An Easy Way for you to Fix the Ps3 YLOD

Before you start tearing off your PlayStation 3, make sure that it is unplugged from any power supply at all times. It might also take long the first time around, so would have to be very patient and prepared for initial setbacks. First, you will need basic equipment which can be found at home. These are: Torx screwdriver, Phillips head screwdriver and small flathead screwdriver. Perform this operation in a well-lit space that won’t build up static electricity.

To start off, find the rubber feet on the left side of the console. Remove the screw underneath the rubber foot; it can be pulled out using a small screwdriver. Then take out the security screw with a Torx screwdriver, or a flat head one which can fit in the screw. After that, slide the top shell of the console’s case to the left. This might be a little difficult if done for the first time, so use a little force to push it off. If you have slid it at the farthest part, simply lift the top and take it off. You will see another layer of covering, and you must remove the long screws to take it off as well.

The next thing you need to do is to gently raise the back corners of the console’s top half. Using a small screwdriver, undo the two small clips you will see near the back. By this time the top of your PS3 should come off, and you will see the internal parts of the unit.

Remove the main plug at the back of the power supply. Disconnect the power supply completely from the console. Afterwards, unscrew the four screws and unplug the ribbon cable to take out the Bluetooth board. Onto the Blu-Ray drive; unplug all the cables from the drive and simply pull it out. Also take out the small circuit board containing the Reset and Eject buttons by removing the screw holding the attached metal bracket and unplugging the small ribbon cable.

The same process goes with the motherboard: take out all the screws, and gently pull out the whole motherboard. It is important to note that the plastic cover with the HDD sticker should be taken out beforehand, or its clips will get bent.

By this time, you can now see the cooling system below. Take out the plastic black panel, and lift out the 4 small plastic clips. And you’re done with taking out the parts. Now take the motherboard, turn it upside down, and unscrew the 4 screws holding the two brackets down. Take off the metal brackets.

Flip the motherboard again; gently pull up on the heatsink. The cooling system can now be carefully lifted off the CPU and GPU chips and completely taken out. Carefully use a little force when removing the heatsink, as it is connected to the CPU and GPU with white thermal paste. Do not touch this, unless you have heat dissipating paste to replace it with.

After the heatsink is taken out, gently raise the metal shielding. Be careful not to bend so as not to cause complications in the reassembling process. Turn the motherboard right side up again, take off the metal shielding on the other side, and behold the bare motherboard. Pat yourself on the back: you have successfully disassembled a PlayStation 3 unit.