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How to Replace the HDMI Port for a PS3

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port on your PlayStation 3 lets you connect the gaming console to your HDTV for high-quality playback. After repetitively connecting and disconnecting HDMI cables to the port, it is likely to wear out. In many cases this causes major connectivity issues. Since the HDMI port is soldered directly to the motherboard, replacing the HDMI port involves completely replacing the motherboard.

Things You'll Need

Antistatic wrist strap
Torx screwdriver
Phillips-head screwdriver
Flat-head screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Power down the PS3. Unplug the controllers and all audo/video cables from the console. Attach an antistatic strap to your wrist to prevent electrical damage to the PS3's parts during the disassembly procedure.
- 2
  Place the console face down on your work surface. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the rubber feet from the console's bottom side.
- 3
  Position the console so the top side is facing upward. Grasp the top panel and slide it to the left until it disengages from the console's case. Disengage the clip on the back of the top panel, and lift the top panel from the case to get to the secondary plastic cover.
- 4
  Unscrew the seven Torx screws from the cover and lift it out of the console. This will reveal the DVD drive and power supply units.
- 5
  Remove the three Phillips-head screws mounting the DVD drive to the right side of the motherboard. Unplug the drive's data and power cable from the motherboard.
- 6
  Unscrew the three Phillips-head screws from the power supply unit situated next to the DVD drive. Disconnect the power supply's power cable from the motherboard. Lift the power supply out of the console first, followed by the DVD drive.
- 7
  Remove the seven Phillips-head screws from the motherboard's metal plate cover. Disconnect the white ribbon cable extending from the metal cover to the motherboard. Rotate the console so the back panel is facing you.
- 8
  Pry off the hard drive cover on the console's case labeled "HDD" with a flat-head screwdriver. Grasp the back panel of the console and pull the motherboard assembly through the slot in the console's plastic case.
- 9
  Locate the cooling fan assembly mounted to the top side of the motherboard. Remove all screws from the cooling fan and attached heat sink devices. Disconnect the fan's power cable from the motherboard, and lift the cooling system off the motherboard.
- 10
  Place the motherboard face down on a padded surface. Lift the large metal cover from the motherboard's bottom side.
- 11
  Place the new motherboard in the console. Repeat Steps One through 10 in reverse order to reassemble the PS3.

PlayStation 3