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How to Remove the Mainboard Cover on a PS2

The PlayStation 2's (PS2) mainboard cover is a metal cage that protects the main circuit board. To access the mainboard cover, the PS2 must be disassembled by accessing a hidden screw. Disassembling your PS2 will void any warranty you may still have with Sony Electronics. Removing the mainboard cover is necessary if you want to "mod" or "chip" your PS2. Pay attention to the placement of each piece you remove; this will help you re-assemble the system.

Things You'll Need

Towel
Flat-head screwdriver
Phillips-head screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Eject the game disc from your system and turn off the PS2. Unplug the peripherals (controllers, cables, memory cards). Place the PS2 upside down on a towel.
- 2
  Remove the eight black screw covers from the bottom of the PS2. Use a small flat-head screwdriver or a similar flat-bladed tool. With the covers removed, the Phillips screws become visible.
- 3
  Remove the eight Phillips screws. Note their location. Each screw must go back into its original hole. This is important for when you are re-assembling the system.
- 4
  Grasp the top and bottom of the PS2 and flip it over. Carefully hold the halves together to prevent the system from falling apart. This could damage your PS2's ribbon cable.
- 5
  Grasp the top half of the system and lift it away. On the underside of the top half, you'll find the a switch attached by the ribbon cable. Gently unplug the switch from the top half of the PS2. It's OK to leave the other side connected.
- 6
  Remove the four brass screws from the bottom half of the PS2. Then turn the bottom half upside down. Grasp the plastic edges and lift the cover away to expose the power supply. Grasp the power supply and gently pull it out. Unplug the cable that secures it.
- 7
  Unplug the fan assembly and lift out the fan assembly. Then lift the expansion cage out to expose the mainboard cover.
- 8
  Remove the nine Phillips screws from the mainboard cover. Turn the unit over and remove the final mainboard cover screw. Turn it back over and remove the mainboard cover.

PlayStation 2