PlayStation 3

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The Sony PlayStation 3 is a seventh generation console.

Hardware Variations

Fat

PS3 Fat

Model #: CECH-A to CECH-Q

Dimensions: 11.42 x 2.56 x 11.42 in.

Starting CECH-H, Sony replaced the NAND chip with the NOR chip


Slim

PS3 2K
  • Model #: CECH-2k
  • Dimensions: 11.42 x 2.56 x 11.42 in.

You can tell the 2k model from the 3k by its mirrored front panel and blue eject light.


PS3 3K
  • Model #: CECH-3k

Starting 3k, bootldr and metldr are no longer fixed to hardware.

It has black front panel and no eject light.

Super Slim

PS3 4K
  • Model #: CECH-4k

Dimensions: 11.4 x 2.36 x 9.05 in.

Common problems

  • The Yellow Light of Death (YLoD): A very widespread problem that can affect any PS3 but is mostly limited to fat models. It indicates a general hardware failure, but is most often caused by solder cracking underneath the CPU and GPU and must be fixed by reflowing the solder or getting the affected chip reballed. This is the same problem that affects the Xbox 360 and causes the red ring of death (RRoD).
  • Update Looping: When the PS3 recieves a system-wide firmware update form Sony, the system is scanned for hardware errors during the update process. If a hardware error is found the update will fail and the system will dispaly an error message. In some cases the PS3 will automaticly retry the update upon being rebooted and the update will fail with the same error, resulting in an infinite update loop. Solutions for getting out of an update loop range form re-seating the disk drive to replacing the CMOS battery, depeding upon the console version and the exact error message recieved.
  • Unable to read dual-layer discs: When a PS3 can no longer read well-kept dual-layer blu-rays, the laser is dying. Dual-layer games that may not work include Uncharted, The Last of Us, Metal Gear Solid 4, Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls. A temporary (but not recommended) fix is to operate your PS3 on a 45-degree angle (left to right or back to front) or play a game that does work for 30 minutes to warm up the laser, then try to play the game you have issues with. Ultimately you should replace the laser or just play other games until the laser dies - then fix it. Other people have had luck by inserting the dual-layer game disc, turning off the console, pressing and holding the power button until it resets the HDMI display mode. Again, this is just another temporary fix which may or may not work for you.

Repairs

  • Laser Replacement: A common problem for many fat PS3's is that they stop reading discs due to a faulty laser. Replacement lasers or replacement drives (laser, sled motor, and spindle) can be found online for around $30-$40 (USD) and are easy to install.