How to Identify Your Original Arcade PCB Before Ordering a Kit

Correctly identifying an original arcade PCB is one of the most important steps before ordering a HighScoreSaves upgrade kit.

Arcade games may have multiple PCB revisions, ROM versions, processor types, socket arrangements, repairs, conversions, or other differences that affect kit compatibility. The cabinet artwork or game title alone is not always enough to identify the exact board.

This guide explains how to safely remove, inspect, photograph, and document an arcade PCB so HighScoreSaves can help confirm the correct kit before an order is placed.

Complete original Midway Pac-Man arcade PCB showing daughterboards, ROM labels, connectors, and board markings

A complete overhead view of an original Midway Pac-Man arcade PCB showing attached daughterboards, edge connectors, ROM labels, and identifying board markings.

PCB Identification at a Glance

Disconnect cabinet power before touching the PCB.
Take reference photos and label every connector before removal.
Remove the PCB from the cabinet for clear identification photos.
Place the PCB on a clean, nonconductive surface.
Photograph both the component side and solder side.
Document PCB numbers, revision markings, CPU type, and ROM labels.
Photograph the CPU area and confirm whether the CPU is socketed.
Document repairs, modifications, adapters, and replacement parts.
Do not remove the CPU, ROMs, or other chips just for identification.
Email complete photos to HighScoreSaves before ordering when compatibility is uncertain.

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Why Identification Matters Before Removal Remove the PCB Photograph the PCB Board Numbers CPU Identification ROM Labels Socket Condition Repairs and Modifications Original or Other PCB Photo Checklist Technical Support

Why Exact PCB Identification Matters

HighScoreSaves kits are designed for specific original arcade PCBs. Two cabinets with the same game title may contain different board revisions, ROM versions, processors, conversion boards, bootlegs, reproduction boards, or repaired hardware.

These differences can affect whether a kit is compatible, whether an adapter is required, whether the CPU is in the expected location, and whether the installation instructions match the board in the cabinet.

The exact PCB is the basis for compatibility. Cabinet artwork, control-panel graphics, marquee artwork, or the game shown on the screen do not prove which board is installed.

Before Removing the PCB

Disconnect the cabinet from power before touching the arcade PCB or any cabinet wiring. Never remove or reconnect a PCB while the cabinet is powered.

Before disconnecting anything, take clear reference photos showing how every connector, cable, edge connector, ribbon cable, grounding wire, and adapter is attached.

Label each connector so it can be returned to the correct location and orientation. This is especially important when multiple plugs are similar or when a connector can physically fit in more than one location.

Remove the PCB for Clear Identification

Remove the PCB from the cabinet before taking compatibility photos. A board photographed inside the cabinet may have important markings, ROM labels, repairs, or the solder side hidden from view.

Handle the board by its edges whenever possible. Avoid touching chip pins, connector contacts, solder joints, and component leads.

Place the removed PCB on a clean, dry, nonconductive work surface with enough room to photograph the entire board without cropping any edges.

Photograph Both Sides of the PCB

Begin with one clear, well-lit photograph of the complete component side. The entire board should be visible, including all edges, connectors, daughterboards, ribbon cables, and attached adapters.

Then photograph the complete solder side. The solder side can reveal factory markings, repairs, cut traces, jumper wires, corrosion, damaged pads, replacement sockets, and other changes that may not be visible from above.

Keep the camera directly above the PCB when possible. Use enough light to make labels and markings readable, but avoid glare that hides chip numbers or ROM labels.

Find the Manufacturer, PCB Number, and Revision

Look for printed or etched markings that identify the manufacturer, board number, assembly number, revision, or copyright information.

These markings may appear near an edge connector, in a corner of the board, beside the processor, between component rows, or on the solder side.

Take close-up photos of every readable board number and revision marking. Do not rely on only one number when several different identifiers are present.

Original Midway Pac-Man arcade PCB manufacturer board number and revision markings

Manufacturer names, PCB numbers, assembly markings, and revision information help confirm the exact original arcade board and its compatibility.

Identify the Main CPU

The main CPU is one of the most important components when confirming kit compatibility. HighScoreSaves kits may support processors such as the Z80, 6502, 6809E, or certain custom processors used with a game-specific adapter.

