Home >> Internet Games >> PlayStation 3

How to Open a Sony PS3

If you download content from the PlayStation Network Store or install games directly to your PlayStation 3, you will notice the memory on your hard drive being filled up. Rather than deleting content or thinking twice about your next download, you can install a larger capacity hard drive into the console. This process is legal and encouraged by Sony. To start the hard drive switch, you will first need to open up your PlayStation 3.

Things You'll Need

Phillips no. 0 x 2-1/2 inch screwdriver
Needle-nose pliers
Plastic container
SATA laptop hard drive

Instructions

- 1
  Eject and remove any discs that are in your PlayStation 3 console. Power off the console. Remove all cables connected to the PS3.
- 2
  Place the PlayStation 3 on a clean flat surface away from any excess dust. Rotate the console so you are looking at what would be the bottom of the PS3 if the console were standing vertically.
- 3
  Insert your fingernail into the groove on the back of the PlayStation 3 near the plastic cover that is labeled "HDD." Pull up to pop the cover off.
- 4
  Insert your screwdriver into the blue screw. Rotate counter-clockwise and remove the screw. Pull the metal tab toward you to remove the hard drive casing from the console.
- 5
  Locate the four screws on the four corners of the metal casing that holds the hard drive. Remove each screw with the screwdriver and place them in a small container.
- 6
  Push the hard drive away from the back of the metal casing to remove it. Place the old hard drive to the side. The PS3 is now open and can receive a new hard drive.
- 7
  Slide your new hard drive into the metal casing. Secure it in place with the four screws.
- 8
  Insert the casing back into the PlayStation 3 console. Insert and tighten the blue screw back into the casing to secure the hard drive.
- 9
  Slide the plastic cover back over the exposed casing to close the PlayStation 3.

PlayStation 3