Console · Sony · PlayStation 3
Sony PlayStation 3 Hard Drive Replacement
Hard Drive Replacement guide for the Sony PlayStation 3
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #1 screwdriver
- Plastic opening tools
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Precision screwdriver set
- USB flash drive (FAT32 formatted)
Parts / materials
- Replacement 2.5-inch SATA Hard Drive or SSD
- Microfiber cloth
Safety
- Ensure the console is completely powered off and unplugged from power before starting.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to avoid electrostatic damage to internal electronic components.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Unplug All Console Cables
1 minTurn off your PlayStation 3 completely and disconnect the power cable, HDMI cable, and any attached accessories.
- 2
Pry Open the HDD Door
2 minInsert a plastic opening tool into the slot on the hard drive cover and gently pry the panel off the console frame.
- 3
Remove the Blue Securing Screw
2 minUse a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the single blue screw holding the drive caddy inside the bay.
- 4
Unfold the Caddy Retention Hook
1 minFlip the metal wire handle on the front of the hard drive caddy outwards so you can grip it.
- 5
Slide the Drive Caddy Right
2 minSlide the metal caddy toward the right side of the bay to disconnect the hard drive from the internal SATA port.
- 6
Pull Out the Hard Drive Caddy
1 minGrasp the metal handle and pull the hard drive assembly straight out of the console.
- 7
Remove the Caddy Screws
3 minUnscrew the four Phillips screws located on the sides of the metal caddy frame.
- 8
Extract the Old Hard Drive
1 minLift the original hard drive up and out of the metal mounting bracket.
- 9
Orient the New Hard Drive
2 minLower the replacement 2.5-inch drive into the metal caddy with the SATA connector facing the rear.
- 10
Secure Drive to the Caddy
3 minReinstall and tighten the four side screws to firmly hold the new hard drive in the bracket.
- 11
Reinsert the Drive Caddy
2 minPush the assembly into the PS3 drive bay and slide it to the left to fully seat the connector.
- 12
Fasten the Blue Screw
2 minThread the blue Phillips screw back into the bracket hole to lock the drive caddy in place.
- 13
Snap On the Cover Door
1 minAlign the plastic HDD cover tabs with the console casing and press until it clicks shut.
After your Sony PlayStation 3 hard drive replacement
Power the PlayStation 3 back on and test the hard drive 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.
