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How to Test a PS3 Motherboard With a Digital Multimeter

Your PlayStation 3 game console can experience a number of problems, from a faulty disc drive to a bad power supply. If your PS3 won't hold power and you feel that the outlet and cable are fine, it could be the result of a bad connector on the motherboard. You can save some cash by disassembling the PS3 yourself and testing the board with a digital multimeter.

Things You'll Need

Phillips head screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the power cable of your PS3 from the socket but don't unplug it from the rear of the console. You will need to plug it back in later.
- 2
  Remove the screw on the left side of the console, near the top.
- 3
  Slide the top cover of the console to the left and lift it up to remove it.
- 4
  Remove the seven screws on the exposed panel on top of the PS3.
- 5
  Remove the panel and set it aside.
- 6
  Remove all screws from the corners of the metal disc drive inside the PS3.
- 7
  Lift the drive up and unplug the thick ribbon cable that attaches to the back of it. Set the disc drive aside. You will now have access to the motherboard.
- 8
  Locate the back of the motherboard where the power adapter meets the board. You will see a connector on the board that the adapter attaches to.
- 9
  Plug in your PS3 and turn on your digital multimeter. Set the multimeter to "V" so that it reads volts.
- 10
  Touch the the black (-) lead that is connected to the meter to a non-electrical part of the PS3, such as the plastic housing. This will ground the meter.
- 11
  Touch the red (+) lead to one of the pins on the adapter connector on the motherboard. The meter should produce a reading between 11 and 13 volts. If it is lower than that the motherboard power connector is failing.

PlayStation 3