Console · Sony · PlayStation 4 Pro
Sony PlayStation 4 Pro Motherboard Repair
Motherboard Repair guide for the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
Before you begin
Tools
- TR9 Torx Security Screwdriver
- Phillips #0 Screwdriver
- Plastic Spudger
- Precision Tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Magnifying glass
Parts / materials
- High-performance thermal paste
- 91%+ Isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
- Replacement thermal pads (1mm)
Safety
- Ensure the console is completely disconnected from power before opening the enclosure.
- Wear a grounded anti-static wrist strap to protect sensitive surface-mount components from electrostatic discharge.
- Handle the motherboard strictly by its edges to prevent transferring oils or ESD to exposed circuitry.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove the top cover
2 minSlide the top glossy cover panel toward the rear of the console until it unlatches, then lift it clear of the frame.
- 2
Peel off the rear security stickers
2 minUse precision tweezers to peel away the tamper-evident stickers covering the housing screws on the rear of the unit.
- 3
Remove the lower housing screws
3 minUnscrew the TR9 Torx security screws located on the back panel that lock the lower casing in place.
- 4
Pry off the bottom casing
3 minGently lift the back edge of the bottom plastic shell upward to disengage the internal clips and set the shell aside.
- 5
Extract the hard drive tray
2 minUnscrew the single Phillips screw securing the hard drive caddy, then slide the drive assembly straight out of the slot.
- 6
Unscrew the power supply unit
4 minRemove the TR9 Torx and Phillips screws securing the internal power supply module bracket.
- 7
Disconnect and lift out the power supply
3 minDisconnect the small 4-pin power cable from the motherboard, then lift the power supply straight up and out of the chassis.
- 8
Unplug the optical drive cables
2 minDisconnect the ribbon cables and power wire connecting the Blu-ray drive to the main board using a plastic spudger.
- 9
Remove the motherboard shield plate screws
5 minUnscrew all Phillips screws fastening the large metallic upper shield plate to the motherboard assembly.
- 10
Remove the APU retaining clamp
3 minLoosen the two spring-tensioned screws on the metal APU X-clamp evenly before lifting the clamp off the board.
- 11
Disconnect the wireless antenna cables
2 minCarefully pop off the small coaxial Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna connectors from their motherboard headers.
- 12
Lift the motherboard out of the chassis
4 minGrasp the edges of the motherboard and carefully lift it upward away from the lower thermal heatsink.
- 13
Clean dried thermal compound
5 minWipe away old thermal paste from the APU die and heatsink contact plate using high-percentage isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free wipe.
- 14
Inspect board components
8 minExamine the HDMI controller chip, filters, and power delivery phases under a magnifying glass for visible burns or cracked solder joints.
- 15
Apply fresh thermal paste
2 minPlace a pea-sized dot of fresh thermal compound onto the center of the clean APU die.
- 16
Reinstall motherboard and secure APU clamp
5 minLower the motherboard back into the lower housing, reattach the wireless antennas, and tighten the APU retaining clamp evenly.
After your Sony PlayStation 4 Pro motherboard repair
Power the PlayStation 4 Pro back on and test the motherboard repair 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 4 Pro 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 4 Pro repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
