PS3:Buying Guide

This page serves as a reference for the pros and cons of each model of PS3. This is all objectively based recommendations, with no bias for the appearance of the console. Acronym definitions can be found on the FAQ page.

First Generation Fat Consoles

 * A good way to distinguish first generation fats is by looking at the front of the console and seeing if the silver lining above the disc drive has reflection/is chrome. If it does, it is a guaranteed first generation fat.

Slim Consoles

 * IMPORTANT NOTE FOR CECH-25XXs: Consoles produced circa January 2011 and later are known to have an updated hardware encryption key (metldr2) and a MinVerChk of 3.60, and therefore cannot use CFW. A quick way to check if the console is downgradable is by looking at the datecode for a 0 or a 9, or at the manufacture date to check that it was produced prior to 2011. Consoles that fall into these date ranges can be downgraded. For consoles after this date, you can check if it is downgradeable by running MinVerChk on the console to ensure it reports 3.56 or below.

Super Slim Consoles

 * IMPORTANT NOTE TO SUPER SLIMS: This generation of console is not compatible with CFW and cannot be modified to run classic PS3 homebrew. The only exploit that can be run is HAN and HEN, which allows for game backups to be run as well as some basic homebrew.
 * *Note that you can also happen to get Super Slims with a 40nm RSX, if you happen to get one with a MPX-001 or a MSX-001 motherboard.

Tips

 * Always change the thermal paste when you buy a new console. This will ensure the longevity of the console and also make it quieter during use.
 * When you get a CFW compatible console, to always install CFW and install webMAN mod. webMAN allows you to modify the fan speed of the console which will also strongly contribute to increasing the maximum lifespan of it. A recommended setting is to set the fan speed to manual at 39%.