ToxicRedBull_ Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 (edited) Strange question, I know but I'm curious. Before you ask, yes I have looked it up and nothing related showed up. So, I decided to ask here in hopes of an answer. The reason why I'm asking is because when my PS3 gets really hot it makes a bizarre high pitched buzzing noise and I've noticed that it only really happens when I'm playing a game on it, here's a recently video I managed to upload of it happening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDw8qHO7JV8 And I know you can do stuff to prevent over heating (I tried keeping my window opened but during winter is not a pleasant experience, especially in the UK). And know that I need to dust my room but procrastination has got the better of me, and I try my best to not let dust block the fans. Details about my PS3: PS3 Super Slim 500GB Had since 2012 Edited March 15, 2016 by ToxicRedBull_ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parker Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Before you do anything, take some compressed air and blow the fans out because they are likely clogged with dust. If you live in a particularly dusty area it would be smart to do this fairly regularly. Just make sure you keep the can of air straight up (and blast it a few times before aiming it at your PlayStation) otherwise it may shoot some liquid out and then you'll have even bigger problems. As far as installing a water cooling system? I'm sure someone could figure out how to do it but it would take someone much smarter than me. I think you'd have to manually control the system unless you somehow hacked into the PS3. But that doesn't really matter because the PS3, especially the slim or super slim ones, don't need a water cooling system, they are perfectly fine with what they have as long as everything is in good working order. Parker 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kittens Are Awesome Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Most hardcore PC gamers change the thermal paste on their major chips every 6-12 months. Most console gamers never even think about stuff like that or are too afraid to attempt it. Changing the compound every year would be a grand help in saving your ps3. As far as water cooling goes, I've seen several videos on YouTube. Some look good and some don't. I suppose it depends on how much money you're willing to spend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEMON Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 (edited) Water Cooling is not needed for PS3/4. They aren't overclocked systems or running multiple graphics card like some PCs would be. There must be something really wrong with your consoles if you think they need water cooling. Just make sure they have lots of space around them and they will be fine. Don't buy any extra of that add on cooling shit, it usually does the complete opposite. What prarpin says is true, I know of people doing that with their consoles now but you will need to make sure you know what you are doing. Edited March 15, 2016 by DEMON Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige-ID Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 (edited) You could completely mod your console by removing the plastic case and installing the motherboard into a custom chassis, simultaneously incorporating watercooling, LED lighting, etc etc. However, it would require some pretty solid modding/soldering skills. I'm not sure if the PS3 BIOS would be compatible with different forms of CPU cooling hardware, but that should most likely be a plug and pray. Lucky for us, the factory cooling is more than sufficient for the PS3, albeit noisy. Dust is your worst enemy, especially considering the amount of heat it generates, causing the (poor) lubrication on the fan bearings to evaporate. This is why you're experiencing a high pitched noise coming from your fans. It doesn't mean your PS3 is working harder/too hard. It just means that eventually the bearings on the fan will go bad, but it will most likely be a long time before it happens. Sadly, the only way to remedy that is to replace the fans. You might find some replacements on eBay or maybe Amazon. Before you do anything, take some compressed air and blow the fans out because they are likely clogged with dust. If you live in a particularly dusty area it would be smart to do this fairly regularly. Just make sure you keep the can of air straight up (and blast it a few times before aiming it at your PlayStation) otherwise it may shoot some liquid out and then you'll have even bigger problems. Actually, compressed air is one of the worst things you can do to any electronic. It just forcefully disperses particles and spreads them out left and right. It can even undo poor soldering, which is very common in mass-produced cheap pieces of hardware (consoles). Not to mention the fact that liquid stores in the can at all times through condensation, not just for the first few seconds. The air you blow out of a compressed can of air will always have moisture content in it, regardless of how long you prime it. Compressed air coming from a compressor with an oil/water separator could work, but would still be an unnecessary risk. Honestly, a good old vacuum cleaner after opening the console up is honestly the only way to go if you want to remove dust. Edited March 15, 2016 by Paige-ID 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MechaObama Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 I'm going to echo Demon's statement. You shouldn't need to watercool your ps3, it shouldn't be overheating at all. I would clean your ps3, based on your video, the area around it looks really dusty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToxicRedBull_ Posted March 15, 2016 Author Share Posted March 15, 2016 Most hardcore PC gamers change the thermal paste on their major chips every 6-12 months. Most console gamers never even think about stuff like that or are too afraid to attempt it. Changing the compound every year would be a grand help in saving your ps3. As far as water cooling goes, I've seen several videos on YouTube. Some