PlayStation 4 Motherboard Replacement

Written By: Sam Omiotek

Comments: 76

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the motherboard on your Sony Playstation 4.

The motherboard and optical drive are paired, thus replacing only the motherboard will result in a non-functioning device. Be sure to order the correct paired optical drive and motherboard for your PS4 model and replace both.

Unplug your PS4 before beginning any repairs.

Tools

Parts

Step 1

Grip the PS4 with both hands along the gap in the top cover.
Push the glossy side of the top cover with your thumbs until it pops to the side.
Lift the glossy top cover up and back to remove it from the PS4.

I have a CUH-1102A version of this PS4.

Would this teardown work for it?

Cary B -

Step 2

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 6.5 mm screw securing the hard drive bracket to the enclosure.

Step 3

Pull the hard drive bracket out of the enclosure.
Be careful not to drop the hard drive. The internal components are fragile and are susceptible to damage by sudden shock.

Can these take an SSD?

Cary B -

Yes they can

Jonathan Gibson -

Step 4

Flip the PS4 upside-down with the back side facing towards you.

Step 5

Use tweezers to remove the two stickers in the center of the back of the PS4 exposing two case screws.

Step 6

Use tweezers to carefully remove the plastic screw covers in each corner, exposing two more case screws.

What If my PS4 doesn't have the two screws on the side

Michael Jimenez -

I should imagine that plastic cover will come off?

How did you go?

Cary B -

Step 7

Remove the four 7.2 mm Torx security screws on the back of the PS4.

I only have two screws, those in the middle of the console.

Oscar Martinez -

Have you removed the plastic covers mentioned in the previous step? That will expose the other two screws.

Sam Omiotek -

same, here. there are only the middle screws, no covers or screws on the sides. and it sits pretty tight

Johannes Müller -

turns out 12XX models are different. Look at this for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpr0z0ve...

Johannes Müller -

This video guide is very useful, thank you. The disc drive itself is different than this ifixit guide too

UnitedShoes -

Yes there is slight variations between the first models, and the second gen and on models. I have an original and only has the two screws in the middle, removal of the cover remains the same.

Mary Westphal -

Step 8

Use your thumbs to lift the lower case up and off the PS4.
The lower case is held into place by plastic clips. You may need to use significant force to release the lower case.

sur la version 2 de l ps4 fat il n'y a que les 2 vis du milieu. Comment défaire le boîtier ?

nlvolle -

Joyeux dodjf ps4

Jordan Carlos Monteiro Semedo -

Step 9

Use a pair of tweezers to pull the power supply cable straight out and disconnect the power supply unit from the motherboard.
If your connector feels stuck, use a spudger to gently pry the connector out.

This part looks dangerous. There should be a flag/warning not to destroy that cable yes?

Shawn -

I second Shawn's comment. That cable seems to be very fragile, and one of the wires snapped on mine while removing the cable. It wouldn't have bothered me so much, if it wasn't a pain to find a replacement for it.

Matt Gaia -

The tweezers used here, do not cut it. Not enough grip.

I had to use a set of needle nose pliers to remove this.

Cary B -

Power supply connection stuck. I don't want to damage it

Nick Alex -

What you need to do here is be patient. Do not pull the wires. Get some fine nosed pliers, wiggle the white connector from left to right in small movements and edge it out slowly. You can also use your nails one finger at each edge of the white connector to do this.

David Harkness -

Its really hard but i managed it with both of the tweezers/pincers at the same time

1. Keep in mind to pull not too hard on the wires and make step 2 and 3 simultaneously!

2. the straigt and wider tweezer to pull the white connector itself
(top and bottom grip)
3. the small and angled tweezer to pull the wires carefully
(as shown on the picture above)

dinkelberg01 -

Another option, is to remove the screws holding it down, leave the cable in place and lift it out carefully, revealing the other end of the connection. The hidden side of the connection wire is easier to get a handle on.

Mary Westphal -

I concur with David, some patience and a lot of wiggling did it for me despite the stubbornness of the connection. Does seem like this one varies a lot in how difficult it is to remove.

hazelrat -

My connector wouldn't budge no matter how much I wiggled it. I solved it by lifting the power supply out and disconnect the connector at the other end (mainboard end)

_I_ -

Step 10

Remove three 9.7 mm-long TR8 Torx security screws.
Remove two 41 mm-long Phillips screws and brackets.

