PS5 Disc Drive Failure

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PlayStation 5

Released November 2020, the PS5 console features vastly upgraded visuals and an innovative new Dualsense controller. The space-age black-and-white color scheme is a noticeable departure from PlayStation designs of the past.

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timepants @timepants

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Posted: Feb 14, 2025

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PS5 Disc Drive Failure

My PS5 (model CFI-1115A) is no longer reading any discs. It takes the disc in, sounds like it's starting to read it, but then it stops. There's an error on the screen that the discs are unreadable. I am assuming this is most likely a laser issue, given that discs insert, spin, and eject just fine. I see that there are replacement lasers available on eBay, as well as replacement drives. Are the lasers compatible with all models, or are there differences between the models? Am I better off getting a full replacement drive, and transferring the daughterboard over?

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Your diagnosis is spot on—since mechanical feed and ejection work fine, the laser lens (KES-497A) is failing. While PS5 lasers are standardized across all original fat models (CFI-10xx through 12xx), replacing just the lens requires delicate ribbon handling and precise alignment. You are much better off buying a full drive assembly and swapping your original daughterboard onto it, as the drive board is cryptographically paired to your motherboard. Swapping the board saves tedious micro-assembly and guarantees your console will read discs again. If you'd rather not open the drive, local console repair specialists (like F2 Technology in the UAE) can handle the daughterboard swap for you.

39 minutes agoOct 5, 2026 by vijayalakshmi ganesh

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koppie007 @dan0

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Posted: Feb 16, 2025

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Hi There!

It does sound like the laser is failing.

I recommend to replace the whole laser deck! So not the drive or the laser only. But just the laser deck.

There are more models available for the PS5. The most easiest thing to do, is to open up your PS5 and get the drive out. Check the model and order the one you need!

Then you are sure that you do have the right one.

And otherwise, you can always share some pictures with us :)!

Good luck!

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8 Comments:

I finally had a chance to open it up. I don't see any model on the drive, but the drive logic board has a UHN-020 model number.

Mar 30, 2025 by timepants

Upon further testing, the drive will only read DVDs. I assume this means that the Blu-ray laser is failing?

Mar 30, 2025 by timepants

That most of the time means that the PCB isn’t transfered from the old drive. Did you do this? If yes, please check the blu-ray pot meter.

Apr 5, 2025 by koppie007

I haven't replaced the drive. The stock disc drive is the one that will only read DVDs. It's still in my PS5.

Apr 8, 2025 by timepants

Is the laser deck different for certain models of the PS5? Or will it be compatible with any model?

Apr 9, 2025 by timepants

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Your diagnosis is spot on—since mechanical feed and ejection work fine, the laser lens (KES-497A) is failing. While PS5 lasers are standardized across all original fat models (CFI-10xx through 12xx), replacing just the lens requires delicate ribbon handling and precise alignment. You are much better off buying a full drive assembly and swapping your original daughterboard onto it, as the drive board is cryptographically paired to your motherboard. Swapping the board saves tedious micro-assembly and guarantees your console will read discs again. If you'd rather not open the drive, local console repair specialists (like F2 Technology in the UAE) can handle the daughterboard swap for you. — vijayalakshmi ganesh
I finally had a chance to open it up. I don't see any model on the drive, but the drive logic board has a UHN-020 model number. — timepants
Upon further testing, the drive will only read DVDs. I assume this means that the Blu-ray laser is failing? — timepants
That most of the time means that the PCB isn’t transfered from the old drive. Did you do this? If yes, please check the blu-ray pot meter. — koppie007
I haven't replaced the drive. The stock disc drive is the one that will only read DVDs. It's still in my PS5. — timepants
Is the laser deck different for certain models of the PS5? Or will it be compatible with any model? — timepants

vijayalakshmi ganesh @vijayalaks33767 Rep: 1 · Answer 1 · 2026-10-05T05:55:28-07:00

Your diagnosis is spot on—since mechanical feed and ejection work fine, the laser lens (KES-497A) is failing. While PS5 lasers are standardized across all original fat models (CFI-10xx through 12xx), replacing just the lens requires delicate ribbon handling and precise alignment. You are much better off buying a full drive assembly and swapping your original daughterboard onto it, as the drive board is cryptographically paired to your motherboard. Swapping the board saves tedious micro-assembly and guarantees your console will read discs again. If you'd rather not open the drive, local console repair specialists (like F2 Technology in the UAE) can handle the daughterboard swap for you.

PlayStation 5

PS5 Disc Drive Failure

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