PlayStation 3 Slim (CECH-3004A) Service Manual Cleaning, Thermal Paste Application, and Assembly Guide
This manual provides step-by-step instructions to completely disassemble, clean, repaste, and reassemble your PlayStation 3 Slim console.
Learn how to open the PS3 Slim, clean the dust, replace the thermal pad and close the console with this video:
To service your PlayStation 3 Slim (CECH-3004A), you will need a Phillips #1 screwdriver, a Torx T8 Security screwdriver (with a center hole), 90%+ Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), cotton swabs, and high-quality thermal paste (like Arctic MX-4).
Note: While the small components surrounding the processors use solid thermal pads, the core CPU (Cell) and GPU (RSX) processors require liquid thermal paste, which must be fully cleaned and replaced once opened.
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Part 1: Disassembly
Step 1: Screw Covers Removal
* Flip the console upside down.
* Use tweezers or your fingernail to pry off all rubber feet.
* Remove all plastic screw covers on the bottom case.
Step 2: Chassis Screws Removal
* Locate the 7 silver Phillips screws hidden underneath the covers.
* Remove all 7 silver Phillips screws.
* Locate the 4 black security screws along the front edge.
* Use a Torx T8 security screwdriver to remove these 4 screws.
Step 3: Hard Drive Removal
* Locate the single blue Phillips screw on the bottom casing.
* Remove the blue screw.
* Slide out the metal hard drive caddy from its slot.
Step 4: Top Cover Removal
* Turn the console right-side up.
* Gently lift the top cover from the rear edge.
* Rotate the cover forward toward the front buttons.
* Release the internal plastic clips and lift the cover off.
Step 5: Power Supply Unit (PSU) Disconnection
* Locate the small 4-pin connector wire on the PSU.
* Unplug the 4-pin connector wire.
* Unplug the 12V metal prongs connector from the PSU.
Step 6: Power Supply Screws Removal
* Locate the 2 Phillips screws securing the power supply.
* Remove both screws.
Step 7: Power Supply Unit Removal
* Lift the power supply straight up.
* Pull the unit completely out of the chassis.
Step 8: Blu-ray Drive Screw Removal
* Locate the single securing screw on the Blu-ray drive.
* Remove the screw.
Step 9: Blu-ray Ribbon Cable Disconnection
* Locate the delicate ribbon cable on the motherboard.
* Flip up the tiny locking tab on the connector.
* Gently unclip and slide the ribbon cable out.
Step 10: Blu-ray Drive Removal
* Locate the second ribbon cable situated directly under the Blu-ray drive.
* Carefully disconnect it.
* Lift the Blu-ray drive straight out of the console.
Step 11: Antenna Disconnection
* Locate the black and white Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna cables.
* Carefully pull them off their motherboard terminals like snap buttons.
Step 12: Fan Disconnection
* Locate the fan power cable connected to the motherboard.
* Unplug the fan cable.
Step 13: Power/Eject Board Removal
* Locate the small plastic power/eject button board at the front.
* Pop the board off its plastic housing.
* Pull its ribbon cable straight out of the connector.
Step 14: Lower Casing Screws Removal
* Locate all remaining black Phillips screws pinning the motherboard shield to the bottom case.
* Remove all of these screws.
Step 15: Motherboard Assembly Removal
* Grip the metal-shielded motherboard assembly.
* Lift the entire assembly out of the lower plastic casing.
Step 16: Motherboard Rotation
* Turn the entire motherboard assembly upside down.
Step 17: Shield Screws Removal
* Locate all Phillips screws pinning the motherboard shield.
* Remove all of these screws.
Step 18: Tension Clips Removal
* Locate the two curved metal tension clips (X-clamps).
* Remove the 4 Phillips screws holding down these clips.
* Lift the clips away.
Step 19: Metal Shield Removal
* Lift away the top metal shield to expose the motherboard.
Step 20: Motherboard Separation
* Lift the motherboard off the heatsink assembly.
* If stuck due to old, dried paste, gently twist the board to break the seal.
* Warning: Never pry the board aggressively.
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Part 2: Cleaning and Thermal Paste Application## Step 21: Thermal Paste Removal
* Use a soft paper towel or microfiber cloth to wipe away the old thermal paste.
* Moisten the cloth with 90% or higher Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA).
* Clean the surface of both integrated heat spreaders (IHS) on the chips until shiny.
* Clean the matching copper contact blocks on the heatsink assembly.
Step 22: Dust Removal
* Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to clear dust from the heatsink fins.
* Clean the fan blades carefully to remove impacted dust.
* Wipe down the plastic top and bottom casings with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
Step 23: Thermal Paste Application
* Ensure all cleaned surfaces are completely dry.
* Apply a small, pea-sized drop of high-quality thermal paste to the center of the CELL BE (CPU) processor.
* Apply an identical pea-sized drop to the center of the RSX (GPU) processor.
* Note: Do not spread the paste manually; the tension clips will spread it evenly.
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Part 3: Reassembly
Step 24: Motherboard Alignment
* Place the motherboard carefully back onto the heatsink assembly.
* Ensure the video and power ports align correctly with the rear cutouts.
Step 25: Shield and Tension Clips Installation
* Place the metal shield back over the motherboard.
* Position the two curved metal tension clips (X-clamps) over the processors.
* Secure the clips using the 4 Phillips screws, tightening them in a cross-pattern for equal pressure.
Step 26: Motherboard Shield Securing
* Reinstall all Phillips screws pinning the motherboard shield that were removed in Step 17.
* Flip the motherboard assembly back over.
Step 27: Casing Installation
* Lower the complete motherboard assembly back into the lower plastic casing.
* Reinstall all remaining black Phillips screws pinning the shield to the bottom case.
Step 28: Button Board and Cables
* Slide the ribbon cable of the power/eject button board straight into its connector.
* Snap the small plastic button board back into the front frame.
* Plug the fan cable back into its motherboard port.
* Snap the black and white Wi-Fi/Bluetooth antenna cables back onto their terminals.
Step 29: Blu-ray Drive Installation
* Connect the ribbon cable located underneath the Blu-ray drive to the motherboard.
* Lower the Blu-ray drive into position.
* Insert the top delicate ribbon cable into its slot and flip down the tiny locking tab.
* Secure the drive with its single securing screw.
Step 30: Power Supply Unit Installation
* Lower the power supply unit straight down into its slot.
* Secure the PSU with its 2 Phillips screws.
* Plug in the 12V metal prongs connector.
* Plug in the small 4-pin connector wire.
Step 31: Top Cover Installation
* Hook the front edge of the top cover onto the front button lip.
* Rotate the cover down toward the rear edge until the internal plastic clips snap shut.
Step 32: Hard Drive Installation
* Slide the metal hard drive caddy back into its slot.
* Secure it from underneath using the single blue Phillips screw.
Step 33: External Screws and Covers
* Flip the console upside down.
* Reinstall the 4 black security screws along the front edge using the Torx T8 security screwdriver.
* Reinstall the 7 silver Phillips screws into the remaining holes.
* Push all plastic screw covers and rubber feet back into place using your fingernails or tweezers.
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