Step-by-step

1. 1

   Unplug power and external cables

   2 min

   Disconnect the AC power cord, HDMI cable, and all USB accessories from the PS5. Ensure the console is fully powered off before starting disassembly.

2. 2

   Remove the base stand

   2 min

   Turn the captive coin screw counterclockwise to release the base stand from the bottom of the console. Store the screw inside the integrated compartment in the stand base.

3. 3

   Detach the top white side panel

   2 min

   Lift the top-rear corner of the logo-bearing side panel slightly away from the chassis. Slide the panel down toward the bottom of the console to disengage the latches and pull it off.

4. 4

   Detach the bottom white side panel

   2 min

   Flip the console over and lift the opposite rear corner of the second white panel. Slide it toward the bottom edge to unlatch and remove it.

5. 5

   Remove the fan intake covers

   3 min

   Use a plastic spudger to gently pry off the black plastic fan intake grilles located on each side of the central fan housing.

6. 6

   Unscrew the cooling fan assembly

   4 min

   Remove the four T8 Security Torx screws securing the metal fan cover and fan assembly to the frame. Lift off the top fan guard.

7. 7

   Disconnect the cooling fan cable

   3 min

   Gently lift the fan out of its socket to access the wiring. Use tweezers to pull the fan connector straight out from the motherboard header.

8. 8

   Remove the plastic housing cover

   5 min

   Unscrew all visible T8 Security Torx screws securing the main plastic internal casing to the chassis. Lift the plastic cover free from the assembly.

9. 9

   Disconnect the optical drive connectors

   4 min

   Unplug the ribbon cables connecting the optical drive to the motherboard. Carefully lift the optical drive unit straight up and set it aside.

10. 10

    Remove the metal motherboard shield screws

    8 min

    Unscrew all Torx and Phillips screws securing the large top metal shield plate to the motherboard assembly. Note screw sizes for correct reassembly.

11. 11

    Lift off the top metal shield

    3 min

    Carefully lift the top metal shielding plate straight up off the motherboard and store it safely.

12. 12

    Disconnect Wi-Fi antennas and power cables

    5 min

    Use tweezers to gently unclip the thin coaxial antenna cables from the motherboard. Disconnect the primary power connector from the power supply unit.

13. 13

    Separate the motherboard from the lower heatsink

    6 min

    Lift the motherboard straight up from the lower heatsink tray. Exercise extreme caution around the APU to prevent liquid metal thermal compound from spilling onto adjacent components.

14. 14

    Clean corroded areas with isopropyl alcohol

    10 min

    Dip a soft bristle brush or cotton swab into 99% isopropyl alcohol. Gently scrub away white or green corrosion marks and dried liquid residues on the motherboard.

15. 15

    Inspect components under magnification

    5 min

    Examine small surface-mount chips, solder pads, and port pins using a magnifying glass to confirm all short-causing residue and mineral deposits are gone.

16. 16

    Allow components to dry completely

    1 min

    Set all cleaned circuit boards aside in a dry, well-ventilated space for at least 12 hours to guarantee complete evaporation of all moisture.

17. 17

    Reassemble motherboard onto heatsink

    8 min

    Verify the liquid metal barrier foam is intact around the APU, then carefully set the motherboard back onto the heatsink assembly.

18. 18

    Reinstall shields, fan, and side panels

    12 min

    Reconnect all antenna cables, power connectors, and fan lines. Secure all metal shields with their respective screws and snap the white outer panels back in place.