Thirith on 15/12/2009 at 08:24
Even though I'm pretty happy with my PS3 Slim, there's one thing that annoys me about it: in spite of what reviews said about this model being less loud, my PS3 gets pretty loud pretty fast, even though it's got lots of space and air. Less of a problem when I'm gaming, but when I watch Blu-rays it revs up after 5-10 minutes, getting loud enough to be a real nuisance.
From what I've read on the internet, I suspect that the thermal paste might not have been applied correctly to the chip, so the cooling fan isn't as effective as it should be.
Sending the PS3 in might be pretty expensive and would mean that I haven't got it for 4-6 weeks (according to the shop).
Has anyone here opened up their PS3? Is it very difficult/risky? I've built one or two PCs from the ground up, although I'm by no means a hardware wiz. Any idea how easy or difficult it would be to open the PS3 and re-apply thermal paste? Or should I bite the bullet and send it in to be serviced?
Flagston on 15/12/2009 at 18:41
Never taken apart a PS3 myself but 360's aren't that difficult. You could probably find a tutorial on Youtube or something but taking one apart would most likely void whatever warranty comes with it so I would be hesitant to do this.
Al_B on 15/12/2009 at 19:29
(
http://www.rapidrepair.com/guides/playstation-3-slim-ps3-repair/playstation-3-slim-ps3-repair-guide.html) This looks like a decent guide but I've never done it myself. If it's within warrenty then I probably wouldn't risk it.
If you do attempt it then it always pays when dealing with any equipment like this to make sure you have the right tools (the guide says you need a T8 star screwdriver). Be
completely methodical about recording where screws came from. Take precautions against static and don't be in a rush.
Thirith on 16/12/2009 at 07:37
Thanks for those tips. I came upon that Rapid Repair guide yesterday, but thanks for the link - it's sheer luck that I found it myself.
What would be sensible precautions against static? I know that I should basically 'decharge' myself before handling electronic equipment (and thank god we no longer live in a flat that has rugs made from synthetic material, which should make it even less likely that I'm charged), but I don't know what else I could do.
P.S.: I remember one of the first times I built a computer from scratch. I've been known to be relatively clumsy, so first I managed to kill the HD with static electricity (I was young and foolish then...), then I cut myself on the case and managed to get blood all over the components. I'm still surprised I didn't end up raising some cyberdemon in the process.:ebil:
Al_B on 16/12/2009 at 08:26
As long as you didn't chant the name of the hard drive manufacturer backwards three times you won't raise a cyberdemon that way.
For anti-static precautions just be sensible. Ideally you should get a wrist (or foot) strap and do any work on the PS3 on surface also discharged to earth. However, electronic components are far less susceptible to damage when they're soldered to a PCB so as long as you're sensible about where and how you're doing the work you should be ok.
Thirith on 16/12/2009 at 09:03
@Speedwind: Erm. Yes. Thank you.
@Al_B: Definitely will keep those things in mind.
bikerdude on 17/12/2009 at 14:26
Quote Posted by Thirith
Sending the PS3 in might be pretty expensive and would mean that I haven't got it for 4-6 weeks (according to the shop).
If its covered by warranty, taking it apart will invalidate it..
Thirith on 17/12/2009 at 14:41
Yup, that much I've found out. :-) However, from what the shops have been telling me, I'd most likely end up paying 50% of the original price just for postage and them having a look inside. Since the thing isn't broken, they might even end up doing nothing. (Guess this is where getting a US PS3 is coming back to bite me in the backside.)
I've read in a number of places now that while the heat fan in PS3s is pretty good, the thermal paste they're using isn't, and it's applied pretty inconsistently. Quite a few people have opened their consoles (voiding the warranty), removed the existing thermal paste and applied better paste, getting very good results. Since I've got a) experience with building and upgrading PCs, b) a couple of clear easy-step guides to changing the PS3's thermal paste, c) a dislike to spending money when I think I could do the job myself and d) not enough bad experience with c), I'm thinking that I'll risk doing it myself, warranty be damned. It's either healthy confidence or stupid over-estimation of my own capabilities. :cheeky:
242 on 17/12/2009 at 15:40
Thirith, I wouldn't open it if I was you.
You're going to lose your guarantee and there is a VERY big chance it will be for nothing. It very well may be that it's the cooler that is louder than it should be, and not the lack of thermal paste.
If you absolutely can't live with the noise you may consider to send it to local Sony service center, not to your seller. Sony should care about it for free, including shipping. They may refuse though, if you bought it in a different country/region, in that case *I think* you still may send it to Sony USA for free repair.
