PS3:Buying Guide

This page serves as a reference for information on each model of the PlayStation 3. These are all objectively based recommendations, with no bias for the appearance of the console. Acronym definitions can be found on the FAQ page.

While this page mainly focuses on retail consoles (CECH), most characteristics of retail models will also apply to DECH (TEST) hardware and vice versa.

Many NOR consoles (CECHLxx to CECH-21XX) can come with Samsung K8Q2815UQB-PI4B NOR chips, which tend to have a higher chance to RSOD (however, this is usually rare even with Samsung NOR). RSODs cannot be fixed unless you have CFW and/or replace the NOR flash chip. Consoles can also come with Spansion or (on Slim) Macronix NOR chips, which tend to be more reliable.

PlayStation 3 "Fat/Phat" (2006-2009)

Example of a CECHAxx

The original non-Slim versions of the PlayStation 3 can be distinguished by the large "PlayStation 3" branding on the top shell, entirely glossy finish, and the thicker/rounder shell.

The early versions of the PS3 feature hardware-based PS2 backward compatibility, four USB-A ports on the front, HDMI 1.3 output, memory card readers for SD, miniSD, Memory Stick PRO, and Compact Flash, chrome trim, the multi-AV port shared with the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2, Super Audio CD playback, and S/PDIF optical audio output. CECHBxx models had all black trim instead of chrome with no Wi-Fi connectivity and memory card readers, but are otherwise the same. These unique characteristics make it easy to identify a PS3 with PS2 hardware, in addition to them having much more case airflow.

Later versions of the PS3 removed two USB ports, the memory card readers, SA-CD support, and PS2 hardware. The chrome trim was also changed to a matte silver finish, but the rest of the I/O is the same.

Since it's the oldest version of the PS3, they tend to have the highest power consumption compared to the Slim and Super Slim revisions, especially when comparing the early models with PS2 hardware. Some early models which were sent into Sony repair centers may have a 65 nm or 40 nm RSX.

All original PS3s have a daughterboard for the Blu-ray disc drive paired to the motherboard, but new daughterboards can easily be paired with FSM in custom firmware.

PS2 Compatible SKU Comparison

All models with a 90 nm RSX have a very high YLOD risk; proceed with caution if you commit to buying one.

Model	Description	CPU	GPU	Default HDD Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
CECHAxx	First PS3 console released. Features full hardware-based PS2 backwards compatibility (EE+GS CPU/GPU, IOP, and RAM) alongside four USB ports, two 128MB NAND flash chips, multiple card-reader ports, and the ability to play SA-CDs. Released in the U.S., Canada, and East Asia.	90 nm CXD2964	90 nm CXD2971	60GB	COK-001	1.00
CECHBxx	"Lower-end" version of the CECHAxx. Came with a 20GB HDD, no card readers, and no Wi-Fi. Unlike other first gen fat models, this model replaced the glossy chrome trim with a glossy black finish. This model was also only released in the U.S., Canada, and East Asia.			20GB
CECHCxx	First console to have PS2 hardware for backwards compatibility (Emotion Engine CPU, IOP, and RAMBUS) removed and instead have these functions emulated by the PS3's CELL CPU. Only the PS2's Graphics Synthesizer remains. It was also the first PS3 to be released in Europe and Oceania, but wasn't released in North/South America or Asia. PSUs in these models only operate at 220V-240V unless replaced.			60GB	COK-002
CECHExx	Refresh of the CECH-C, but with an upgraded HDD. First PS3 to be released in South Korea and Latin America, and replaced the CECHAxx in all NTSC regions except for Japan, as Japan kept CECHAxx/B models longer than other regions. In some cases, the CECHExx might have a COK-002W motherboard, indicating that it has been refurbished.			80GB	COK-002 or COK-002W	1.00 / 2.70 / 3.40

Non-PS2 Compatible SKU Comparison (90 nm GPU)

All models with a 90 nm RSX have a very high YLOD risk; proceed with caution if you commit to buying one.

