PS3 Buying Guide - Which Console Is Best For You?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ย. 2024
- I love the 7th gen, and have been collecting for the PS3 for a while, but not all PS3 consoles are created equally.
Here’s my little buying guide for the PlayStation 3.
Many many more videos here @BigJimGaming.
Find me on instagram account name BigJimGaming - เกม
As a longtime PS3 gamer myself with experience repairing and maintaining each iteration of models (original "fat", slim, and super slim), here's how I'd rank each model from most reliable to least reliable:
1. Super slim models from late 2012 to 2017. These things may not be visually appealing but they have a great reputation for being whisper quiet even on hot days and extremely power efficient. GPUs, CPUs, and Blu-Ray drivers on these have great reliability. Less power usage and less moving parts = less chance of overheating and hardware failures.
2. CECH-25xx and CECH-30xx slim models from mid 2010 to late 2012 (launch of the super slim model). Slim models from mid 2010 to mid 2011 are the CECH-25xx series and slim models from late 2011 to late 2012 are the CECH-30xx series. These things are also great in terms of power efficiency and come with decent Blu-Ray driver controllers embedded in the motherboard for greatly improved Blu-Ray reliability. GPUs and CPUs on these have great reliability as well. If you don't like the super slim models and want the slim model, definitely go for these.
3. CECH-21xx slim models from early 2010 to mid 2010. These slim models are pretty decent in terms of power efficiency and reliability of the Blu-Ray drive, CPU, and GPU. CECH-25xx and CECH-30xx slims are just better.
4. CECH-20xx slims (launch edition slims from late 2009 to early 2010). These models produce high amounts of heat output, weakening the console's reliability and making it susceptible to overheating and hardware failures. Not to mention, these models contain the 65 nm GPU that's in the last versions of the original "fat" model from late 2008 to late 2009. When shopping for PS3 slim models, stay away from these models if you can.
5. Original "fat" PS3 models from 2006 to late 2009 (launch of the slim model). No surprises here. These models have the highest power consumption and are extremely susceptible to overheating and hardware failures leading up to the yellow light of death (YLOD). Later original models from late 2008 to late 2009 are more reliable than earlier models but I'm increasingly seeing original models from 2008 to 2009 overheat and run into hardware problems. All of the earliest models from 2006 to 2007 are the most susceptible to the YLOD and if those haven't succumbed to the YLOD yet, it's only a matter of time when they eventually do succumb to the YLOD. If you wish to commit to purchasing a PS3 that's compatible with PS2 disks, definitely proceed with caution on those models. If compatibility with PS2 disks is not a priority because you have a working PS2, etc., just go for the reliable late slims and super slims.
Thank you for taking the time to write so much detailed information, I’ve saved what you’ve written for myself to refer back to in the future, really appreciate you doing this 😀👍🏻
@@BigJimGaming. sure thing. Oh and almost forgot to mention in the initial comment, the first 2 versions of the PS3 slim (CECH-20xx and CECH-21xx) have the Blu-Ray disc daughterboard paired to the motherboard and every PS3 super slim model has the Blu-Ray drive controller embedded in the motherboard like the last 2 slims (CECH-25xx and CECH-30xx) to reduce power draw and the likelihood of disk readability issues due to a failed Blu-Ray drive.
Over the years, I'm seeing an increase of early slim models (numerous CECH-20xx and the CECH-21xx models every once in a while) run into problems reading disks due to defects on the Blu-Ray drive.
The absolute worst PS3 models are the original "fat" CECHGxx and CECHHxx models released in late 2007 with a 40 GB HDD for the following reasons:
1. These are the first PS3s with disk based PS2 backwards compatibility completely axed as a cost cutting maneuver for Sony to make their system cheaper
2. These models still use the 90 nm GPU that made earlier PS3s with disk based PS2 backwards compatibility susceptible to the YLOD
3. These models have redesigned cooling systems that are cheaper and have less air flow (no front intake vents), making them susceptible to overheating
4. These models have horrendous heatsinks that weaken the GPU's reliability.
If you're shopping for an original "fat" PS3 for any reason, avoid the late 2007 models (CECHGxx and CECHHxx) at all costs.