Step 11

Lift the power supply straight up and out of the PS4.
The power supply is held firmly in place by prongs on the left side. It may take multiple attempts to remove it.
During reassembly, ensure the prongs are aligned, then press the power supply into place.

How do you remove the battery wires? I’ve personally been wiggling it to no effect, is there a certain way i have to pull it out, and should i pull it out of the power supply or the console?

Tubby -

Retirar en vertical, derecho hacia arriba. Sino puedes doblar uno de los tornillos largos

FabianCampos -

Just got done with this part. It was a struggle for me to disconnect the cable from the PSupply side. It was easier for me to carefully remove the power supply first, using the HDD cover to lift the Power Supply in place and removing the l cable from the Motherboard side. Go slow with your fingers to wiggle it out slowly, when you have enough plastic from the cable casing expose, gently use pliers to wiggle it free. Try hard not to deform the plastic wire casing.

Justin Tang -

Step 12

Use the tip of a spudger to disconnect the antenna cable from the motherboard.

dumb question but I’m very new to this. when reconnecting the wifi antenna, does it just click back on? I'm hesitant to try this procedure if I need to solder anything since I have zero experience.

cliodhna -

Yup! Hold it in place and press straight down on top of it with your finger or a spudger. If you have any other cable/connector questions see this guide.

Sam Omiotek - 04/10/21

Heads up, you might have a black philips screw above the power connector. It fixes the motherboard and EMI shield on if you're dealing with an 1100 model.

Dzmitry -

Step 13

Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to grab the antenna cable and move it out from the cable guides.

Step 14

Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to thread the antenna cable out from underneath the optical drive cable.

Step 15

Remove the 9.7 mm Torx security screw securing the antenna.

This does not work on the newer 12 series

raseemhassan123 -

Thank you! I thought I was insane. I've been trying to figure out where the hell this thing goes and the seat for it is like an inch from the corner. It's driving me mental trying to figure out how to put this back on

Leo Halliwell -

Step 16

Remove the Wi-Fi antenna.

When I’m connected to wifi it does good for awhile then it disconnects from the wifi and I can’t use the controller. I have to turn the game off and disconnect power source. Do you think the wifi antenna could be the problem or doin have another situation.

Jay Pax -

I would check the antenna connection to the motherboard, if it's properly seated I don't think it's the problem.

hazelrat -

Step 17

Use your fingernail to press down on the metal release lever of the ribbon cable on top of the optical drive.
Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to disconnect the ribbon cable by pulling on the black tab.
You do not need to press the metal lever when inserting the ribbon cable back in. You will hear a click once it is fully inserted.

Please note that the younger generations of PS4 have a different setup of connectors to the driver, its sometimes 3 of these as presented but with different sizes and no pad to press down. However, dont be alarmed, just use the pair of tweezers and gently pull them off the connectors of the motherboard. Grab on tight on the blue area of the ribbon cable and pull gently! They tend to sit tight so take some time and patience on this.

Mathias Kopp -

Thank you!!!

Nick Bymolt -

Step 18

Use your fingernail to press down the metal release lever for the ribbon cable connected to the motherboard.
Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to disconnect the ribbon cable by pulling on the black tab.
Set the ribbon cable aside for reassembly.
You do not need to press the metal lever when inserting the ribbon cable back in. You will hear a click once it is fully inserted.

bei mir ist das leider defekt Plastikteil abgebrochen wie kann ich das ersetzen

kevin pospiech -

Is it possible to buy the white port for ps4? My one seems to be damaged so won't hold the ribbon cable.

dorszes -

This may be a difficult fix, as the white port seems to be integrated into the motherboard. You could try simply holding the ribbon cable down with electrical tape, if it's just a fitting issue?

hazelrat -

The issue I found is the connector for the ribbon cable, the one soldered to the motherboard, is cracked.

I wonder if there is a replacement to re solder? And what should search for when looking to buy

Vega84 -

Step 19

Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to disconnect the optical drive cable from the motherboard.

Step 20

Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to remove the optical drive cable from the cable guides that hold it in place.

Step 21

Remove the four screws securing the optical drive.
Three 9.7 mm Torx screws
One 6.2 mm Phillips screw

Step 22

Lift the optical drive straight up and out of the PS4.

Step 23

Remove the two 9.7 mm Torx screws securing the upper case.

