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How to Dissect a PS3

Your PlayStation 3 console usually works as intended, but if the console stops playing games or won't turn on, it needs repair. Sony handles the repair free if the PlayStation 3 has warranty coverage; but if it does not, you receive an expensive bill. You can save money if you take apart your PlayStation 3 and fix the problem yourself. With a PlayStation 3 dismantled, it is possible to remove stuck games or even install a new Blu-ray drive.

Things You'll Need

Small flathead screwdriver
Torx screwdriver
Philips screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the PlayStation 3 from its power source and remove all wires and wired peripherals, including controllers. Place the console on a hard, flat surface. Do not put it on the carpet.
- 2
  Face the left side of the PlayStation 3. Look for a black rubber foot near the top of the console. Use a screwdriver to pry the rubber foot out. Use the Torx screwdriver to remove the screw under the foot.
- 3
  Slide the case lid to the left. When the lid will not move anymore, lift it straight up to pull it off. You will see a second cover beneath the top lid. Use the Philips screwdriver to remove all seven screws that secure the second cover.
- 4
  Pull up the back side of the second cover. Use a screwdriver to detach the clips that hold the cover down. Take off the cover when you remove the clips.
- 5
  Locate the power supply on the top-left side of the console. Use the Philips screwdriver to take out the five screws holding down the power supply. Lift the power supply up, detach the cable and pull the power supply out.
- 6
  Find the Bluetooth board under the power supply. Take out the four screws and then disconnect the ribbon cable. Pull out the Bluetooth board.
- 7
  Locate the Blu-ray drive on the right side of the console. Hold the Blu-ray drive up and detach the wide, white ribbon cable that connects the drive to the motherboard. Disconnect the thin gray cable and then remove the Blu-ray drive.
- 8
  Find the small circuit board in the bottom-right corner of the console. Take out the four screws to remove the metal bracket. Lift up the circuit board, detach the ribbon cable and pull the circuit board out to reveal the motherboard.
- 9
  Use the Philips screwdriver to take out the 12 screws holding down the motherboard. Lift out the motherboard.
- 10
  Pull up on four black clips on the motherboard to remove the cooling fan. You will find two clips on each side of the motherboard.
- 11
  Turn the motherboard over. Pull the heatsink up gently, but apply some force if necessary. Remove the heatsink and then pull up the thin metal shielding. Turn the motherboard over once more and take off the second piece of metal shielding to finish the PlayStation 3 disassembly.

PlayStation 3