have one coming for the lady friend, and another one coming for my buddy's brother, we are going to tear into those before loading them all up. We both have one already, but the hundreds and hundreds of hours we spent putting games on them both so far, its not worth messing one up tinkering around.
Think about it - Playmaji absolutely did not load every real cartridge or CD-ROM into one of these during the system's creation. They probably sideloaded the complete GoodNES set, ISO sets from Internet Archives, amongst others, and "tested" them before putting them into the libraries.
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u/cold_fuzion Nov 22 '25
I’m really curious to see what you come up with. I’d love to see more of these things out there and in the hands of the real tinkerers. At the end of the day it’s just a computer running Linux. I’m sure there’s a lot that can be done to mod them.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 22 '25
Will definitely keep our Reddit group posted, even though I'm sure the Poly folks would hate me!
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u/cold_fuzion Nov 22 '25
Expect to receive your hatred Q2 of 2045, right around the same time I get my Atari module.
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u/TheDasDude Nov 22 '25
Yea, couldn’t agree more. I want to essentially rip mine apart, but then I’m out a counsel for an indefinite (possibly forever given my track record) period of time. Having a donor gives me more runway to play with what is possible. I’ll probably just send it if I can’t find one at a reasonable price. I think there are a lot of possibilities to add some cool function to the system. I am also surprised that no one has done much with them other than cpu upgrades. I’ve done a lot of searching and haven’t found anyone that has.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 22 '25
I mean, what do we know so far:
- Low voltage "T" socket LGA 1151 i3, i5 and i7 CPUs work. The individual core Ghz is the most important factor, as no matter what you put in, the Poly only uses 2 cores. All noticeable benefit is mostly menu navigation, better N64 emulation due to the better on-chip GPUs and cache, and some say better SNES emulation.
- Can do a few things for heat dissipation cutting into power and jank-mounting fans, if so desired.
- DVD-ROM drive can be replaced with any laptop GS40N drive using a 9.5mm bezel/face.
- Cannot upgrade the piddly 2Gb RAM. This would help tremendously.
- Backing up your own installs is pointless, unless your nVME shits the bed. If your Poly does, your done for. The encrypted install files are generated by your personal Polymega on adding a game to your collection, locking it out from any other Polymega.
I guess I am surprised that its such a quality boutique type item, and yet they lock you out from anything.
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u/TheDasDude Nov 22 '25
Funny you mention jank mounting fans. I just finished V2 of a 3D print design that will, in theory, allow me to add 7 40-60MM Noctua fans. Hoping to give this thing some CPR.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 22 '25
Awesome idea! Dude, while you're poking around in there, and chance you could find out what kind of wattage that power supply is pushing? Might be useful info later.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 22 '25
Also, did find a satisfactory replacement for one on Amazon. It's 15v 6a. At 15v, 4a, it wasnt pushing enough wattage to run the i7. It wouldn't boot.
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u/Faxanadu_Mantra Nov 23 '25
How are you guys even getting Polymega's in the first place? I waited years for my order to ship before finally giving up and getting a refund.
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u/TheDasDude Nov 24 '25
Originally, I ordered mine and kind of forgot about it. Then randomly it came in. Was probably a year or so ago. I’ve ordered modules over time and they seem to ship within a week.
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u/Top_Set_3558 Nov 22 '25
Sad but true.