Console · Sony · PlayStation 4
Sony PlayStation 4 Motherboard Repair
Motherboard Repair guide for the Sony PlayStation 4
Before you begin
Tools
- TR9 Torx Security screwdriver
- Precision screwdriver set
- Plastic opening tools
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass or headlamp
- Soldering iron
- Desoldering braid
Parts / materials
- Flux
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Thermal paste
Safety
- Ensure the console is completely unplugged from power before opening.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge damage.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using soldering tools and chemicals.
- Allow components to cool before handling after soldering.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Slide Off HDD Cover
1 minFirmly press down on the glossy left top panel and slide it sideways to detach it from the console.
- 2
Peel Warranty Stickers
2 minUse tweezers to carefully peel away the security sticker covers on the rear panel.
- 3
Remove Rear Security Screws
3 minUnscrew the four TR9 Torx Security screws located on the rear panel of the chassis.
- 4
Pry Off Lower Case
3 minUse a plastic opening tool to release the plastic clips along the edge and lift away the lower outer casing.
- 5
Pry Off Upper Case
2 minGently pry up the rear corners of the top plastic cover to unclip and remove it from the frame.
- 6
Unscrew Power Supply
3 minRemove the five Phillips screws securing the power supply unit to the internal chassis.
- 7
Extract Power Supply Unit
3 minLift the power supply out of the chassis and disconnect its wire harness from the motherboard.
- 8
Disconnect Blu-Ray Ribbon Cables
2 minPress the metal locking tab on the main optical drive ribbon cable and pull it straight out.
- 9
Remove Blu-Ray Drive
3 minRemove the four screws securing the Blu-ray drive assembly and lift it clear of the console.
- 10
Disconnect Wi-Fi Antenna Cable
2 minUse tweezers to pop the coaxial Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna cable off its motherboard socket.
- 11
Unbolt APU Clamp Bracket
3 minRemove the two spring-loaded screws securing the metal APU clamp bracket and lift the bracket off.
- 12
Remove Motherboard Shield Screws
5 minUnscrew all remaining Phillips screws around the perimeter of the top metal EMI shield.
- 13
Lift Away EMI Shield
2 minGently lift the upper metal shield plate straight up off the motherboard.
- 14
Lift Motherboard from Chassis
3 minCarefully lift the motherboard out of the lower metal shield and heatsink assembly.
- 15
Inspect Motherboard Components
5 minExamine the board under magnification to locate cracked solder joints, blown fuses, or damaged IC pins.
- 16
Apply Rosin Flux
2 minDispense a small amount of liquid flux directly over the target solder pads or micro-components.
- 17
Solder Target Components
10 minUse a soldering iron and desoldering braid to clear bridges or resolder faulty SMD components.
- 18
Clean Flux Residue
3 minWipe away excess flux using cotton swabs dampened with 99% isopropyl alcohol.
After your Sony PlayStation 4 motherboard repair
Power the PlayStation 4 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 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 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