I have a 2500 series and I am experiencing overheating even after delid. Its just a matter of luck concerning the slim models
@@obscurelight interesting. CECH-25xx series slims are mostly one of the most reliable batches of slim models out there. I don't often see slim models later than the CECH-20xx series models run into hardware issues due to overheating since slim models after CECH-20xx have lower power draw to reduce overheating issues.
As time goes on, most of the issues I see on PS3 slim models are problems with the disk drive. PS3 slims have an elegant design but I still like the super slim models better because those things are heavily reliable due to less moving parts and less power usage. Less moving parts and less power usage = less chance for the console to fail. In addition, disassembling super slim PS3s for maintenance are a lot easier in comparison to the original "fat" models and the slim models.
The PS3 super slim model's design might not be the most appealing to everyone but it doesn't matter to me. I just want a console built to last and play all the games I want to play. Nothing more, nothing less. I've had the super slim model since 2015 after my original model from 2008 broke down because of defects on the Blu-ray drive and overheating issues and my super slim model still functions like it did on day 1 since I keep it free of dust and perfectly ventilated and I haven't messed with the thermal paste yet.
Hello, I like your video - unbiased, explaining why this or that console yes and no, including your preferred one.
I personally own the PS3 Slim and couldn't be happier. Owned it many years ago then sold it and lately been gifted it again by one guy who had couple pieces of it and needed to get rid of them.
I love the design of the original fat model, it is very beautiful, yet it'd be rather a vintage item on my shelf due to its overheating issue. PS3 Super Slim doesn't seem bad, but one of the reasons, I'd not personally pick it up, would be the way how you open the tray for discs. Feels unnatural to me. But we all have our preferences.
All with respect.
Thanks for this video and happy gaming, mate.
I so pleased you liked my little video 😀 I agree with you that the original fat model is a good looking console and I like your idea of having one as a display piece. I understand your point about the super slim I know a lot of people don’t like it as much as the slim, I personally don’t have a preference between the two, as I said in the video I have a super slim just because it was the one I could get for the best price. Happy gaming 😀👍🏻
Frankie cecha-01 is best (but most expensive) PS3
Thank you for making this guide!
I’m really pleased you liked it 😀👍🏻
Honestly I wouldn’t mind testing my luck on a phat model. I kinda like the look of the phat ps3s and I’m also a bit of picky person lol. I currently have eyes on a silver satin phat ps3, it looks cool.
I agree the phat is the better looking of the consoles, it’s just the overheating issue, however there’s plenty of them for sale still working out there so it’s not guaranteed every single one will break. I just googled a picture of a silver satin one and it does look good and would be a nice display piece 😀👍🏻
The fats are reliable if you get a Frankenstein Fat with a 65 or 40 nm RSX.
Would that work on a launch PS2 backwards compatible model? I’ve been trying to think of a way to mod one to make it reliable
@@BigJimGaming. yes it’s used on the launch models with the 90nm RSX The underfill between the GPU die and substrate is what fails and causes the YLOD. Nvidia fixed it with the 65 and 40nm RSX in later fats and slims.
@@BigJimGaming. Sony did this themselves back in the day to fix YLOD consoles. The PS3 mod community found a way to reverse engineer Sony’s method a few years ago. RIP Felix has a great documentary on this.
@@matt.108 I will check out RIPFelix, really appreciate the info 😀👍🏻
I think the Super Slim gets a bad rap. I've had a Slim and a Super and the Super is much more quiet and very reliable (apart from not being able to update it but that's Sony falling down). Maybe because I have the white one I think it looks right nice sitting next to my silver PS2 slim. I like the manual disc loading tray. It's one less part that will eventually break!
I completely agree, as I said in the video my super slim is spot on, definitely an improvement over the phat model I had before. The smaller memory doesn’t bother me as I only play physical games and very few install, if they do there’s enough room and 12gb is plenty for game saves 😀👍🏻
@@BigJimGaming. plus dropping a bigger HD into it is easy as pie! I'm a tech idiot and if I can do it, anyone can.
