The Ultimate PS3 Slim Teardown and Reassembly Guide

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Introduction
Before You Start: Essential Tools and Materials
Step 1: Remove the Hard Drive
Step #2: Access the Internal Components
Step #3: Motherboard and CPU Removal
Step #4: Reassembly and Testing
Video Teardown Guides
Level Up Your PS3: Where to Find the Best Replacement Parts
Wrapping Up Your PS3 Journey

The Ultimate PS3 Slim Teardown and Reassembly Guide

Curated by

jenengevik

5 min read

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The PlayStation 3 Slim teardown process involves carefully disassembling the console using specific tools, including a Phillips head screwdriver and a security Torx T8 bit, to access and clean its internal components. As reported by iFixit, this procedure requires removing various screws, including security Torx screws on the underside of the console, and navigating through multiple layers of hardware to reach the core components.

Before You Start: Essential Tools and Materials

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To perform a PS3 Slim teardown, you'll need the following essential tools and materials:

Phillips head screwdriver
Security Torx T8 screwdriver (with a hole in the center to accommodate the security pin)
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Prying tool or guitar pick for separating plastic components
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Soft cloth or towel to protect the console's surface
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Cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol for cleaning
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Vacuum cleaner for dust removal
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It's important to note that opening your PS3 Slim will void the warranty, as you'll need to remove warranty stickers to access certain screws

. Additionally, ensure you have a clean, flat workspace to lay out the components as you disassemble the console

. Having these tools and materials ready before starting the teardown process will help ensure a smooth and efficient disassembly of your PS3 Slim.

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Step 1: Remove the Hard Drive

ifixit.com

To remove the hard drive from a PS3 Slim, follow these steps:

Turn the PS3 over and locate the small access door on the bottom cover near the front of the console.
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Use a flat tool to pop open this access door, revealing a blue Phillips screw underneath.
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Remove the blue screw securing the hard drive.
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Slide out the hard drive tray using the metal pull tab.
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Remove the four 4.3 mm Phillips screws securing the hard drive to its tray.
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The PS3 Slim uses a standard 2.5-inch SATA drive, which can be easily replaced with a larger capacity hard drive or a faster SSD for improved storage and potentially better performance.

However, it's important to note that while upgrading to an SSD can reduce heat, noise, and vibrations, the speed improvement may be limited due to the PS3's SATA 1 interface.

When selecting a replacement drive, ensure it has a height less than 9.5 mm to fit properly in the console.

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Step #2: Access the Internal Components

To access the internal components of the PS3 Slim, follow these steps after removing the hard drive:

Remove the remaining screws from the bottom of the console, including any hidden under rubber feet.
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Carefully lift the top cover to expose the internal components.
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Disconnect the power supply cables and the Blu-ray drive cable.
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Remove the screws securing the power supply and lift it out to reveal more cables underneath.
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Disconnect the drive cables, wireless and Bluetooth antenna wires, and the fan cable.
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Remove the Blu-ray drive and front button panel.
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Unscrew and remove the fan.
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Take out the screws holding the metal shroud and main board shroud.
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This process allows access to key components like the motherboard, CPU, and GPU. The PS3 Slim's redesign has made internal components more accessible compared to previous models, though care must be taken when handling delicate parts.

Remember that opening the console voids the warranty, so proceed with caution.

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Step #3: Motherboard and CPU Removal

ifixit.com

After accessing the internal components, the next step in the PS3 Slim teardown process involves removing the motherboard and examining the core components. Here's what to do:

Carefully disconnect any remaining cables attached to the motherboard.
Remove the screws securing the motherboard to the chassis.
Gently lift out the motherboard, taking care not to damage any components.

Once removed, you'll have access to the main processing units:

The Cell Broadband Engine, which serves as the PS3's CPU
The RSX GPU, responsible for graphics processing
256MB XDR Main RAM and 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
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At this stage, you can clean the exposed components using compressed air or a soft brush. If replacing the thermal paste on the CPU and GPU is necessary, carefully remove the old paste and apply a new, thin layer of high-quality thermal compound. It's worth noting that the PS3 Slim's design allows for easier access to these core components compared to the original PS3 model, improving repairability. However, as with any electronic device, extreme caution should be exercised when handling these sensitive parts to avoid damage.

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Step #4: Reassembly and Testing

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Here's how to proceed:

Carefully reattach the motherboard to the chassis, ensuring all screw holes align properly.
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Reconnect all cables to the motherboard, including power, fan, and drive connections.
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Reinstall the metal shroud and main board shroud, securing them with the appropriate screws.
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Replace the fan and secure it with the two Phillips screws.
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Reinsert the Blu-ray drive and front button panel, making sure to properly connect their cables.
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Reinstall the power supply and reconnect its cables to the motherboard.
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Carefully place the top cover back onto the console, ensuring all tabs and connectors align correctly.
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When reassembling, pay close attention to cable routing and ensure all components are securely fastened. Take care not to overtighten screws, as this could damage the plastic casing or internal components. After reassembly, it's advisable to test the console to ensure all functions are working properly before fully closing the case.

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Video Teardown Guides

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How To: Disassemble...

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Level Up Your PS3: Where to Find the Best Replacement Parts

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Several online retailers offer replacement parts for the PlayStation 3 console:

AliExpress provides a wide range of affordable PS3 replacement parts, including high-quality OEM components designed to fit and function like original parts.
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eTech Parts Plus offers wholesale prices on various PlayStation 3 repair parts and tools, catering to repair shops and DIY enthusiasts.
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Amazon carries over 1,000 PS3 replacement parts, including popular items like screw kits, ribbon cables, hard drive covers, and controller batteries. Many parts are eligible for free shipping.
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MobileSentrix is a wholesale supplier of Sony PlayStation 3 parts, offering components like disc drives, casings, power supply units, and HDMI ports. They provide warranty coverage on their rigorously tested parts.
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When shopping for replacement parts, it's important to ensure compatibility with your specific PS3 model. Some retailers offer detailed product descriptions and customer support to help you find the correct components for your console.

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Wrapping Up Your PS3 Journey

The PlayStation 3 Slim's innovative design extends beyond its hardware, offering gamers access to an extensive Game Catalog and exclusive game trials. Sony's commitment to providing a comprehensive entertainment experience is evident in the integration of Sony Pictures content, accessible through SONY PICTURES CORE. This feature grants users on-demand access to a vast Sony Pictures Catalog, enhancing the console's value beyond gaming. While the PS3 Slim's internal components, such as the power supply, power inlet, and power switch, are crucial for its operation, it's the software and content offerings that truly set it apart. The carefully designed screw cover system not only protects the console's internals but also symbolizes Sony's attention to detail in both form and function. Whether you're replacing a part or simply admiring the engineering, the PS3 Slim represents a pinnacle of Sony's dedication to gaming and multimedia entertainment.

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