Tips on Fixing a PS3 That Freezes All of the Time

Turn Off

• While a PS3 is on, its processor is constantly generating heat. This heat gradually builds up over a long period of time and can cause problems during stretches of sustained activity. Eventually, the processor overheats; this can result in freezes and in the worst-case scenario, a melted internal component. To prevent this from happening, try turning the console off from time to time and allowing it to cool down. This is especially important if you̵7;ve been playing for long periods of time. After turning the console off, leave it for at least half an hour to allow cooling to take place. Also, try positioning the console in an area of decent air flow to prevent internal heat within the PS3 becoming trapped, which adds to heating problems.

Fans

• Overheating becomes even more of a problem if the console isn̵7;t receiving the proper ventilation it requires. If this is occurring, it could be a result of the fans, which help keep the PS3 within a safe temperature and may have stopped working. Check the bottom of the console; you̵7;ll see a fan there. If this isn̵7;t turning, you can try placing a cooling pad under the console while it̵7;s turned on. If this doesn̵7;t stop the console from freezing up, you̵7;ll need to seek a replacement fan.

Cables

• Another trigger for freezing is that the cables that connect to the PS3 may have become loose or damaged. With the console turned off and cooled down, you can try disconnecting each cable at the back of the system. Sometimes, simply replugging all of these in can fix the freezing problem quickly, since the issue will have been caused by a cable that had come loose. In other cases, the problem will be the result of a damaged cable, so check every cable and replace any that appear faulty.

Hard Drive

• A loosely connected hard drive can sometimes be the root of a freezing problem in a PS3 console, so check that the system̵7;s hard drive is securely attached by its cable. Hard drives also can become damaged, which also can lead to freezing issues; in this case, you̵7;ll need to purchase a new hard drive or get it repaired.

Check the Game

• Sometimes a freezing error is due to the game disk itself. The disk can cause errors if it̵7;s dirty. Try blowing lightly on the game disk or cleaning it with disk maintenance materials to correct this. If the freezing problem persists, check the disk for scratches that may be impairing performance, and try playing it on a different PS3 unit. If the game doesn̵7;t freeze on other PS3s, it̵7;s likely that your console itself is at fault. If another console isn't available, you might try a different game on your PS3 to see if it freezes up during that game as well.