Model	Description	CPU	GPU	Default HDD Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
CECHGxx	First console to have the PS2 backwards compatibility chips completely removed, as well as two USB ports, the card reader ports, and the ability to play SA-CDs. The cooling system was also redesigned to be much cheaper, and the case has less airflow. The glossy chrome trim on this model and all future fat PS3s was also changed to a matte silver finish. Due to the 90 nm RSX having flawed underfill chemistry and the removal of front intake vents, this model is very likely to suffer from GPU failure unless it is replaced with a 65 nm or 40 nm RSX from a later fat or Slim. The bottom case can also be slightly modified to have extra intake on the side, like in this example. First PS3 to be released globally. PSUs in PAL versions are only 220V-240V unless replaced. Some refurbished CECHGs can come with a DIA-002 motherboard.	65 nm CXD2981	90 nm CXD2971	40GB	SEM-001	1.90 / 1.97 / 2.30
CECHHxx	First console to use a 16MB NOR flash instead of two 128MB NAND flash chips. Console's components and chassis were redesigned to not be compatible with previous models, but are cross compatible with the J/K/M03/Q00 models. Cooling system was even more drastically simplified to just two small heat sinks for the CPU and GPU respectively. PSUs found in European and Oceanic CECHH PS3s were also switched to universal voltage instead of only 220V-240V like in CECH-C/G consoles. Since these have the same RSX and case design as the CECHG, CECHH consoles also have a high YLOD risk, in fact it is even higher than the CECHG due to having even worse heatsinks.				DIA-001	1.97 / 2.30
CECHM03	Similar to CECHH, but only released in the UK & Ireland. The existence of this system is peculiar, as it released after the CECHLxx but uses the older DIA-001 motherboard with the second generation chassis. Some users have speculated it comes with a VER-001, but this is not confirmed.			80GB
CECHQ00	Similar to CECHH/M, but only released in Japan with a larger HDD. Included in the Final Fantasy VII Advent Children limited edition console bundle.			160GB

Non-PS2 Compatible SKU Comparison (65 nm GPU)

Model	Description	CPU	GPU	Default HDD Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
CECHJ03 & J04	First console to feature a 65 nm RSX. Only released in Europe & Oceania.	65 nm CXD2989	65 nm CXD2982	40GB	DIA-002	2.30
CECHKxx	Same as CECHJ03/J04, but with an 80GB hard drive and released worldwide.			80GB		2.16 / 2.30
CECHLxx	The original third generation fat console. 65 nm GPU received a new revision, and the case/motherboard design was changed. Some consoles also came with larger CPU/GPU heatsinks.	65 nm CXD2990	65 nm CXD2991		VER-001	2.30 / 2.45
CECHPxx	Same as CECHLxx, but with a larger capacity hard drive. North American units were bundled with Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, and European units were bundled with four PSN titles.			160GB		2.45

PlayStation 3 "Slim" (2009-2012)

Example of a black Slim.

As an effort to drastically rebrand the PlayStation 3, Sony released a redesigned version of the PlayStation 3 (nicknamed as the "Slim" version) in 2009. It is significantly redesigned compared to the original models while being slimmer, but the length of the console was oddly increased. It can be identified by its sleek appearance, more minimalist "PS3" branding on the top of the shell, and the shell having a matte finish. CECH-30xx Slims can also be identified by an embossed Sony logo on the front of the system, whereas all the 2XXX Slims had a printed logo. Introduces multiple variants of consoles, distinguished by "A" or "B" in the model number and different hard drive sizes.

The first CECH-20xx models of the Slim featured a die shrunken 45 nm CELL, whereas the RSX was shrunken to 40 nm on the CECH-21XX series models. Naturally, the cooling system was redesigned from the original PS3 to be cheaper to produce. This was the first PS3 that supported HDMI-CEC, which continued to be a feature in Super Slims and all future PlayStation consoles. This model was also the first to remove official OtherOS support, even with OFW older than 3.21. However, OtherOS can be still restored with various CFWs using OtherOS++.

