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PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement

Introduction

Consoles such as the PlayStation 4 Slim over time start to overheat from all the excessive dust accumulating. It causes the thermal paste to thin out and the speed drastically reduces. The overheating produces noise and users no longer want the console because of this some are even willing to replace it. This guide shows how to clean PlayStation 4 Slim, replace the thermal paste, and restore the console to fantastic working conditions!

What you need

Video Overview

  1. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement, Thermal Paste: step 1, image 1 of 2 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement, Thermal Paste: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the panel next to the ports by sliding it to the right.

    • Use a Philips PH1 screwdriver to remove the screw.

    Edit

  2. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Pull the black ribbon on the side of the PS4 to remove the hard drive.

    Edit

  3. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Locate the plastic warranty sticker next to the three ports on the side of the console.

    • Peel off the plastic warranty sticker next to the three ports on the side of the console.

    • Use a T8 Torx security screwdriver to remove the screw.

    Edit

  4. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Flip the PS4 with the bottom side facing upwards and the side of the screw you just removed facing you.

    • Remove the cover by prying the two corners and then sliding it back.

    • This step will require some force and you will hear clicking sounds as the cover is coming off.

    Edit

  5. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove this screw.

    Edit

  6. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the cover by prying the two corners and then sliding it back.

    • This step will require some force and you will hear clicking sounds as the cover is coming off.

    • Remove the three T8 Torx security screws.

    • Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the two screws.

    • Lift and remove the metal panel after unscrewing.

    Edit

  8. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the power supply completely by disconnecting the wire.

    Edit

  9. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Flip the PS4 to view the metal paneling.

    • Lift the black clip on the largest connection to remove it.

    • Disconnect the wire by pulling it back with a little bit of force.

    • By pulling on the blue tabs gently you are able to remove the connections.

    • Gently lift the black wire to disconnect from the motherboard.

    Edit

  10. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove all screws.

    • After unscrewing, remove the metal panel to access the motherboard.

    • Removing the metal panel may require some force but do not pull up too hard as you may have missed a screw.

    Edit

  11. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove two screws.

    • Unplug the wire by pulling firmly.

    • Lift the metal brace with your fingers to expose the motherboard.

    Edit

  12. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Apply 2-3 droplets of thermal material remover on Q-tips to remove the old thermal paste and then wipe it down with a micro fiber cloth until no residue of old paste is left.

    • Apply 2-3 droplets of thermal surface purifier on a new Q-tip and go over the area cleaned.

    • Both steps may require multiple repetitions.

    Edit

  13. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Squeeze about 3/4 of an inch of Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste onto the prepared surface.

    • Let the thermal paste rest for 10 minutes before reassembly.

    Edit

  14. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the two screws.

    Edit

  15. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Flip the console.

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the screw.

    Edit

  16. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 2 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Lift up the metal panel and on the back the radiator is located.

    • Clean the radiator by using a brush and a compressed air can.

    Edit

  17. PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 PlayStation 4 Slim Thermal Paste Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the two screws.

    • Clean the fan by using a brush and a compressed air can.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

73 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 7 other contributors

Muhammad Saif Khan

Member since: 07/07/20

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Team

York University, Team S1-G7, Allen Summer 2020 Member of York University, Team S1-G7, Allen Summer 2020

YORK-ALLEN-SU20S1G7

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6 Guides authored

11 Comments

Hey, can I use this for a original “fat” ps4?

thanks

notle159 - Reply

the original fat ps4 uses a different design than the slim one

alden dufresne -

Any advice on a good way to clean the fan blades? Thanks for all the other tips!

Nicholas Pratt III - Reply

Thanks for the instructions, they helped me a lot!!! If there's one thing Sony didn't save on this console, it was screws 😂😂😂

Ferrera_Gabs - Reply

La guía es muy fácil de seguir y los resultados superaron mis expectativas, la falla de recalentamiento ya no aparece más. Gracias!!

Alexis Astorga - Reply

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