If you’ve already done PS3 troubleshooting, you’ve probably gone through all the steps. You’ve done everything from checking the cables to jotting down the LED error codes. By now, you’ve probably read to get right into things and start fixing it. If you’re skillful enough, you might even be able to fix it yourself, but there are a few things you need to know first.
PS3 troubleshooting doesn’t always end well, regardless of your skill. Some of the early 30g and 60g models were subject to hardware failure due to poor manufacturers and poor materials. Others were design incompetence and simple oversight. All consoles have problems, so do not think that it is worse than others.
However, the PS3 is hands down the most complex of the 3 systems on the market. First, make sure you have the correct model number noted. Each variation of the PS3 has used different internals and most of them only work in certain combinations. Second, make sure you have the right tools before starting repairs, and finally memorize your guide to disassembling it.
If you are a do-it-yourself person, you might want to get started after PS3 troubleshooting. While it may seem like a good idea, prepare thoroughly or it will just make things worse. The PlayStation 3 is a very complex machine and if you make a mistake when disassembling it you can ruin your day. That said, there are fewer screws than you’d expect and the drive builds are solid.
Just remember to take it apart on a plastic mat or newspaper-covered surface. Static electricity can easily destroy your system before you can fix it. The average user is not recommended to do this, but if you have the skills, patience, tools, and time, you can.
For those who are not so inclined to fix the problem themselves, they will most likely find a service shop to take care of it. Aside from the LED codes and heat issues, there were many issues with the Blu-ray drive from the initial PS3 models. They have since been resolved, but suffice it to say they were very disturbing and annoying. Some would play games and not movies, while others would play movies and not games.
Then you had some that would play movies, PS2 and PS1 games, but not PS3 games. As you can see, very disruptive and annoying, but they were solved with the new slim PS3 design. Unfortunately, many of us have the old monster box model, as it is affectionately called, and the upgrade is simply not worth the price. After all, as long as the old giants we own are still running, why should we upgrade?
The answer to that can be debated until the sun comes up, but PS3 troubleshooting is something every homeowner should know. After all, our consoles have evolved beyond just gaming and are more complex and interactive. It is our job as owners to identify problems when they occur so that we know who to take them to for maintenance. Once this is done, we can go back to more important things like movies and games.
A proper guide is the most important thing you need right now to start troubleshooting your PS3. The question is: how do you find a really good one?