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Introduction
This guide shows how to remove the main board. This is required before replacing the liquid metal.
What you need
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Shut down your console and unplug all cables and accessories.
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Remove any stands supporting your device and lay it down.
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To remove a cover, firmly pull up the front edge to release the clips.
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Remove the cover.
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Use the cutout on the bottom right corner of the disc drive to lift its right edge and disconnect it.
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Remove the disc drive.
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Tool used on this step:FixMat$36.95
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 17.1 mm‑long screw securing the expansion slot cover.
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Use your fingers to lift the expansion slot cover near the notch by the screw hole and remove it.
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Tool used on this step:Tesa 61395 Tape$8.95
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Use your fingers to remove the plastic cover hiding the fan cables connector.
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Gently pull the fan cables out from under their plastic clip on the frame.
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Firmly grip the fan cables white connector head and pull it straight up and out of its socket.
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Use a T8 Torx Security screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the fan:
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One 31.2 mm‑long screw
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Two 21.3 mm‑long screws
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One 11.6 mm‑long screw
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Use your fingers to grab the fan by its vents, and lift it straight up to remove it.
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Insert the fan so its cables are near their connector.
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Tool used on this step:Tweezers$4.99
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A tamper-evident sticker hides one of the main board cover screws.
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Use tweezers to peel up the sticker up until you can access the screw underneath.
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Use a T8 Torx Security screwdriver to remove the nine screws securing the main board cover:
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Four 18.9 mm‑long screws
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One 21.3 mm‑long screw
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Four 31.2 mm‑long screws
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Use a T8 Torx Security screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the interconnect cable cover:
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One 28.7 mm‑long screw
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Three 7.5 mm‑long screws
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Use the point of a spudger to push the interconnect cable's metal latch down and away from the connector to unlock it.
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Keep the latch in its unlocked position and carefully pull the interconnect cable straight out of its socket.
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Insert the flat end of a spudger under the metal neck of one of the antenna cable's coaxial connectors and lift straight up to disconnect it.
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Repeat the process to disconnect the other antenna cable.
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Gently lift both antenna cables to separate the tape from the heatsink shield.
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Move the antenna cables over the side of your PlayStation so they're out of the way.
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Use a T8 Torx Security screwdriver to remove the thirty 7.5 mm‑long screws securing the top shield plate.
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Insert the flat end of a spudger between the top shield plate and the main board and pry up to release the plate. Work your way around the perimeter until it separates completely.
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Use a T8 Torx Security screwdriver to remove the four remaining screws securing the main board:
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Two 7.5 mm‑long main board screws
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Two 16.3 mm‑long screws securing the APU tension bracket
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Lift and remove both APU brackets from the board.
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Put the bracket with plastic arms on first so the pegs go into their cutouts.
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Then, put the metal bracket onto the plastic one so they're perpendicular and the screw holes line up.
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Gently lift the edge of the motherboard with the large cutout to partially separate it from the bottom shield plate.
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With the board lifted, insert the flat end of a spudger between the board and the bottom shield plate and gently twist to separate them. Work your way around the perimeter of the board.
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Remove the main board, flip it over, and carefully lay it on a clean work surface, so the APU is facing up.
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Make sure all cables that connect to the board are out of the way so they don't get trapped underneath.
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Carefully flip the board over so the APU is on the bottom, making sure no liquid metal spills.
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Keep the board level and lower it into place.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