Step 24

Lift the upper case up and back to remove it from the PS4.
The upper case in held in place by plastic tabs on the front side. It will take significant force to separate them.

“Significant force” is a bit of an understatement. It’s like it’s superglued together..

Wouter Rietberg - 18/02/21

You absolutely should not need a lot of force for this. In the picture above, press upward using the left thumb from under the outer lip of the cover. You may need to pull it slightly toward you as well. Once that half is lifted, the right-hand side is still firmly attached. Keeping the left-hand side of the top separated, flip the unit over. Along the right-hand side, press the outside lip with your thumb about 2 thumb-widths down from the corner. There is a tab here and once released, the cover comes off easily and off in the back. Otherwise, you’ll be placing stress vertically (and rotationally) on the first tab on the side.

Donovan Ray -

I appreciate this feedback – thank you. This sounds like a safer method. I’ll test it on our guide unit and update the procedure.

Sam Omiotek -

THIS SET OF INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOU, IS ABSOLUTELY SENSATIONAL.

I got this cover off quite easily. Still some resistance, but I didn't need this significant force at all.

THANK YOU!!

Cary B -

There is a piece of plastic underneath the casing here. The PS4 I worked on got so hot on the inside that part of the plastic started to melt and warped some inside the metal plate underneath. This made it tricky to open the case, but by using spacers I managed to get it off.

Kerstin -

I found an easier method for myself is to have the console upright and pointed away from myself. From this position, wrap your fingers over the top of the cover, hooking it in its front with the last digits of each finger. This allows you to press with your palm into the top of the console and pry in an upward/outward motion. This feels safer as it took much less force to disengage the problematic clip.

Callie -

Step 25

Remove the twelve 9.7 mm Torx screws securing the upper EMI shield.

In my PS4, there is a small black Philips screw behind where the power lead connects to the motherboard. That screw connects the EMI shield to the inner metal where the power supply sits.

Wouter Rietberg - 18/02/21

I had exactly the same thing, and mine is a fairly old model of PS4. Confused me for a moment until I spotted it.

Tom G -

Can confirm this.

This screw was on mine. To anyone reading this, flip the PS4 over and look where the pain in the ass power supply connector is.

Black screw right there.

If you have that screw of course. :)

Cary B -

Step 26

This step shows you how to properly unscrew the pressure plate.
Remove the two 15.6 mm Phillips screws.
Gradually unscrew the pressure plate by turning each screw one half turn at a time.
Alternate between the two screws to maintain even pressure on the pressure plate.
Do not unscrew one side completely before unscrewing the other side or you may damage the processor.

why does my PS4 have some metal thing attaching the plate to the metal beneath it?

Beetroot - 06/02/21

My PS4 also has 2 metal rings around each screw hole and 4 metal pieces 2 on each side closing in the same shape as the pressure plate as you take the pressure plate off?

Geoff King - 08/03/21

How strong do you tighten the screws when re-applying the plate?

To the max, or stop one to two turns before?

Andreas Raum -

I've tightened mine until the screws became taut and I've not had any stability issues.

hazelrat -

Step 27

Remove the pressure plate.

Step 28

Remove the upper EMI shield.

This is the 2nd PS4 I have disassembled and on both units I have found there is a black Phillips screw securing the upper EMI shield. This should be mentioned in the teardown as the EMI shield cannot be removed completely without first removing this screw and you risk damaging the EMI shield in the process . To locate the screw turn the unit over and you will see a small black Phillips screw located near the power supply prongs. There will be a set of arrows pointing to the screw. Once you remove this screw then you can fully release the upper EMI shield.

Geoff King - 08/03/21

Ditto. This is my first time disassembling a PS4. EMI shield didn’t lift off easily on one corner. Noticed the black Phillips screw holding it in place. I scrolled up in the tutorial to see if I missed it. Easy enough.

Kwan Park Tom - 20/05/21

All the ps4's I opened had this one Phillips screw. And I've cleaned/repaired ~12 units. So I think it's safe to assume that (almost) every one of them have it.

Manoel -

throw it way, electromagnetic fields dont exist

Isaac Voorheis -

Step 29

Insert the flat end of a spudger in between the fan cable and the motherboard.
Twist the spudger to lift the connector straight up and disconnect it from the motherboard.

Mir ist der Stecker leider von der Platine gerissen 🫣 kann man den wieder dran löten?

V. B. -

The wires came out all seperate and the bit on the ps4 broke. What do i do?