@@stashmerkin9576 I was planning on doing that with mine when I got it but I never got round to it, I do have another super slim I got for £5 with a dodgy laser that I’m going to fix soon so I have a spare, it looks easy enough to replace, I will probably make a video out of me doing it depending how well it goes 🤣
I've recently got the super slim and it's the best one & my favorite console of all time... The slims disc loading can give you problems with the & the George Foreman grill one😅 the fat one is the true ugly one & not reliable 💯
I’m very happy with my super slim and have no plans to change it, I was planning on upgrading the size of the hard drive but the 12GB has been fine so I’ll only do it now if I can get a hard drive cheap and want to make video doing it. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment 😀👍🏻
good video, I had a 360 during the 7th gen era, but I do have a weird sense of nostalgia for the PS3. I did buy one around 2015 for dirt cheap aswell as a ton of games. great system, meh controller, and will forever be envious of the free multiplayer. almost ever had xbox gold, i basically missed out on the peak mp console gaming era.
I had a 360 when it was the current gen too, I sold it off really cheap with about 50 games when I got my PS4 (before I started collecting) I still regret that. I got the PS3 when I started collecting because I didn’t have one but I’m going to add a 360 as well as there’s some great games it had that aren’t on PS3 😀👍🏻
Excellent points on the Sony consoles & controllers my friend, thanks!
I have a clean good working 2011 160GB Slim model, but I want another back-up PS3, just for insurance.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment 😀 it’s never a bad idea to have a spare, I do the same, I think I mentioned in the video I have another super slim I got for practically nothing, I just need to fit a new disk drive as the one in it sticks, could be fun to do when I get round to it 😀👍🏻
The later generations of fat ps3 use a 65nm gpu that is much more reliable. I used to repair these things and I never saw anything CECHL01 or later get the YLOD.
That’s interesting I thought all the fat PS3 consoles had the overheating problems, thank you for the tip, really appreciate it 😀👍🏻
These days I have been playing more on my ps3 super slimrather than my Xbox series s or ps5 due do I have a large collection of games I have been playing and I had mine since lunch also I have the super slim version where you have 464 gb(note the ps3 super slim with more storage have an hdmi cord in the back of it and the one without the hdmi cord behind it have 20gb or 30gb)
I’ve always got at least a couple of games on the go on my PS3, the library of games is so vast I doubt I’ll ever run out of games to play 😀 I appreciate the information about the hdmi cord on the super slims with the larger storage, I didn’t know that, it’s a good tip to know 😀👍🏻
The really problem with the PS3 fats is the GPUs that tend to crack the solder, the latter models CECHL01 have the 65nm GPU that is way more reliable.
That’s interesting to know, I wonder if it is possible to put the later model GPU in a launch model fat PS3 that is PS2 backwards compatible to make it more reliable, could be a fun mod to do 🤔
I had my 60 GB fat model for 14 years and truly loved it. Had it reballed, and new thermal paste applied probably 4 times by a specialist. Ultimately it just wasn’t worth the hassle anymore. Broke my heart scrapping it for junk. PS2 + later model PS3 is definitely the way to go.
I admire your commitment getting your original model fixed as often as you did, it shows the fat models can be kept going with consistent maintenance, although yes I think we both agree that a later model and separate PS2 is a lot easier in the long term 😀👍🏻
Got the phat one from 2008 💪
Awesome 😀👍🏻 Do you have any tips to avoid it overheating you can share?
@@BigJimGaming. It's stood vertical, plenty of space behind it, has restarted itself a couple times but not sure if its heat related 😅
I got the fat 40gb model for $100 AUD. It hasn't arrived yet but I think it's been modded with the firmware mod. No idea if I can upgrade the hard drive, but if I can, I have a spare 240GB ssd laying around so going to use that.
I’ve just had a look on Google and it looks like you can upgrade the hard drive, and there are some how to videos on TH-cam so hopefully you can if you decide you want to 😀👍🏻
@@BigJimGaming. Thanks!
I have the regular slim and thats the one I prefer most. Super slim is too ugly and the fat is too unreliable. Regular slim is the perfect ps3 for me
The slim is probably the best one to get as it does come with a larger memory (unless you get one of the quite expensive 500GB super slims) I intended to get a slim for myself, I only got the super slim because I got it for £25 from Facebook market and couldn’t resist the bargain, and in fairness it serves me well I have no complaints 😀👍🏻
Super slim is ugly?! It looks way better than the slim.
Can anyone recommend a decent alternative to the Dualshock 3 controller ? Preferably with rumble feature. Thanks
Honestly I’ve always found the dual shock to be better than the third party controllers I’ve tried, but there are a lot out there, hopefully someone else will be able to recommend one for you 😀👍🏻