Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Take apart the PlayStation 3 and identify the motherboard.
Identify the central processing unit, or CPU, and the graphics processing unit, or GPU. They are relatively large, white boxes near the middle of the motherboard.
Soak some paper towels with rubbing alcohol and gently rub the CPU and GPU, as well as the pairs of chips underneath each, until they are all completely clean.
Heat up the CPU and the GPU and the pairs of chips beneath them with the heat gun. Use the lowest heat setting, and do one section -- processing unit and pairs of chips -- at a time. Make slow circles with the heat gun throughout the section for 15 to 30 seconds. This will reflow the circuitry. Do not move the motherboard throughout this process or you will severely disrupt the circuitry.
Let the motherboard sit for 15 minutes. Do not move the motherboard at all during this time.
Flip the motherboard over after the 15-minute waiting period.
Identify the backs of the CPU, GPU, and the pairs of chips underneath them. Heat up these sections in the same manner as the other side was heated. Do not move the motherboard throughout this process.
Let the motherboard sit for 15 minutes. Do not move the motherboard at all during this time.
Flip the motherboard back over to the front side after the 15-minute waiting period.
Spread a line of thermal paste down one edge of the CPU. Use the spreading card to spread the paste across the CPU as evenly as possible. Repeat this process for the GPU. Do not touch the thermal paste while it is on the processing units, because the oils in your skin will break it down.
Put the PlayStation 3 back together and use as normal.