Is my Polymega dead!? N64 Performance Fix!
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Is your Polymega console giving you trouble? In this video, I'll show you how I upgraded my Polymega's CPU for better performance and improved gameplay. Watch as I troubleshoot and upgrade my console to get the most out of my Polymega retro gaming experience!
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#nintendo #retrogaming #emulation
Seems really telling that Polymega decided to cheap out on such a low end CPU. It's a definite bonus the motherboard is compatible with the better CPU.
yup celeron wasnt a good choice for cpu
And that it was socketed. Imagine if it was soldered to the board!
You really have no idea how manufacturing works. This is an extremely low volume item produced by a small company. Building these units is expensive for such a small company, so they can't use the expensive components.
@@Aki_Lesbrinco
Then stay out of the business of making these types of things if you know you can't make them with the best components.
Wave Race 64 is honestly heaven on earth. Vivid memories of playing that as a kid.
I love it too, it's a super fun game!
No wonder the emulation was stuttering, it was using a celeron.
indeed an I3-I5 would've been a better choice but polymega most likely got a bunch of cheap Celeron processors.
Cancelled my pre order. Still no regrets. Tons of people online saying they’ve been having issues with dying systems. I appreciate them finally actually shipping units. But this isn’t good enough.
hold eject while your powering on to access safe menu to fix pm
CONGRATS and God bless ya Ralph, this video stressed me out like a Gilligan's
Island cliff hanger from childhood...you got some big RI ballz on ya opening that brick and going elbow deep into that pricey hardware, glad it had a positive improved ending. Always enjoy your fun, different content...
Thanks brother! I don't know if the video would have been as entertaining had the console not died halfway through it... LOL. I'm really glad you enjoyed the video and I really appreciate you watching!
The head-bobbing cat never gets old! Haha. I haven't seen it in a while, and it gave me a good laugh. I almost fast-forwarded that part before you mentioned you were going to speed up your progress. Im glad I didn't miss that part.
Man, I feel like I've been keeping up with the Polymega forever. Delays, lost deals with Walmart, and more delays. It has always appealed to me. I really want to play and preserve my Saturn collection with it. I have other physical media I could use it for as well. I also wanted to play light gun games with it. I suppose I should either go for it or look for an alternative.
One I7 makes the world better. It's a way better processor than the Celeron that they put in there for sure. Being cheap in a product seems to be commonplace these days. That one swap fixed a lot of stuff so kudos to you for that. The PC guy in me is happy to see this.
The Celeron isn't really that bad. If you're honest, it's actually a good processor for certain applications. From the CPU side it is comparable and sometimes even runs at a higher clock speed. The main differences are the cores and the graphics. It's completely understandable why they took the Celeron. Especially when you compare the cost of the CPU. Whether the additional cores are used in emulation is another question. Typically, emulation benefits from a few strong cores and not many cores. Perhaps the UHD graphics on the N64 are the main reason why the i7 is better.
Can't really see the point of the Polymega, given that despite all you're paying, they can't even give you decent (i.e. perfect) N64 emulation. Might as well just buy a second hand USFF office PC with that 8700T in it, and throw Batocera on it. Would be essentially just as turn-key, and better supported.
The polymega was like, "you saying I don't work well?" How bout I not work at all!!! It was meant to be!
Going from a Celeron to a Corei7 I'd be worried about the thermals. Hopefully that heatsink inside the unit can cope with the increased thermal output!
The PC guy in me immediately wanted to replace that stock cooler and case fan with noctua units. Especially after installing an i7 8th gen, that cooler does not look up to the task.
@Ralph, As mentioned here, a better cooler design/brand, like Noctua, wouldn’t have the firmware impact risk. Noctua has some decent low form factor coolers, if space is rough. Also, remember that the 35W spec on CPUs isn’t a direct comment on the power consumption of the processor, more on how much heat the cooler design needs to be able to dissipate. The i7 still might draw more peak current than the Polymega PCB is designed for.
Thanks for the comment brother! I will look into a better cooler for it. Thanks again, that's super helpful man! I hope all is well!
