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How to Install an External Hard Drive on a PS3

Contributor
By Amanda K.
eHow Contributing Writer
Install an External Hard Drive on a PS3
Install an External Hard Drive on a PS3
Gadgeteer

Although you may have thought you had adequate hard drive space in your PlayStation 3 (PS3) when you bought it, the advent of downloadable games, movies and music may have changed your mind and left your hard drive needing an upgrade. Fortunately, installing an external hard drive in your PS3 is not that difficult as long as you know your way around a screwdriver.

From Quick Guide: PS3 Accessories Guide
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • PS3 SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM) Mini Flathead Screwdriver Mini Phillips Screwdriver (both of these can be found in an eyeglass repair kit)

    How to Install an External Hard Drive on a PS3

  1. Step 1

    Purchase a new hard drive. Because the PS3 already works with a 5400 RPM SATA hard drive, it is very important to get one that is identical to this. Even though other brands may be cheaper, they will not work with your system, so it is vital that you get the right hard drive.

  2. Step 2

    Find the hard drive port on your PS3. This is on left side of the console and has an HDD symbol. Use the mini flathead screwdriver to pull off the plastic cover. The hard drive port will be visible.

  3. Step 3

    Remove the blue screw that holds the hard drive port in place. Simply turn the mini flathead screwdriver a few times to the left to pull the screw out, and then flip up the small handle that is on the front of the port. You will now be able to slide the hard drive toward the front of your console to remove it.

  4. Step 4

    Take out the four screws that hold the original PS3 hard drive in place using your mini flathead screwdriver. Then replace the existing hard drive with your new one, and screw it back into place.

  5. Step 5

    Replace the hard drive port and lock it into place using the blue screw you removed in Step 1. Then replace both the metal handle as well as the port cover (with the HDD logo).

  6. Step 6

    Start up your console. Once everything is securely in place, start up your PS3 as you normally would. The PS3 will detect the new hard drive automatically and ask you if you want to format the new hard drive. Simply click "OK" to start the process, which should take only a few minutes. Then restart your PS3 and you will be able to save all the content you want on your new drive.

Tips & Warnings
  • Although any games you saved on your previous hard drive will be erased, your network settings as well as your current firmware will remain intact despite the change in hard drive.
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