Console · Sony · PlayStation 3
Sony PlayStation 3 Fan Replacement
Fan Replacement guide for the Sony PlayStation 3
Before you begin
Tools
- T8 Security Torx screwdriver
- Phillips #1 screwdriver
- Precision tweezers
- Plastic opening tool
- Spudger
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- Replacement PS3 cooling fan
- Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
Safety
- Ensure the console is completely powered down and unplugged from the wall before disassembly.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to protect internal circuits from electrostatic discharge.
- Take care when handling internal metal shielding, as raw metal edges can be sharp.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Peel off warranty sticker
2 minUse tweezers to peel back the warranty seal located on the left side of the lower chassis.
- 2
Remove rubber screw cover
1 minPry out the small rubber foot beneath the sticker using a plastic opening tool to reveal the top plate screw.
- 3
Unscrew top plate Torx screw
2 minRemove the single T8 Security Torx screw securing the smart top cover plate.
- 4
Slide off top cover plate
1 minSlide the shiny top cover toward the left side of the console and lift it away.
- 5
Remove upper case screws
3 minUnscrew the seven Phillips #1 screws holding the upper main casing to the chassis.
- 6
Lift upper casing off
2 minGently release the rear retaining tabs and lift the upper casing off the lower housing.
- 7
Disconnect Blu-ray power cable
2 minUnplug the 4-pin power cable connecting the Blu-ray drive to the motherboard.
- 8
Disconnect Blu-ray ribbon cable
2 minFlip up the brown locking tab on the motherboard connector and gently pull the ribbon cable free.
- 9
Lift out Blu-ray drive
1 minLift the Blu-ray drive assembly straight up and clear of the console.
- 10
Disconnect power supply wires
2 minUnplug the AC inlet cable and the small control plug attached to the power supply unit.
- 11
Unscrew power supply unit
3 minRemove the five Phillips screws holding the power supply assembly to the internal frame.
- 12
Remove power supply unit
2 minLift the power supply unit straight up to detach it from the dual motherboard prongs.
- 13
Disconnect fan power cable
2 minUnplug the 3-pin cooling fan cable from its header on the motherboard.
- 14
Unscrew fan assembly
3 minRemove the four Phillips screws mounting the cooling fan frame to the bottom case.
- 15
Lift out old cooling fan
1 minGrasp the fan shroud and pull the old cooling fan directly out of the lower housing.
- 16
Install replacement cooling fan
2 minLower the new cooling fan into position, aligning its screw mounts with the bottom case standoffs.
After your Sony PlayStation 3 fan replacement
Power the PlayStation 3 back on and test the fan replacement function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Sony PlayStation 3 job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Sony PlayStation 3 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