Yeah but the lightweight emulation shouldn't even push it past 65 or maybe70c with decent thermal paste and some airflow
good info and great vid, but these lock up problems are pretty well known to be a recent update problem with wifi. I just installed a 2TB SSD and hadn't had ANY problems with mine until that install and I started installing my PS1 catalog. once I turned off all internet on the system, all my stuttering and menu lockup stopped. the processor might have helped, but I think if you turned off the wifi, you wouldn't have had any more issues with the console locking up.
I have heard this as well but why wouldn’t the lock up problems continue with the new cpu installed? It kind of kills that theory of WiFi being the issue. I haven’t had a single lock up since the new CPU was installed. Did that information come directly from Polymega? Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it and I appreciate you watching! ✊🏼
@RetroRalph I agree that it's very interesting that the problems stopped with your cpu change, but my lockups stopped as soon as I killed all the internet to my console, maybe theres a bug in the code but your upgraded cpu is able to run it just fine. I don't know what playmaji officially commented about the wifi but there's a lot of chatter on the polymega FB group on the subject..plqymaji did say they will be addressing the screeching and freezing in an update very soon.
@@timnmarylinder Thanks for the update bud, that’s helpful. 👍🏻 i appreciate it man
Honestly an I3 or I5 of this gen should be more than enough. The i7 is overkill lol.
But its kind of cool you can upgrade the cpu! I thought it would be a laptop style mobo
I just received mine yesterday after two years, and it (base unit) doesn't get past the boot up, and just continues to loop. Awesome.
hold eject while powering on to access safe mode factory restore
@MrDarkace Thanks for going out of your way to help me out. I just tried that a few times, and unfortunately it didn't work on my machine. But good news, Polymega already responded to me, and we're starting the return process.
@@green1096 no problem hopefully you get sorted quickly
Wait whut... original was a Celeron CPU .. Why 😅
Awesome video buddy !
Had a look at Polymega, very interesting from a hardware preservation point of view or with a big physical games collection. But very expensive for what it is. Considering they put a celeron processor in the unit and base unit cost over 400 quid?
Again there is alot of small form factor pcs like Geekom which offer beefy spec something with a decent ryzen processor and radeon graphic like 680 - 780 which can emulate ps3 games and still play some AAA titles, for arroubd same price.
Thanks for the tip, I'm going to try jago and see if I can not suck.... haha.
Great video Ralph. Definitely looked like an overheating lock up to me.
What I’d be worried about long term is the specs between the two models - particularly how many Watts the 8700T is rated for vs.the original Celeron model you replaced. Any specs related to the PSU that powers the PM would also be helpful to determine whether or not the CPU will draw more power than the PSU has to give. Thermals aside (as someone else pointed out), you definitely don’t want a situation where it’s starved for power either
Looks like the N64 module fried your CPU. Good thing you already had the fix to your problem before it happened. Not only did you get your Polymega working again but it works better. Win, win! Do your other modules work OK?
Again as many said too bad Polymega went cheap with their CPU. I would be upset with this performance on the N64. In the very lease you have helped Polymega trouble shoot the problem. They just have to update their CPUs and make sure they don't cheap out with their thermo paste. In the meantime I am perfectly fine playing my original, umodded N64 with an S-video to HDMI HD upscaler. Unlike other solutions this set up handles the resolution switching of some games like Killer Instinct Gold flawlessly so I can actually play the game.
Thanks for watching. I have the Sega Genesis module and the NES module and both work great. No emulation issues so far, all the games I tried worked great. I did have a problem with one Sega CD game ,the terminator didn't work at all. But probably 99% of my collection outside of homebrew games have worked really well.
Thanks again for watching and for taking the time to comment.
@@RetroRalph Nice! Sometimes Terminator for the Sega CD gave me issues on regular hardware. The idea of the Polymega is awesome and the fact it cuts down on load times for CD based games and the fact that you can just download your games onto the drive is fantastic since disc rot is a thing. I really hope Polymega just upgrades the CPU and sends out new units with the upgraded CPU. Thanks again for the video.
looks like Polymega did poor Quality control check, it was more important to deliver consoles, because some of us are waiting now for more then 2+years
The only thing that really matters is the CPU when it comes to stuff from the generations that it supports.
