PlayStation 3 Teardown

PS3

http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EOENtGXoU2QgHXpt Mint137 Moderate PlayStation 3

This is a teardown of an original launch 60GB PlayStation 3 system. One of the best units out there that had backwards compatibility and the card readers. Sadly this unit has a GPU a problem so it's broken.

Edit: Nickname fix, formerly Karasumachitose. Apologies to any inconvenience this causes.

Tools

Phillips 00 Screwdriver Phillips #1 Screwdriver Phillips #2 Screwdriver Spudger T8 Torx Security Bit Screwdriver An awesome member of our community made this guide. It is not managed by iFixit staff. There she is, one of the two original PS3 models available at launch (60GB). There she is, one of the two original PS3 models available at launch (60GB). It's got PS2/PS1 backwards compatibility and a multi-card reader. The current PS3 Slim doesn't have the card reader. The other launch model lacked the card reader and WiFi (20GB). It's got PS2/PS1 backwards compatibility and a multi-card reader. The current PS3 Slim doesn't have the card reader. The other launch model lacked the card reader and WiFi (20GB). http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EOENtGXoU2QgHXpt http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/aXDPvVg5wEMdEcEv http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BdlGEXaWkbrpS6b2 Let's get started! Let's get started! Remove the hard drive access cover from the bottom of the PS3. Remove the hard drive access cover from the bottom of the PS3. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/RD55tPWx1S5O6CON http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/P25CLedeEGemBaS2 Use the Phillips screwdriver #1 to remove the blue screw. Use the Phillips screwdriver #1 to remove the blue screw. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/hMpKNjRovhvWMM32 Lift up the metal lever. Lift up the metal lever. Slide the hard drive towards the front of the case. Slide the hard drive towards the front of the case. Pull it straight up and out of the unit. Pull it straight up and out of the unit. This is all you need to do to access the PS3's hard drive. This is all you need to do to access the PS3's hard drive. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/apfRIwqmACwvGIaQ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/XKn5cEyvi2h4kYYv http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ycWZ2Ak66ZjDploV Remove the warranty sticker. Remove the warranty sticker. Obviously this voids your warranty. You have been warned. Obviously this voids your warranty. You have been warned. Use your fingers and pry up and remove the foot underneath the sticker. Use your fingers and pry up and remove the foot underneath the sticker. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/4P4PhtHMFVYHemPR http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/TUWSaE1oMTlk2wuQ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/bmBakcNYepHsjbiD Use the Torx Screwdriver (T8 or T10) to remove the torx screw from the space behind the rubber foot. Use the Torx Screwdriver (T8 or T10) to remove the torx screw from the space behind the rubber foot. This screw has a security bit but most are able to remove it successfully with a normal Torx driver. This screw has a security bit but most are able to remove it successfully with a normal Torx driver. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BOEq4WTlrqbhYZkd http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/M3tmpnZGOwcmFRLg Place PlayStation face up such that "PlayStation 3" is oriented so you can read it. Place PlayStation face up such that "PlayStation 3" is oriented so you can read it. Place your palm on the PlayStation 3 logo and slide the plastic front cover towards you and off of the outer plastic shell. Set it aside. Place your palm on the PlayStation 3 logo and slide the plastic front cover towards you and off of the outer plastic shell. Set it aside. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/o4De4stcAirQEbpG http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/SYSTcHmZj3XEGiAE http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/mbFYZOO5AjYAWRON Remove the metal receiver that held the torx screw you just removed. Remove the metal receiver that held the torx screw you just removed. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Ev4dob1mIjEURXwS http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/bPhd5DjWaHqdhCdZ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/UJXgF1kAFYOyWY5S Remove the 9 screws from the outer plastic shell using a #2 Philips driver. Remove the 9 screws from the outer plastic shell using a #2 Philips driver. 6 large screws 6 large screws 1 medium screw 1 medium screw 2 small screws 2 small screws http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/v4GKPBoofFUjtRPu READ THIS ENTIRE STEP AND THE NEXT ONE BEFORE PROCEEDING. Locate the two locking tabs on the back of the PS3. Push them in simultaneously and lift the outer plastic shell off of the main board but BE CAREFUL as there is a ribbon cable connecting the shell to other hardware. READ THIS ENTIRE STEP AND THE NEXT ONE BEFORE PROCEEDING. Locate the two locking tabs on the back of the PS3. Push them in simultaneously and lift the outer plastic shell off of the main board but BE CAREFUL as there is a ribbon cable connecting the shell to other hardware. Ribbon cables are very fragile. Take care when removing or inserting ribbon cables. Ribbon cables are very fragile. Take care when removing or inserting ribbon cables. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/mqJ3BjSCI26SFtQQ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/IrvshiQRsu2JURNu http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/HM2hVeBGwKOKxSTI Disconnect the ribbon cable and set the shell aside. Disconnect the ribbon cable and set the shell aside. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/TK3MVfDX4LP6NMDf http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/rUJFxxyVwI52cKg2 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/edyrSSPXIFjQtXGk To remove the plastic card reader, locate its two locking plastic tabs that hold the card reader to the shell, spread them, and lift the card reader off of the shell. To remove the plastic card reader, locate its two locking plastic tabs that hold the card reader to the shell, spread them, and lift the card reader off of the shell. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/prPfJoOuyNaBZrdC http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/eqkkLQVMqRwfUd6v http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/LHhsUhXPMXTcCFM5 Working on the main unit, lift up on and disconnect the black RF wire from the wireless assembly using a spudger. Working on the main unit, lift up on and disconnect the black RF wire from the wireless assembly using a spudger. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/nXYXbRfebgrj2CSM http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/xcQMiFj32w1IZYiT http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/prwrIKlcMFdCc3BT Remove the flat ribbon cable from the wireless assembly. Remove the flat ribbon cable from the wireless assembly. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Nhu3daPC1woXUl16 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/gohG3WgOmvL6YdKm Remove the four Philips #2 screws from the top of the wireless assembly. Remove the four Philips #2 screws from the top of the wireless assembly. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2rGabImeYGQatpWH Lift the wireless assembly off the main board and set it aside. Lift the wireless assembly off the main board and set it aside. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the main board and place it with the wireless assembly. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the main board and place it with the wireless assembly. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2nCCdfqyGCNNk1GH http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZBsBD2f5PyD5rsBs http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Qm1VEC4EUnh2gkjl Locate the other wireless assembly which the black RF wire is connected to. Locate the other wireless assembly which the black RF wire is connected to. Remove the one Philips #2 screw retaining it to the main board and lift off the assembly and set it aside. Remove the one Philips #2 screw retaining it to the main board and lift off the assembly and set it aside. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/lvZQCiOR6FqdqKOd http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/1lcsiXgM4ZIuoX4v http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Ud3ERWVLRQtujyxT Remove the cables that attach the power supply to the main board. Remove the cables that attach the power supply to the main board. Remove the AC connector from the power supply. Remove the AC connector from the power supply. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/rSx2VdTNtTSdCtHi http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/4R51mVGBOMVxwsHd Remove the 5 screws using a Philips #2 from the power supply, and lift the power supply straight up and off of the main body. Set it aside. Remove the 5 screws using a Philips #2 from the power supply, and lift the power supply straight up and off of the main body. Set it aside. There are 2 power pins connecting the motherboard to the power supply as you remove it. There are 2 power pins connecting the motherboard to the power supply as you remove it. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/QHgdlHbDbgc3VBRw http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/rvhZAPZfRFJVnEk3 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/sycwrEJcUO1XWlZO The screws holding the blu-ray drive to the main board have already been removed in a previous step. The screws holding the blu-ray drive to the main board have already been removed in a previous step. Unplug the power connector (gray) on the side of the player. Unplug the power connector (gray) on the side of the player. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/XeC12QPGRFKDYsEU http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/hZoEcGj3j11fvL1u READ THIS ENTIRE STEP BEFORE PROCEEDING. Lift the player up slowly to expose the folded ribbon cable beneath it. READ THIS ENTIRE STEP BEFORE PROCEEDING. Lift the player up slowly to expose the folded ribbon cable beneath it. Remove that ribbon cable from the main board and set the drive/cable aside. Remove that ribbon cable from the main board and set the drive/cable aside. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ARsNXaWsPN4aSyDB http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/VXyPKSlrH2BiYMSa Remove the ribbon cable attaching the on/off and eject switch circuit board to the main board. Remove the ribbon cable attaching the on/off and eject switch circuit board to the main board. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2lkGlWIlOYDmNOI6 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/SOaBscig6jOPgTUG Remove the 4 Philips #2 screws retaining the circuit board to the case. Remove the 4 Philips #2 screws retaining the circuit board to the case. Remove the circuit board from the case. Remove the circuit board from the case. These screws are medium length, different from most of the other Phillips #2 screws. These screws are medium length, different from most of the other Phillips #2 screws. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/SuaefOpFUwKWBDSZ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/GWy2TOF1kbGa6coy http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/OlsjKXMXPrrONrvn Remove the 9 screws from the main body. Remove the 9 screws from the main body. 5 Medium Philips #2 Screws 5 Medium Philips #2 Screws 2 Small Philips #1 Screws 2 Small Philips #1 Screws 1 Ground Philips Screw with Washer 1 Ground Philips Screw with Washer 1 Bolt Philips Screw (under AC cord) 1 Bolt Philips Screw (under AC cord) http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/TWpAIE2NnMDtGDBo http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/u13LsMuwntOlXjVu Grab the main board at the locations shown in the picture and lift the main board off of the back casing. Grab the main board at the locations shown in the picture and lift the main board off of the back casing. Set aside the black shell. Set aside the black shell. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/fhOZeMVcnBO4WjKR http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/553Gn4h2IGbGwyLu On the main body, locate the 5 plastic locking tabs holding the rear plastic I/O shield to the main body. On the main body, locate the 5 plastic locking tabs holding the rear plastic I/O shield to the main body. Pry the tabs away from the body and lift the rear shield away. Pry the tabs away from the body and lift the rear shield away. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Fjn1WdDVDYBIrSUV http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/rAV3RlLZxuGHJCik http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/yu14EQSrMyidJfG4 Remove the fan power connector. Remove the fan power connector. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/vcMQACRS1x2IXDWn http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/1JSVmie4uJikbwJr http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/qwlmBKbwulYlqkqT Remove the 3 Philips #2 screws holding the fan to the main body. Remove the 3 Philips #2 screws holding the fan to the main body. These are extra small screws These are extra small screws Lift the fan straight up and out of the body. Lift the fan straight up and out of the body. Check out the size of this thing. Check out the size of this thing. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/nMmnpRVXCGE6CRWS http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/oH4Rx34G4LWy2vLn http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/WCPCxXdHcqIshhNR On the top of the mainboard, EVENLY remove the four large Philips #2 screws holding the heat sink. On the top of the mainboard, EVENLY remove the four large Philips #2 screws holding the heat sink. Removing them evenly reduces strain on the GPU and CPU. Removing them evenly reduces strain on the GPU and CPU. Remove the plates and the screws from the main board. Remove the plates and the screws from the main board. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/PdpDpVLXJZXIYVAf http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/FPlIAhPwV3lwfba6 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZTVFVWCjA4qEBOja Flip the main board over. Flip the main board over. Lift (or pry with fingers) the heat sink straight off of the mainboard and processors. Lift (or pry with fingers) the heat sink straight off of the mainboard and processors. Force will be required as the thermal paste "glues" the heat sink to the processor. Force will be required as the thermal paste "glues" the heat sink to the processor. Note: If new thermal paste is readily available, clean the old paste off well and apply new thermal paste at the time of reassembly. If new thermal paste is not available or you are cheap, do not disturb the "old" thermal paste. Note: If new thermal paste is readily available, clean the old paste off well and apply new thermal paste at the time of reassembly. If new thermal paste is not available or you are cheap, do not disturb the "old" thermal paste. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/FAOWv4Xd34eVDYwl http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/4mfV65FaAGeZk5Xn http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/OqRsROZBK6UPIJ4h Remove the 2 Phillips #0 screws from the hard drive enclosure. Remove the 2 Phillips #0 screws from the hard drive enclosure. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ClZHTwrZZeAWC6Pf http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/clDZfmds1Os6Oakg To expose the mainboard, remove the watch battery from the mainboard. To expose the mainboard, remove the watch battery from the mainboard. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/uUA24xWVpMfqBwg2 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Pft6bG3WO1Vsom4f Using spudger, carefully pry the metal shielding away from and off of the top of motherboard. Using spudger, carefully pry the metal shielding away from and off of the top of motherboard. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/rLD1EcyaSPp3Jfbx http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/PrONOk5EEpxRYukl http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/pmtH2aTDtEDIepMn Turn the motherboard over and remove the metal shielding on the opposite side. Pry with a spudger or with your fingers. Turn the motherboard over and remove the metal shielding on the opposite side. Pry with a spudger or with your fingers. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/bQJurYHRiXEYnIjb http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BJrxybwokNSXnW1B http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/sYSAuWbCl6HZhSoy Check out all the chips with heatspreaders on this thing. Check out all the chips with heatspreaders on this thing. There's the Emotion Engine chip and Graphics Synthesis chip that allows the sweet backwards compatibility. There's the Emotion Engine chip and Graphics Synthesis chip that allows the sweet backwards compatibility. IBM Cell processor... This CPU has 9 cores, 10 threads and it runs @ 3.2GHz which makes it very powerful. IBM Cell processor... This CPU has 9 cores, 10 threads and it runs @ 3.2GHz which makes it very powerful. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ErNJ5L4UPidBAARV http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/iuJktFiXXC5pHlgN More Chips! More Chips! IBM Cell Processor IBM Cell Processor Nvidia RSX Nvidia RSX http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/4bArcZYRSFFtZKuC http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/hWNDGQCos1UoEACD http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/jLwADKiJY3sDyS51 Consider your PS3 disassembled. Consider your PS3 disassembled. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/eALK2uHL5Vfo4tHN http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/QmvtDjEVF3KIkiHX

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.