Repairing or replacing a pinball electronic board: which should you choose for your machine?
🛠️ Your Pinball Machine Won’t Start? Repair or Replace the Electronic Board?
Your pinball machine won’t start, randomly reboots or behaves erratically?
The problem often comes from the main electronic board: CPU, driver, power supply or sound board.
At Pinballs.Store, we specialize in new electronic boards for Gottlieb and Williams pinball machines. We get asked this question every day: should I repair my original board or replace it with a new one?
Here’s a complete, honest and practical comparison to help you choose the most reliable, cost-effective and long-term solution for your machine.
Option 1: Repairing an Original Electronic Board
✅ Advantages
- Lower upfront cost: between €40 and €90 for a simple repair.
- Preserved authenticity: often preferred by collectors.
- Eco-friendly: helps reduce electronic waste.
❌ Disadvantages
- 40-year-old components = uncertain reliability.
- Rare parts: some chips are impossible to find (e.g., Gottlieb System 1).
- Long lead times: up to 3 weeks depending on available repairers.
- Little to no warranty: if it fails again, everything must be redone.
Option 2: Buying a New Board from Pinballs.Store
We offer new boards compatible with:
- Williams System 3, 4, 6, 6A, 7
- Gottlieb System 80, 80A and 80B
Based on LISY.dev open-source projects, our boards are built to perfectly replace the originals while delivering modern performance and reliability.
✅ Advantages
- Maximum reliability: modern components, integrated protection, extended lifespan.
- Easy installation: plug & play, no soldering required, manual included.
- Bonus features: Freeplay, LED diagnostics or web interface.
- Human support: fast replies, passionate guidance.
- 15-day satisfaction guarantee + 6-month manufacturer warranty.
- Our boards include fuse-mounted components for added protection against user error — so a mistake won’t ruin the entire board.
❌ Disadvantages
- Higher initial cost: between €99 and €349 depending on the board.
- Less "authentic": some purists prefer original components.
🔍 Repair vs Replacement Comparison
| Criteria | Repair | New board from Pinballs.Store |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost (System 80) | ~€220 + €45 (acid damage) | €349 (GottFA80_Plus) |
| Lead time | 2–3 weeks | Ships in 24–48h |
| Installation | 3 boards | 1 plug & play board |
| Reliability | Medium (old components) | High (new components) |
| Diagnostic tools | Original test | LEDs + original test |
| Gameplay accuracy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (identical ROMs) |
| Compatibility | One pinball at a time | Full Gottlieb System 80, 80A and 80B range in a single switch bank |
| Warranty | Variable or none | 15 days + 6-month support |
📦 Our Most Popular Boards
- GottFA80_Plus: replaces CPU + Driver + Power Supply for System 80/80A – €349
- Lisy80: diagnostic CPU with web interface – €199
- Godri80: modern driver – €99
- Gosof: speech sound board, works even on export version – from €129
- WillFA7: CPU + Driver for Williams System 3 to 7 – €349
✅ Why Choose Pinballs.Store?
- 🔧 Vintage pinball machine specialists
- 📦 Fully tested, reliable, and warrantied boards
- 💬 Human, passionate support
- 🚚 Fast European shipping
🛒 Ready to play, not to repair?
No more waiting weeks, uncertain quotes, or recurring faults.
Order your board today and bring your pinball machine back to life like the first day.