Didnt know polymega made a repro saturn 3d controller
I'm glad your Polymega is working again. Very cool video, and I enjoy seeing you test stuff. I think it's great that you were inspired by Mad Litle Pixel to make this video. I hope that they fix this software wise for the N64 module.
Thanks for watching brother! I hope all is well man! Always love seeing you in the comments!
@@RetroRalph 😀
Glad to see that upgrading the CPU got it running again. I didn't realize that the Polymega runs on typical intel x86 architecture. It's a little surprising at it's price point that it uses an older basic dual-core Celeron processor, I'd figure a fairly basic quad-core would be necessary at this point for supporting some of the more advance emulation. An 8700T is a massive upgrade, considering it has 6 cores in total and runs at a much higher clock speed with a lote more CPU cache.
I don't know what emulators these use (are they custom in house?), but as you eluded to, the best bang for buck is probably running an old small-form factor office PC with a half-decent midgrade processor, while running your emulators of choice.. If you don't mind doing the legwork. The Polymega does look slick though, but I wouldn't try to run 32bit+ emulation on something that comes with such weak hardware!
I believe the emulators are commercial emulators but I don't know who built them, I would assume PolyMega is leveraging what's available vs. building their own but I'm not really sure.
The CPU being older might be because this system was supposed to come out in I think 2018-2019 timeframe. I agree it's for sure under powered though, they could have used an i5 and it probably would have required a lot less optimization to get it working right.
I'm curious if they will be able to fix N64 with just software optimization w/ the stock celeron.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Nice to see it uses INTEL chips. I loath AMD... Their drivers, to quote The Great one, just suck. I've always used Intel and always will. It had a celery chip in it?? WHY? Does have a nice UI... But I'll take my original modded HDMI hardware any day. Unlike the crappy Amico this thing does exist. At least there isn't a raspberry pie under the hood. Good vid as always.
Thanks brother, I’m an intel fanboy too so I’m with you on that. I laughed when you said “at least there isn’t a raspberryPi under the hood” 🤣🤣🤣. Thanks for watching brother!
Using a Celeron in this day and age is just silly to begin with.
Seeing the word Celeron slows my brain down just thinking about it!
@@quantumfx2677 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yeah, I was kind of surprised that went with such a low end processor.
I haven't watched Mad Little Pixel's video yet, but I know that he wasn't the first to actually swap out his Polymega's CPU. He might have mentioned this in his video. If he didn't, then he really should have. The first time I heard of people swapping out their console's CPU was in late 2023, when there was a large Polymega order shipment to Japanese customers. That was when I first saw people doing the CPU swap. Chances are he might have got his idea to do that CPU swap from Japanese threads on Twitter and other social media. If I am wrong, my sincere apologies to MLP.
Hi, interesting video. I hadn't used the console for a month, and as soon as I turned it back on it no longer transmits a video signal. Do you think that by replacing the CPU it will be able to retransmit the video signal again? your problem occurred when the console was turned on. It happened to me after a period of inactivity. hi thanks for the video.👍🏻
I think the Polymega crapped out because it knew it was going under the knife.
Would be nice if companies put in the best parts they can get their hands on but I understand having realistic expectations/timeframes/pricing and whatnot.
I can get behind that theory 🤣 Thanks so much for watching!!
Have you tried the upgrade with the new firmware update?
So far 6:12 Minutes in and I see hitches in every game so far!
Oh yeah baby that defo made quite abit of difference to power.
The issue you were having with the system locking up is due to the the recent patch that came out. It effected the Wi-Fi. If you have Wi-Fi on and when system boots up and the Wi-Fi icon turns solid sometimes it will lock up the system. if you boot the system up with an ethernet chord or shut internet off it fixes the issue. something they are looking into. On top of locking up you will usually get garbled noise or screeching sound. All due to Wi-Fi.