look good and some don't. I suppose it depends on how much money you're willing to spend. Not a lot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dav9834 Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 (edited) Strange question, I know but I'm curious. Before you ask, yes I have looked it up and nothing related showed up. So, I decided to ask here in hopes of an answer. The reason why I'm asking is because when my PS3 gets really hot it makes a bizarre high pitched buzzing noise and I've noticed that it only really happens when I'm playing a game on it, here's a recently video I managed to upload of it happening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDw8qHO7JV8 And I know you can do stuff to prevent over heating (I tried keeping my window opened but during winter is not a pleasant experience, especially in the UK). And know that I need to dust my room but procrastination has got the better of me, and I try my best to not let dust block the fans. Details about my PS3: PS3 Super Slim 500GB Had since 2012 Before you do anything, take some compressed air and blow the fans out because they are likely clogged with dust.^^^^^Do NOT use compressed air! Sorry Parker! The reason we don't use compressed air in any electronic is because you can actually blow the smaller particles under the chips, which is not good Always use a vacuum, you can even take apart the ps3 and vacuum everything away, or use 100ish% alcohol to clean the board, just make sure it's completely dry before plugging back on. As far as the noise, there are only two major moving components(besides fans) the HDD and the Disk Reader. I'd get your saves on a usb drive in case it fails. If it's the disk reader you can buy those on ebay to replace. If you're feeling confident, you can take it apart and hear which one is making the sound, and then go from there. As far as watercooling! Nothings impossible! But it's extremely unnecessary, or helpful. Edited March 15, 2016 by Dav9834 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige-ID Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 (edited) Most hardcore PC gamers change the thermal paste on their major chips every 6-12 months. Most console gamers never even think about stuff like that or are too afraid to attempt it. Changing the compound every year would be a grand help in saving your ps3. As far as water cooling goes, I've seen several videos on YouTube. Some look good and some don't. I suppose it depends on how much money you're willing to spend. If they would just buy good thermal paste the first time, they wouldn't have to do that, lol. Spend roughly $15-20 on Thermalpaste and you should be fine for years. I actually did this on my PS3s, or on PS3s I used to repair as a hobby, but only ever once. The cheap crap that Sony puts on the chips, however, is pretty much crusty and non-existent within 30 days of purchase. As far as the noise, there are only two moving components, the HDD and the Disk Reader. I'd get your saves on a usb drive in case it fails. If it's the disk reader you can buy those on ebay to replace. The noise in his video is caused by a high revolution device that seems to alternate speed. An HDD shouldn't make that kind of high pitched noise because the RPMs are constant, regardless of reading/writing. Because it only happens during gameplay and at alternating intervals, I'm going to say with 90% certainty that it's the fan bearings caused by evaporated lubrication. Not a big deal, just annoying. Edited March 15, 2016 by Paige-ID 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToxicRedBull_ Posted March 15, 2016 Author Share Posted March 15, 2016 You could completely mod your console by removing the plastic case and installing the motherboard into a custom chassis, simultaneously incorporating watercooling, LED lighting, etc etc. However, it would require some pretty solid modding/soldering skills. I'm not sure if the PS3 BIOS would be compatible with different forms of CPU cooling hardware, but that should most likely be a plug and pray. Lucky for us, the factory cooling is more than sufficient for the PS3, albeit noisy. Dust is your worst enemy, especially considering the amount of heat it generates, causing the (poor) lubrication on the fan bearings to evaporate. This is why you're experiencing a high pitched noise coming from your fans. It doesn't mean your PS3 is working harder/too hard. It just means that eventually the bearings on the fan will go bad, but it will most likely be a long time before it happens. Sadly, the only way to remedy that is to replace the fans. You might find some replacements on eBay or maybe Amazon. Actually, compressed air is one of the worst things you can do to any electronic. It just forcefully disperses particles and spreads them out left and right. It can even undo poor soldering, which is very common in mass-produced cheap pieces of hardware (consoles). Not to mention the fact that liquid stores in the can at all times through condensation, not just for the first few seconds. The air you blow out of a compressed can of air will always have moisture content in it, regardless of how long you prime it. Compressed air coming from a compressor with an oil/water separator could work, but would still be an unnecessary risk. Honestly, a good old vacuum cleaner after opening the console up is honestly the only way to go if you want to remove dust. What will it take to replace the fans? I don't think I'm willing to attempt to replace the fans and accidentally go wrong and then destroying my precious PS3. Is there any 'professional' way to do it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige-ID Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 (edited) What will it take to replace the fans? I don't think I'm willing to attempt to replace the fans and accidentally go wrong and then destroying my precious PS3. Is there any 'professional' way to do it? I have never replaced fans on a slim model 2 PS3, but fans are usually not soldered down. It's often just a plug on the motherboard without a dedicated power supply connection. It honestly wouldn't be too bad and I imagine there being