Take one close-up photograph that clearly shows the complete CPU, its printed part number, the surrounding board markings, and the socket or soldered mounting location.

Do not remove the CPU just to read or photograph it. A clear photograph of the installed processor and surrounding area is normally enough for identification.

Photograph the Program ROM Labels

Program ROM labels can help identify the game version, regional version, software revision, conversion, or modified program installed on the board.

Take close-up photographs that show all visible ROM labels and their board locations. The text should be readable without zooming into a blurred image.

Do not remove ROMs, labels, covers, or other chips just for identification. Their installed location can be as important as the writing on the label.

Confirm Whether the CPU Is Socketed

Most HighScoreSaves kits install at the original CPU location. It is therefore important to confirm whether the CPU is installed in a socket or soldered directly to the PCB.

A socket will usually appear as a separate plastic component between the CPU and the PCB. A soldered processor sits directly against the board with its pins soldered on the opposite side.

Photograph the CPU area from above and at a slight side angle so the socket can be seen clearly.

Also document corrosion, cracked plastic, damaged contacts, bent pins, previous socket replacement, stacked sockets, or repair work. A damaged socket may need to be repaired before a daughterboard can be installed reliably.

Document Repairs, Modifications, and Adapters

Photograph any area that appears different from the rest of the board or from known factory construction.

Important items include replacement sockets, jumper wires, cut traces, added components, adapter boards, stacked chips, daughterboards, conversion wiring, battery damage, corrosion, burned areas, missing parts, and previous repair work.

These changes do not automatically make a kit incompatible, but they must be visible before compatibility can be evaluated accurately.

Original, Bootleg, Conversion, Reproduction, or Modified PCB

HighScoreSaves kits are intended for verified original arcade PCBs unless the specific product page explicitly states support for another type of board.

A bootleg or reproduction PCB may run the same game but use different hardware, memory mapping, processor arrangements, ROM layouts, or timing. A conversion board may also include wiring or program changes not present on the original release.

When the board type is uncertain, send complete photos rather than assuming that a similar layout or matching game title means the kit will work.

Do Not Remove Chips for Identification

Do not remove the CPU, program ROMs, memory chips, custom processors, adapters, or any other components just to identify the board or take photographs.

Removing chips unnecessarily can bend pins, damage sockets, reverse component orientation, create static-damage risk, or make it harder to determine how the board was originally configured.

Complete PCB Photo Checklist

When asking HighScoreSaves to confirm compatibility, include all of the following:

One complete component-side photograph
One complete solder-side photograph
A close-up of the CPU and surrounding area
A side-angle photo showing whether the CPU is socketed
Close-ups of all program ROM labels
Close-ups of PCB numbers and revision markings
Photos of attached daughterboards or adapters
Photos of repairs, jumper wires, corrosion, damage, or modifications
Any available information about the cabinet, game version, or known board history

What to Include in Your Email

Include the game title, the kit you are considering, and any uncertainty you have about the PCB, CPU, socket, board revision, ROM version, or previous modifications.

Attach the complete set of photographs rather than sending only one close-up. A single image may identify one component but still hide the board revision or modifications that affect compatibility.

Clear photos and short videos can also help explain damaged sockets, unusual adapters, loose connections, intermittent behavior, or other conditions that are difficult to describe in writing.

Product Pages and Installation Guides Are the Final Authority

Each HighScoreSaves product page identifies the intended game, supported original hardware, kit features, and any known installation requirements.

The game-specific installation guide shows the expected CPU location, Pin 1 orientation, adapter placement, optional program-ROM removal areas, and completed installation.

The specific product page and installation guide are always the final authority for compatibility, supported PCB revisions, CPU requirements, socket requirements, and installation steps.

Technical Support

Unsure which PCB or kit you have? Email clear photos of the complete component side, solder side, CPU area, ROM labels, PCB numbers, revision markings, and any repaired or modified areas before ordering.

Email is the preferred support method. Contact sales@highscoresaves.com.

Disconnect cabinet power before removing or handling an arcade PCB. Label all connectors, take reference photos, use a clean nonconductive work surface, and do not remove chips only for identification. The specific product page and installation guide are the final authority for HighScoreSaves kit compatibility.