Oh wow, I wouldn’t have even suspected that based on what was happening so thank you so much for the information, I really appreciate it! Also, thank you for watching!
I’m on the update before that one and I have the same issue
Could have been the update before. Cause the one before the last screwed up a a few things. N64 games would constantly reset with the polymega logo with certain games and neo geo cd games were playing way slower than they were supposed to. The last patch fixed those issues, but probably that issue was still lingering. All I know shutting wifi off has made my system playable.
I've noticed while playing Contra 3 on Snes that there is a 1 second delay when you press a button and the sound has some frames delay as well. Polymega acknowledged it but so far no patch on the horizons. By changing the CPU do you think it would fix this issue?
Oh he's cool with mad little pixel ok cool.... Got my follow !!!!😅
Thanks bro, I apprecaite the support!
I got a i7 Core for mine, but haven't installed it yet. I wrote PolyMega support last week about upgrading. Unfortunately they say they don't support upgrading it, proclaiming if any Core errors arise it may brick the unit on updates. So they say do it at your own risk and that any active warranty is void under it. I hope someone makes a custom thermal cooler kit next, incase.
I know you can upgrade the cpu… were you able to id the motherboard??? Im interested if the ram is removable to see howcmuch ram we could add as well..
You’re lucky your’s actually worked. Mine was dead on arrival as of March 2024.
Mine as well. Currently awaiting my refund after finally receiving a shipping label.
Where's the link to MadLittlePixel's video? Wish you put it in the description.
I have the same issue with my Polymega. Random lockup. My troubleshooting points toward using an HDMI cable that didn't come with the unit and my particular display (50 inch Samsung Smart TV UN50MU630D). Testing it with cables included in the box on a different set works without issue. May be a handshake problem?
I’ve been having a lot of fun with ours. Great video!
Thanks brother , I’m for sure enjoying it too! #Console911 🚨
Mine does similar crashes like that quite often. Not sure why.
I wonder if it’s your CPU overheating. Does it do it right away?
That was my thought too. It would wait until I played for a while for sure. @@RetroRalph
That has totally sorted 64 emulator
I'll wait for my Analogue 3d
5:15 aRE YOU PERHAPS PLAYING THE pal VERSION? ITS SIGNIFICANTLY SLOWER THAN THE nysc VERSION.
My cart is the north american version so I don't believe so, I think the N64 emulator just isn't optimized for the current hardware. Thanks so much for watching!
I got mine last month. I see pop up glitches on and off on snes games. Audio and frame issues on n64. The genesis and turbografx, pc engine games cd and huhard work great. As for crashing, yes... I had it crash on me while playing and downloading games on it 6 TIMES!!! I emailed them but no response on the issues.
Always, ALWAYS screw and unscrew the CPU cooler in an X pattern.
You are likely to damange the CPU is and the motherboard as the tension flies off to one side.
This is why I run original hardware.
3:05 epic rap battles
I see waverace running better as will with the new microprocessor
Its alive ..... And its dead. 👍👍.. hey at least you got one.. i pre ordered one and it got cancelled...
Oh man, sorry to hear that brother.
Mad Little Jesus Rocks
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 RetroRalph Deep Tracks … I hope all is well brother!
Now you opened the polymega I can see that it worth actually $40 mini pc.
It is not worth the price and beside how expensive is to play on a real n64 with a 64SD cartridge fully loaded really is?!
Always use jago. He plays very similar to ryu and ken
Any cpu for polymega that get ultimate mortal kombat 3 arcade hack, ultimate mortal kombat trilogy hack for genesis working for polymega?
yeah sideload rom ua-cam.com/video/jOYYVk8gr3E/v-deo.html
First mistake is buying one of these cheap shit clone consoles anyway. Buy real hardware and then ever drive and be done with it.
There are no shortcuts
Or just buy mister and yes it has now a full n64 core .
Nah man I like this stuff too
Thanks brother ✊🏼 I appreciate you watching!
