Sega Dreamcast PixelFX Retro GEM Installation Service

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Your Price: $89.95

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Availability: In Stock.

Installation Location *

Capacitor Replacement

Controller Port Fuse and Battery

Power LED Color

Add Region Free BIOS?

New Thermal Pads?

Add Noctua Fan?

Full-Service Cleaning

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Description
Customer Reviews
Questions and Answers

This is a send-in installation service for the Sega Dreamcast DC Retro GEM from PixelFX.co.

Please note, the DC Retro GEM is NOT included with this service and can be purchased from one of the retailers below.

DISTRIBUTORS

PixelFX.co - Retro GEM Kit

CastleMania/ModernCastle - Retro GEM Kit

PixelFX Retro GEM Features

Digital lag-free HDMI output up to 1440p in Shiny Edition. 720p in Basic.
Advanced scaling and video filters in Shiny Edition
Native Direct video in Basic Edition. Perfect for people who already own an external scaler.
Simple firmware update procedure via WiFi

Installation Service

Installation of Dreamcast Retro GEM

Installation of DC Retro GEM flex and associated wiring
Removal of Serial Port/AV Port/HDMI port cutout
Updating DC Retro GEM firmware to latest stable release
Console tested to ensure proper functionality

Additional Services

Electrolytic Capacitor Replacement

Over time, electrolytic capacitors lose their ability to perform as intended, which can negatively affect your console’s performance. The electrolyte, paper, and aluminum foil inside the capacitor degrade both physically and chemically. Aging capacitors can cause a wide range of issues, and in extreme cases they leak corrosive electrolytic fluid onto the PCB, damaging traces, chips, and other components. This service removes the old, failing capacitors and gives your console a new lease on life with high-quality replacements.

New high quality capacitors are included with this option!

Power LED Replacement

This service option replaces the original power LED with 1:1 replacement in your choice of color.

Blue
Red
Green
White
Pink
RGB (Slow Cycle)

Power LED of your choice is included with this option!

Thermal Pad Replacement

Thermal pads are an intermediary that improves heat transfer between two surfaces (in this case, the heatsink and chip). Thermal pads can break down over time due to aging and heat cycling, which can reduce their ability to transfer heat effectively. This service option replaces the old and worn out thermal pads with new high conductivity PC quality pads.

New Arctic thermal pads are included with this option!

Region Free BIOS

This option replaces the original region locked Dreamcast BIOS with one that is region free! Region free BIOS come in a couple different flavors depending on the build you are going for. 1.31 has better compatibility with the GDEMU, whereas the 1.32 adds a sub-menu to the option that allows you to change a number of settings normally not available like the ability to change the boot animation color. Either option can come programmed with the retail boot animation or developer kit 3D boot animation.

Region Free BIOS of your choice is included with this option!

Noctua Fan

The Sega Dreamcast is known for is rather loud fan. While it works well, the noise can be annoying to some. This option will replace the original fan with an almost silent Noctua fan and includes associated 3D printed parts (door latch/fan mount) in your choice of color!

Noctua Fan and 3D printed latch/mount are included with this option!

Socketed ML2032 Battery

The Dreamcast uses a rechargeable battery for keeping time/date settings. This battery can die if not allowed to recharge regularly. This is a common fault in many Sega Dreamcast that have been shelved for years. When the battery dies, the console will force you to set the time and date every time you unplug the console (super annoying!). This option removes the original soldered in battery and replaces it with a socket, so swapping batteries no longer requires soldering. New battery included!

New ML2032 battery and socket are included with this service!

Full-Service Cleaning

Full-service cleaning uses multiple specialized cleaning methods to bring your console back to tip-top shape. This isn’t a generic, one-size-fits-all cleaning service. Each component of your console is cleaned using the method best suited to that particular part. Fragile components that could be damaged by strong vibrations are gently hand-washed, while others are thoroughly cleaned using ultrasonic technology. Mechanical parts such as lasers and motors, which should not be submerged, are carefully detailed by hand. After cleaning, fans, gears, and sliding mechanisms are properly lubricated to ensure smooth, quiet, and optimal performance. Every single piece receives the individual care it deserves.

Additional Information

Once your order is received, you will be sent shipping information to send your console in for the work to be completed.

Initial shipping is the customers responsibility. Please ship your console and kit with ample packing material. Shipping paid at checkout is how your console will be shipped back to you after the work has been completed.

Please only send the console and kit to be installed. Power cables, controllers, AV cables or any other accessories that are not needed will only raise the shipping costs both ways.

If a console arrives not working, you will be contacted and notified. Most things can be fixed and arrangements can be made, but in the case of a console that is inoperable, the console will be returned, and you will be refunded minus return shipping costs.

Turnaround time is usually within 2-3 weeks, but can be longer depending on current workload or if parts need to be ordered.

Is there a specific mod you would like that is not on this listing? Send us a message! We can customize any order to your liking, and adjust the price accordingly depending on what it is. We are always happy to help and look forward to working with you on your next project!

Rating Snapshot

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Average Customer Ratings

5.0

benw3206

Skilled technical service and communication. Excellent work on a delicate and expensive upgrade. Would do business again, A+

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Reviewed by: benw3206 from MN on 1/14/2023

Q: I ruined the main ribbon cable while installing so I had to throw it away. Ive done all the other mods, would I be able to pay for the service and new ribbon cables for you? Or do I need to get the new cables and then send it in?

Asked by: Spencer - 2/21/2023

No Answers have been submitted yet.

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Q: Do you still do PixelFX Dreamcast installs? I am looking for a Florida installer and I have the FullSize hdmi in the AV port kit.

Asked by: Dustin - 6/1/2025