Is your old PlayStation 3 starting to sound loud or running slowly? It may be the result of dust accumulating after years of use. To protect it, it is recommended that you clean the inside. This may sound scary, because this console was created with careful calculations. However, with a little preparation you can get this console running again. See Step 1 below to get started.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Unlock PS3
Step 1. Unplug the PS3
Before opening it, make sure you've disconnected the power and video cables, as well as anything plugged into the USB port (aka port). Always ground before working on sensitive electronic components.
You can use an antistatic wrist strap for grounding, or touch the screw in an active light switch
Step 2. Remove the hard disk
Before you unwrap the console, you must remove the hard drive. Luckily the PS3's hard drive is fairly easy to remove. Remove the hard drive cover on the left side of the PS3. Be careful when unscrewing the blue screws, as they are very easy to damage. Pull the hard drive straight out after you remove the screws.
- While you're looking at this side, remove the sticker toward the top of the shroud to gain access to the star screws. You will need a Torx screwdriver (a screwdriver with a star tip) to remove these screws.
- Please note that removing the sticker will void the PlayStation warranty.
Step 3. Remove the top panel
Once the star screws are unscrewed, you can slide the top panel of the PlayStation to open it. The console frame will appear to be held in place by nine screws around the edges. Some screws are identified by arrows printed on the plastic. Remove all these screws and put them aside.
Part 2 of 3: Removing All Components
Step 1. Locate the locking strip
There are two strips that serve to lock the frame. This strip can be found on the back of the unit. Push the two strips together and gently lift the frame. Be careful, as the top is connected to the hardware at the bottom via a number of tapes. These tapes are very easily damaged.
Gently remove the ribbon cable and place it on the side
Step 2. Take out the card reader
Look for the plastic card reader retaining strip. Move the strip so that the card reader can be pulled out of the unit. Be careful when removing each tape.
Step 3. Remove the power supply
The power supply is a silver or black box that sits next to the Blu-ray drive. Remove the five screws securing the power supply. Disconnect the cables on both sides of the power supply. Pull the power supply directly from the unit.
Step 4. Remove the wireless card
This card is located on the same side as the power supply. There are four screws and tape connecting the card to the unit.
Step 5. Remove the Blu-ray drive
The retaining screw should have been removed by this time, but the drive will be connected by a cable and ribbon cable. Release both and lift the drive from the PlayStation.
Step 6. Remove the Power/Reset circuit board
This small board is located on the front edge of the PlayStation. There are four screws and tabs that you must remove before you can remove the board. These boards are connected by a small ribbon.
Step 7. Take out the motherboard (aka motherboard) assembly
There will be seven screws left around the edge of the metal plate. Take it all off so you can pull the motherboard assembly out of the casing. Once the screws are removed, remove the entire motherboard and back panel.
Take the rear vent and lift it at a certain angle with both hands. These assemblies are actually heavy, and dropping them can easily damage the boards
Step 8. Remove the fan
On the back of the motherboard assembly, you will see a large fan. Remove the cable, then remove the three securing screws. Pull the fan out so the dust can be removed.
These are all you have to disassemble in order to clean the inside
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning and Reassembling
Step 1. Start cleaning
Once all the pieces are removed and accessible, start dusting. Use compressed air to blow out dust in easy or hard to reach crevices, then suck in with a vacuum cleaner hose. Be sure to reach every nook and cranny, as dust can cause overheating.
- Blow all vents with compressed air, and make sure to blow air through the heat sink on the motherboard assembly.
- Clean the USB cable, also clean the dust on each component.
- Clean the large fan until no dust remains.
Step 2. Replace the thermal paste (optional)
To really prevent overheating, you can remove the heat sink from the motherboard and replace the thermal paste. However, this step is not recommended, because removing the heatsink risks damaging the Playsation.
Step 3. Reassemble the console
When you're done cleaning the inside, put everything back in. Reread the steps in this guide in reverse order to make sure they've all been reassembled in their proper place. Make sure all components are properly connected so that everything works properly when the console is turned on.
Remember to reinsert the hard drive before turning on the PlayStation, otherwise the PlayStation will be unusable
Tips
- It should take about 1-2 hours to do this, take a break if necessary.
- To organize all of the removed screws, stick each screw to a piece of paper using tape in the order you removed it. Or use a sheet of paper for each cleaning step.
- Try to work on a wooden surface. Do not work on fabric surfaces to avoid static shock.
Warning
- Ribbon cables break very easily, so be careful when handling them.
- Avoid touching the motherboard.
- Use a screwdriver that matches the size of the screw so as not to damage the screw.
- Make sure the console is off and unplugged when cleaning it.
- Do not forcibly remove any component if it feels hard.
- Don't do this if the warranty period is still in effect, as you will void it.
