Meet the PlayStation 4
The best-selling console of its generation
The PlayStation 4 launched in November 2013 in North America and in February 2014 in Europe and Japan. It went on to sell more than 117 million units, making it one of the best-selling consoles ever made and the clear leader of its generation. That means a huge number of PS4 systems are still out there - and still failing, which is exactly why PS4 repair skills are in demand.
The PS4 was a deliberate rethink after the complex PlayStation 3. Sony moved to a familiar x86-style architecture, which made the console easier for developers to use and easier for you to understand. Knowing what is inside is the first step to fixing anything.
What makes a PS4 a PS4
- Custom APU - a single chip with an 8-core AMD Jaguar CPU and a Radeon GPU
- 8 GB GDDR5 shared memory - used by both the CPU and the GPU
- 2.5-inch SATA hard drive - typically 500 GB or 1 TB depending on the model
- Blu-ray drive - games and Blu-ray movies on disc
- HDMI output - video and audio over a single cable
- Two front USB ports - controllers, headsets and storage
- DualShock 4 - the controller with a light bar and a touchpad
Why this course is different
This course teaches the whole job, not just one trick. You will learn what to check, in what order, so you can fix a fault you have never seen before instead of memorising a single script.
Tip: You do not need an expensive console or exotic tools. A used PS4, a small screwdriver set, some isopropyl alcohol and a clean desk are enough to complete every practical lesson.
Check your understanding
When did the PS4 launch? November 2013 in North America, February 2014 in Europe and Japan.What chip powers the PS4? A single custom APU combining an 8-core AMD Jaguar CPU and a Radeon GPU.How much memory does a PS4 have? 8 GB of GDDR5, shared between the CPU and GPU.What kind of hard drive does a PS4 use? A 2.5-inch SATA drive, typically 500 GB or 1 TB.
Answer the questions out loud or on paper. If any are hard, re-read this lesson before moving on.
This is a free preview lesson
Enroll in the PS4 Technician Fundamentals to unlock every lesson, lesson PDF guides, quizzes and your certificate - and start creating your own pieces today.