This was a TLC refurbishment service for a PS3. The customer initial sent-in came with transit damage, but the console worked well with no internal damage so the customer decided to order a new shell, which had to be shipped from the US as this model is US-only
Once the new shell had arrived, I disassembled the original console to proceed with the TLC. The console was very clear, with very minor signs of dust and use. The thermal paste was however quite dry as expected. There was no need to wash the shell as the new shell was already clean
First step was to clean the old thermal paste and de-lid the RSX to remove the thermal paste inside the package and replace it
Second step was to replace all thermal pads, which in this version are many
The battery was also replaced, which required reuse of the crimped connector, soldering to a new battery and placement of a shrink tube for protection
The DVD drive was also opened up but it was really clean already.
I then proceeded to reassembly after changing the thermal paste for the CPU and GPU, and although the new shell was in really good condition, I did give the top cover an extra polish. I tested the console with PS3 and PS2 discs as well.
Here is the final result
