Question about retro system cleaning

[Hoggs17]

No not the NES, SNES, etc...I got that down.  I was wondering about the "new" retro console - the PS3 (it's retro now that the ps4 is out right?).  I have a "fat," 60 gb model (original release, CECHA model) and I love that it plays my ps2 and ps1 games (truly retro).  Problem is, I know it can't last forever so I want to take some pre-emptive steps to prolong it's life.  I've read up online about dis-assembly and replacing thermal paste, etc...but I just want to know - have any of you guys tried this?  How did it turn out?

I'm hesitant to "operate" on my ps3 and give her a tune-up.  Just wanted to see if anyone else in this forum has had success and what did they do?  Thanks guys.

[sheep2001]

I would say do it.  It will need a good clean inside, as well as thermal paste replacement.  Unfortunately it's not a question of IF it will fail, but WHEN, if you don't take some pre-emptive strikes.

Take it to someone who knows what they are doing if you're unsure.

[Hoggs17]

Yeah, I better nip this in the bud so I can keep'er healthy.  Anyone know a place in Las Vegas that does cleanings?  Not just a google search to find them, I mean, anyone used a place in Las Vegas?

OR

preferably, where is a good step-by-step instruction on how to do it myself?

[irvgotti452]

Yeah, I better nip this in the bud so I can keep'er healthy.  Anyone know a place in Las Vegas that does cleanings?  Not just a google search to find them, I mean, anyone used a place in Las Vegas?

OR

preferably, where is a good step-by-step instruction on how to do it myself?

if you've never changed thermal paste then I suggest you hand it over to someone who has experience as to not risk missing a spot and causing the overheat.

[Lashek]

I had issues with my PS3 due to overheating (an old fat model CECHH) and replacing the thermal paste as well as giving it a good cleaning with compressed air has fixed all my issues.

Highly recommended, but it is a time consuming process.

[Hoggs17]

yeah, i figured thermal paste replacement and possibly fan replacement (from what i read, they ain't the best at heat removal).  You guys recommend anything else?

[wiggy]

Thermal pasting is easy. It's getting to the parts that's a bitch. I've yet to see anyone under do it. Usually people tend to slather on WAY too much, based on the dozens of "repaired" Xboxes I've seen over the years

A trick that I've use with my PCs for nearly a decade is simply removing the access panel on the side and leaving it that way. Runs a lot cooler, and actually collects LESS dust since the fans can easily move the air about with such a large opening. That said, your PS3 would be rather unsightly running with the top half of the shell missing

[irvgotti452]

yeah, i figured thermal paste replacement and possibly fan replacement (from what i read, they ain't the best at heat removal).  You guys recommend anything else?

Liquid cooling!

[quickfingers818]

One of the most common problems with the "fat" ps3s is the blu ray drive. Sooner or later your drive will you out. Mine went out twice, but luckily it is a lot easier to replace than the thermal paste.

[Hoggs17]

got any recommendations on a good replacement blu-ray drive?

[quickfingers818]

got any recommendations on a good replacement blu-ray drive?

I got mine from a seller on eBay. If you go on eBay there are a ton of sellers who sell the drive. They also actually sell just the lens, which is the part of the blu-ray drive that always goes bad. Its more labor intensive to change, but much cheaper.

[Hoggs17]

cool thanks, i'll check it out.  i noticed that sometimes, my picture looks almost "sliced and layered" on the left side of the screen for 15 seconds or so when i'm watching a blu-ray or playing a game.  figured something is dirty or scratched.  hopefully my repairs/cleaning fixes it.

[Jeremy1976]

I'm on my third ps3 from the yellow light of death.  I have replaced multiple lasers.  Its gonna die... question is when

[wiggy]

Every console with an optical drive will eventually experience drive failure. Unfortunately there isn't a whole lot of preventative maintenance that can be done for the drives (as far as I know)

[Hoggs17]

I should thank my lucky stars that my original has lasted this long then.  All the more reason to open it up and clean it out (and perhaps replace a piece or two)