How to Replace a Hard Drive in a PS3

The PS3's Hard Drive Bay

You may have plenty of saved information and personal data on your PS3 hard drive, but there may come a time when you need to replace it. Whether the hard drive has been corrupted, or you just need a little more space, installing a new hard drive for your PS3 will take a little bit of work with a screwdriver. But in the end it is a very simple process, and you will be able to kick back and enjoy all the media and downloadable content you want on a new hard drive.

Things You'll Need

• PlayStation 3 console
• 5400 RPM SATA hard drive
• Mini-screwdriver set

Instructions

1. Buy a new SATA hard drive. The PS3 will only work with a 5400 RPM SATA so it is extremely important to get the right one, otherwise the installation will not work. If you are not sure about what a SATA hard drive is or what it looks like, just go to a computer hardware store, and an associate should help you find what you need.

2. Locate hard drive bay on your PlayStation 3, on the left side of the console. It has an HDD icon on it. See the picture above for reference. Use the mini flathead screwdriver to pull off the plastic cover. The hard drive port will be visible.

3. Pull out your mini-screwdriver set and use the mini flathead to gently pry off the hard drive bay's plastic cover. You will be able to see the hard drive bay.

4. Locate the blue screw on the top of the hard drive bay. This screw holds your current hard drive in place, so you will have to unscrew it using your mini-flathead in order to remove the current drive. Once the blue screw is removed, slide the current drive forward until it is outside the console.

5. Separate the drive from its casing. You will see four screws that hold the current hard drive in a metal casing. Unscrew these with your flathead to pull the hard drive from its casing. Then place the new hard drive in this casing and use the same screws to anchor it in place.

6. Slide the bay back into the PS3 and replace the blue screw you removed in Step 1. Then replace the plastic cover you removed in step 2. When you boot the PS3 back up, the console will automatically format the new drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Any game save data that was on the old drive will not be able to be transferred to the new drive. Do not attempt this if you need your saves, as they WILL be lost once the process is complete.

Resources

• CNet guide to PS3 Hard Drive Tips and Tricks