Console · Sony · PlayStation 4 Slim
Sony PlayStation 4 Slim Motherboard Repair
Motherboard Repair guide for the Sony PlayStation 4 Slim
Before you begin
Tools
- TR9 Torx Security screwdriver
- Phillips #0 screwdriver
- Spudger
- Tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Clean workspace mat
Parts / materials
- Isopropyl alcohol (90%+)
- High-performance thermal paste
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
- Lint-free wipes
Safety
- Disconnect the main AC power cable and all external cables before starting disassembly.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap connected to a grounded surface to protect microchips from ESD.
- Exercise caution around the power supply unit, as internal high-voltage capacitors can hold a dangerous charge.
- Handle the bare motherboard strictly by its edges to prevent damage to small surface-mount components.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Slide off the hard drive cover
2 minPress down on the corner panel located on the back left of the console and slide it off to expose the hard drive bay.
- 2
Remove the hard drive bracket screw
2 minUse a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the single retention screw securing the hard drive tray to the chassis.
- 3
Pull out the hard drive assembly
1 minGrasp the black plastic pull tab on the drive bracket and slide the hard drive straight out of the slot.
- 4
Peel off the rear security stickers
3 minUse tweezers to carefully peel back the black warranty stickers on the rear panel to expose the hidden screws.
- 5
Remove the rear T9 security screws
3 minUse a TR9 Torx Security screwdriver to remove the screws exposed beneath the rear stickers.
- 6
Pry off the bottom casing
4 minInsert a spudger into the seam along the front and side plastic edges to disengage the retention clips, then lift the lower cover off.
- 7
Pry off the top casing
4 minLift the front corners of the top outer cover until the clips release, then push the cover backward to remove it.
- 8
Disconnect the power supply cable
2 minGrasp the 4-pin power supply cable connector near the board and pull it straight up out of its socket.
- 9
Unscrew and lift out the power supply
5 minRemove the screws securing the power supply unit, then lift the PSU straight up out of the chassis.
- 10
Unplug the optical drive and fan ribbon cables
3 minFlip up the locking levers on the ZIF connectors using a spudger and gently slide out the optical drive and fan cables.
- 11
Disconnect the Wi-Fi antenna wire
2 minUse a spudger to pop the coaxial Wi-Fi antenna connector straight up off its motherboard socket.
- 12
Remove the upper metal shield screws
5 minUnscrew all Phillips screws fastening the top metal EMI shield to the perimeter of the chassis.
- 13
Lift off the upper metal shield
2 minGrasp the edges of the upper metal plate and lift it straight up to expose the motherboard.
- 14
Remove the APU retention clamp screws
3 minUse a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the two spring-loaded screws holding down the X-shaped APU bracket.
- 15
Lift off the APU clamp and pressure plate
2 minRemove the metal X-clamp and the flat steel pressure plate resting over the back of the processor.
- 16
Separate the motherboard from the frame
5 minCarefully tilt and lift the motherboard up from the lower shield and heatsink assembly. Clean off old thermal paste before reassembly.
After your Sony PlayStation 4 Slim motherboard repair
Power the PlayStation 4 Slim 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 Slim 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 Slim repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