tutorials of it online. However, any electronic repair shop could most likely do this for you. Repairing consoles/phones is a lucrative business so I can't imagine that you wouldn't be able to find a shop in any decent size city/town. Again, if you can handle the noise, your system will most likely survive for quite some time. Wear on bearings in a tiny fan like this isn't the same as ball bearings on a vehicle. It'll just be slightly annoying. Edited March 15, 2016 by Paige-ID 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dav9834 Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 What will it take to replace the fans? I don't think I'm willing to attempt to replace the fans and accidentally go wrong and then destroying my precious PS3. Is there any 'professional' way to do it?Send it to me I'll fix it up! Easy money! There are people you can send it to besides me, but nothings official unless you send it back to Sony. Doing it yourself is the cheapest and fastest method Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToxicRedBull_ Posted March 15, 2016 Author Share Posted March 15, 2016 Send it to me I'll fix it up! Easy money! There are people you can send it to besides me, but nothings official unless you send it back to Sony. Doing it yourself is the cheapest and fastest method I'll pass on letting you fix it, but thanks for the offer, but if I can I might get my dad (who is pretty good with electronics) to help me with fixing it. I don't really want to send it back to Sony because I have a feeling that it will take a long time and will cost a lot of money. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dav9834 Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 (edited) I'll pass on letting you fix it, but thanks for the offer, but if I can I might get my dad (who is pretty good with electronics) to help me with fixing it. I don't really want to send it back to Sony because I have a feeling that it will take a long time and will cost a lot of money.Yes it will cost unless it's still under warranty, and if the warranty covers fans(which I didn't look up). Not going to say I'm not a little hurt.. I did use to work with electrical components :/ But it would cost a lot, and the shipping (because those guys love our packages just as much as us) could cause worse problems. Good luck to you and your dad! Watch some tear down videos on YouTube! It'll be a cinch! Edited March 15, 2016 by Dav9834 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Always use a vacuum, you can even take apart the ps3 and vacuum everything away Really a vacuum? and create enough static electricity to fry those chips?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dav9834 Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Really a vacuum? and create enough static electricity to fry those chips??I have never heard this before. But I suppose it's possible... Just.... Not likely. Besides small shocks are taken care of by anti static components and circuits as preventative measures during the design phase. I guess if you really wanted to avoid that miniscule possibility you could just use 100ish% alcohol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delboy_rules Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 So, was it just me that was more interested in the Darth Vader statue . Never heard a PS3 make that noise before (I have been through a few). It sounds more like it could be the motor that spins the disc round. Does the noise stop as soon as you stop spinning the disc? Oh and clean your room, it made the video difficult to watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrimsonWarrior90 Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 or do fan mod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A12 Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Short answer: Yes, you can water cool a PS3.Long Answer: It's going to cost you lots of $, cause you'd most likely have to find specs and get the heat sink machined. I haven't seen a kit on sale in years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToxicRedBull_ Posted March 15, 2016 Author Share Posted March 15, 2016 Oh and clean your room, it made the video difficult to watch. I plan to do so tomorrow but I might end up procrastinating... Again 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MMDE Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 A pretty decent way to clean is to use an old toothbrush! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihiris- Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 A pretty decent way to clean is to use an old toothbrush! Yup! This and Q-tips as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaivRules Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Strange question, I know but I'm curious. Can you? Yes, absolutely. Is it worth ANY time or money? Absolutely not. Clean it out. Get a replacement fan if you really want to spend money. Just getting the dust out of a console does wonders for the cooling and noise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paige-ID Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Really a vacuum? and create enough static electricity to fry those chips?? This will not happen 99/100 times. Your system should be grounded anyway (leave it plugged into the main when using the vacuum) and don't stick the nozzle on it. (just hold it a foot away from your system. It will still suck dust away from it. what little remains can be wiped with a non-static cloth). If you're really concerned, you can use a conducting pipe on the end of your vacuum and ground it to the PS4 chassis. I've vacuumed hundreds of motherboards/gpus in my day, and I ahve never had any issues. This is why it's important to properly ground components, which I can't imagine Sony didn't. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlareXV Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 (edited) If you can do some reverse engineering to the console, of course you can add a water cooling system. Edited March 15, 2016 by FlareXV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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