Caspar Krasauskas - 15/08/24

Step 30

Grab the edge of the motherboard on the front of the PS4.
Lift the motherboard until the USB ports clear the PS4 case.

Step 31

Lift the motherboard out from the PS4.
Apply a new layer of thermal paste to the processor before installing a motherboard using this guide.
Failure to properly install new thermal paste will cause your PS4 to overheat.
Insert the I/O side of the Motherboard in first, then lower the other side in.

That shiny metal cover box on the opposite side of the hdi port shown in picture 30 at the very front is showing over heating signs I guess very brown around the edges I think is causing my PS4 not to show up on tv any ideas how to fix that hdi port looks fairly good to me but the black plastic port shows burnt signs as well that's on the same side of the HDMI port but the shiny metal cover is on the opposite side

Newuser7878 - 05/12/23

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

Author

Sam Omiotek

Member since: 25/02/19

81085 Reputation

18 comments

Regarding the three wire plug in step 20 - is there a good way to repair this piece if, say, you pulled the wires out of the connector by accident? is there a place to get a replacement part?

Ryan Statz - 04/10/15

PlayStation 4 (CUH-10XXA and CUH-11XXA) Fan

ERI Employee - 19/01/16

I have tried to replace the hdmi port however being somewhat of an idiot I slipped and knocked off onto the little black squares just behind the port on the left hand side. Does anyone know what these are?

Geoff Parker - 23/05/16

contacts of the motherboard

lillarrypimp1993 - 24/06/16

You may be talking about capacitors that are critically important for the unit to function.

South30 - 29/06/17

You mean that little brown parts next to the desoldered HDMI port chip? Seems to be capaciators.

Check it with a multimeter: No connection through that parts: Capaciator, Connection through that parts: Coil

http://www.fingers-welt.de/imghost/up/20...

Sebastian Coenen - 11/09/20

Ok so I was taking mine apart, and while I was separating the ribbon wire from the optical drive during step 7, I broke the top off the connector by accident. I thought I could fix it with hot glue, but my ps4 doesn't read disks (at all, doesn't even know there's a disk in the drive). Is there a way to repair this without getting a new drive?

jonathanhart54 - 11/06/16

when I bought the replacement motherboard and optical drive and installed everything, I got a message saying connect USB with software update. Is this because I'm using my original hdd from my original mobo+ optical drive that is different from the hdd my replacement parts came with?

Quaymetsu - 12/10/16

Could you please tell me where you bought a replacement motherboard from as i've been looking everywhere!?

Roger flaps - 28/11/16

You cannot just replace the motherboard on a PS4. The motherboard is married to the logic board on the blu-ray drive. Swapping the motherboard without carrying over the original logic board will render the drive useless.

Will - 04/05/18

I’ve read along the guides that a BDP-020 optical drive can work with an SAA-001 motherboard, but mine still receives the CE-35888-2 error. Am I replacing the incorrect part?

Cristian Nickles - 17/01/20

Hi my ps4 has stopped working and doesnt turn on at all, ive tried different outlets and different power cables for the ps4, still no luck. Ive pulled it apart and had a look at the power supply board and mother board aswell as dusted it all out. The mother board has yellow stains/ dots near the hdmi port and some other random spots around the mother board. I have the first ps4.

Does anyone know whats wrong? Id rather fix it than pay for a new one.

Jared Breen - 23/02/20

Habe mall eine frage habe meine sauber gemacht die ps4.und jetzt geht die kurz an und wieder aus was kann ich machen jetzt

dst11 - 28/12/20

Hi all, I am facing this CE-34878-0 error on all games. Reinstalled the software, replaced the HDD and reinstalled latest software but this error is keep coming. What is the solution.

Salman Hameed - 06/05/21

Just wondering, can a ps4 work without an optical drive, like being all digital?

Peter Wright -

I am looking to replace the motherboard on my PS4. It’s had an HDMI replacement before, worked fine, but after I replaced the thermal paste it powers on but I don’t get any picture. The HDMI port seems fine all the pins seem ok. I was think of just replacing the whole motherboard all together any advice? Are PS4 motherboards swappable?

Daniel Munsaka -

Excelente 😃

Alexander Henriquez M. -

where the fan plugs into motherboard is messed up there really nothing there's to plug fan into. can i hard wire the fan to the board some other way or hook to and external power supply

jsnelson74@icloud.com -