Home >> Internet Games >> PlayStation 3

How to Install a Hard Drive Into a PlayStation 3

The Sony PlayStation 3 uses a standard Serial ATA hard drive to store data and information for your game console. For this reason, you can replace the original hard drive that came with your PS3 system. Changing the hard drive gives you the benefit of additional hard drive space without a large investment. If you have an extra 2.5-inch Serial ATA laptop hard drive and a few minutes of time, you can quickly install a hard drive in your PlayStation 3 console.

Things You'll Need

Phillips screwdriver
2.5-inch hard drive

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off your PlayStation 3 system and flip the power switch on the back of the console if your model includes one. Disconnect the power cord from the back panel of your PS3 console and remove the cables used to connect the system to your television.
- 2
  Place your PlayStation 3 console upside down on a clean work surface. Use caution when turning your system upside down, as the top of the PS3 is curved and may be unsteady. Locate the screw cover on the underside of your system and press the plastic tab to open the cover. Turn the revealed screw counter-clockwise to remove it and unfasten the hard drive cover. Slide the hard drive cover to the left and remove it. Older PS3 systems do not require you to remove a screw before removing the hard drive cover.
- 3
  Pull the hard disk tray handle up and pull the hard drive tray out of the console. In older PS3 systems, remove the blue screw from the front of the hard drive tray before you attempt to remove it. Remove the four screws holding the PlayStation 3 hard drive in the hard drive tray. Turn the tray over and lift the hard drive from the PS3 hard drive tray.
- 4
  Place your new 2.5-inch hard drive into the metal hard drive tray and carefully turn it over so the new hard drive does not fall out of the metal frame. Mount the new hard drive in place with the four tray screws. Tighten each screw with a clockwise turn until the screw is snug, but not tight.
- 5
  Push the hard disk tray containing the newly mounted hard drive into the console's empty hard drive bay. Push the hard drive back and then press the tray firmly down to connect the new hard drive to the PlayStation 3 system. Replace the hard drive bay cover and tighten the screw that holds the hard drive in place. Clip the screw cover back into place and turn your console over. The hard drive is installed.

PlayStation 3