Why are you using an i7? - You could have used a much cheaper cpu like an i5 or i3 and they would have been fine. And in the process save money.
I had an old PC with it so I just used what I had. If I had an i5 or i3 I would have used it.... Thanks so much for watching!
Ralph, if the og Celeron is overheating would it make more sense to also use a better heatsink and fan with the new Celeron CPU? Definitely don't want to deal with another overheating processor issue, especially if it runs at a higher hz rate.
No, their customer service is really bad. It would take forever for you to get a new unit. At least a year. This is funny too that they are saying they’re coming with the .32 update…updates from them are sparse 1-2 if that a year so far. Watching your video now I know why mine has been freezing more. It’s definitely the thermal paste. Also just wanna add…I was suggested to join their discord and ask about issues I had with using modules and freezing. I had to leave because all anyone wanted to tell me was that I need to just update and wait it out lol. It’s clearly a very biased and know-it-all server sadly. They hate MLP and have made a lot of negative comments in there about him. Lot of negativity going on in there sadly. I haven’t even taken the n64 module out of the box because I’m on update .30 and it will probably brick the console I’ve heard just like .31 has did to some. It’s a whole mess man. Kind of regret having one now.
Oh man, I haven't been in the discord but that's disappointing that the overall vibe in there is a negative one. :-/
The CPU really improved the overall system so I'm enjoying it more now. How often does yours lock up? Mine would lock up almost instantly once it booted up.
Anyway, I hope Polymega gives us some good software updates but I guess time will tell.
Thanks so much for watching!
@@RetroRalph "overall negative vibe" is a huge understatement. Maybe I should punch you right in your mouth for saying it
Ki gold colours are little bit off
I noticed that when I was editing the video back. It’s the fault of my capture card. It does that with certain shaders but on my TV it’s fine. Not sure why, it’s only with 1 shader in particular 🤷🏻♂️
The Celeron isn't really that bad. From the CPU side it is comparable and sometimes even runs at a higher clock speed. The main differences are the cores and the graphics. It's completely understandable why they took the Celeron. Especially when you compare the cost of the CPU. Whether the additional cores are used in emulation is another question. Perhaps the UHD graphics on the N64 are the main reason why the i7 is better.
Can accept i9 or something more powerful?
way to much effort. Sell this piece of crap and use a MiSTer.
you didnt use nearly enough thermal paste. that thing is going to run hot.
The best avail processor for this os the i9-9900t
#PolyProbs
So you paid 550 for a system and spent more on a cpu upgrade when you could of spent 350-400 on a xbox which is more powerful 😅
There was never a reason to buy this piece of garbage anyways whenever an average PC can run all of these perfectly fine at highest resolutions and even the lowest if you want to go there
Lol an i7 for n64 on the polymega thats just sad emulation optimisation.
I9 better?
Even my 2001 xbox emulates n64
3:05 epic rap battles
Emulation in general is going to get worse now. No devs are going to want to put in the work because one lawsuit can end everything. Especially when the new generation of devs want to get greedy and get paid via patreon. Back in the day it was all about passion. If people would just delete the roms after 24 hrs it would fix the piracy issues. 😂
@@Typecast-L exactly my point. Read my entire comment carefully.
You’re acting like this is the first time in emulation history of a lawsuit. Never underestimate the developers. If anything it sparks a fire under their asses.
@@SRMB1 I hope you are right.
Yes, they will put in the work because they love doing it! Not going to change a thing!
I know polimega is for who want to use cartdriges, but for those who want to spend 500€ on an emulator device that do all this better, buy an xboxseries x and dev mode. Is way better than this.
No way spend my money on this trash. It is a trash in all means. Love my N64 he sends a midlle finger up for you.
I wouldn't call it trash but everyone's entitled to their own opinion. The N64 emulation is pretty bad but I've had a lot of fun with Sega Genesis, Sega CD, Sega Saturn and TG16. I also own original hardware but it's nice to not have to hook everything up to play these old retro games.
Anyway, lot's of ways to play these game, this is just one that appeals to someone with a large physical media collection.
Thanks for watching.