How To Change A PS3 Hard Drive

It is much more straightforward to learn how to change a PS3 hard drive than to replace a computer's hard drive. First of all, you only need to remove a few screws to get the drive out of the PS3. Second of all, there is no need to install a new hard drive, the system will initialize the hard drive for you.

To change a PS3 hard drive, you need:

• a Phillips screwdriver
• a 2.5" SATA hard drive (5400 rpm or 7200 rpm)
• an external hard drive formatted to FAT32
• a PlayStation 3

1. Backup your PS3 data first using the external hard drive. The PS3 will only recognize a hard drive formatted to FAT32. First, plug the hard drive into the system using the USB port on the front of the PS3. Next, backup the data using Backup Utility, which is located in the "Settings" folder, then in "System Settings," and in "Backup Utility." Your trophies will not be backed up automatically; these must be synced using your PS3 online account.
2. Turn off the PS3 and remove it from a power source. After turning of the PS3 using the controller or the button on the front of the unit, unplug the power cable.
3. Take the original hard drive out of the PS3. You'll need to pry the hard drive cover off the back of the PS3 unit, and then take off the blue screw using the screwdriver. Raise the metal handle, and then pull the hard drive out of the PS3 unit.
4. Put the metal frame around the new hard drive. First, you'll need to take off the four screws from around the old hard drive which hold it into the metal frame, and subsequently pull it out. Next, put the new hard drive into the metal frame, and re-screw the four screws back on.
5. Install the new hard drive into the PS3. Slide the new hard drive into the PS3 unit in its metal frame, and re-insert the blue screw. Finally, replace the plastic hard drive cover onto the back of the PS3 unit.
6. Initialize the hard drive. Your unit will automatically prompt you when you turn it on, so plug the system back in, press the power button, and follow the onscreen prompts.

The PS3 comes with a SATA hard drive with a speed of 5400 rpm. If this is not fast enough for you, a 7200 rpm should work fine. However, if you were having issues with your PlayStation 3 overheating, you should know that a faster hard drive will make the PS3 operate at a hotter temperature.