CECH-20xx and 21xx Slims have a daughterboard for the Blu-ray disc drive paired to the motherboard, but new daughterboards can easily be paired with FSM in custom firmware. The CECH-25xx and 30xx also integrate the daughterboard hardware in the motherboard, so they are less likely they will have Blu-ray disc related issues. Swapping the Blu-ray disc drive on these models or any Super Slim PS3 also no longer requires custom firmware & Factory Service Mode to remarry a new drive.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR CFW ON CECH-25XX MODELS: Most consoles produced between April and June of 2011 (1B date code) 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 exploitable is by looking at the manufacturing date if it's before April 2011 (NTSC-U consoles) or the date code for a 9, 0, or 1A (PAL consoles) on the bottom sticker. This method will not work on NTSC-J consoles, as they don't show the manufacturing date.

Consoles made between January and March 2011 (1A date code) usually can't be downgraded to 3.55, but can still use CFW with a noFSM patch, as they still have the old encryption key. The consoles that fall into these date ranges can be patched to install CFW. For consoles made during or after this date, you can check if it is patchable by running MinVerChk or Bgtoolset on the console to ensure it reports 3.56 or below.

Slim SKU Comparison

Model	Description	CPU	GPU	Default HDD Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
CECH-20XX	Slim launch model. First console to feature a 45 nm CELL, and replaced the NEC/TOKIN capacitors used for the CPU with standard tantalum capacitors.	45 nm CXD2992	65 nm CXD2991	120GB(A) or 250GB(B)	DYN-001	2.70
CECH-21XX	Second model of slims released; minor revision of 20xx. First console to feature a 40 nm RSX and replaced the NEC/TOKIN capacitors for the GPU with standard tantalum capacitors. The 40 nm RSX on this model and all future Slims have much stronger thermal plaster on the VRAM modules, making delids of them much harder to do. The power supply was changed to be lower wattage, as the new RSX doesn't need as much power. The case was also changed slightly. Intriguingly, the YLOD sequence was slightly altered to not have a yellow light flash during the sequence, but will still show the flashing red light and play a triple beep sound.		40 nm CXD5300		SUR-001	3.20 / 3.40
CECH-25XX	Third model of slims released. Last models to support the installation of CFW; read the note for more information. The Blu-ray disc drive controller is embedded in motherboard, reducing the possibility of needing No-BD firmware if the Blu-ray disc drive is defective. The shell was also changed, making older motherboards requiring slight modification to fit in shells from this model. The CXD2992BGB CELLs on this model use much more sealant and have black plastic spacers between the interposer and IHS, making CPU delidding on this model and the CECH-30XX are much harder than 90 nm, 65 nm or any other 45 nm CXD2992 CELL as a result.			160GB(A) or 320GB(B)	JSD-001 or JTP-001	3.40 / 3.50 / 3.56 / 3.60
CECH-30XX	Fourth model of slims released. Does not support installation of CFW. Still has a plug-and-play Blu-ray disc drive like the CECH-25XX models. The shell, motherboard, Blu-ray disc drive, and power supply are exclusive to this model and cannot use parts from older model Slims.	45 nm CXD2996	40 nm CXD5301		KTE-001	3.60 / 3.65 / 3.66 / 3.72 / 4.10

PlayStation 3 "Super Slim" (2012-2016)

Example of a black Super Slim.

The PlayStation 3 "Super Slim" was the last style of the PS3 released. It can be distinguished from the other models by its unique two-tone matte and glossy finish on the top shell with a ridged design on the matte part.

It was further reduced in size from the original Slim, and the RSX no longer has an IHS. This was the first PS3 that introduced internal eMMC storage on the 4xxxA models, and these eMMC models didn't come with a hard drive caddy as it was sold separately. The eMMC itself was 16 GB, but 4 GB was reserved for the system, so only 12 GB was accessible to the user with advertising to reflect that.

Later in the Super Slim's production, Sony produced a new RSX revision with a 28 nm process. It changed its VRAM configuration to be 2x128 MB instead of 4x64 MB chips. They do not appear to be much more efficient than the older Slim models. The 28 nm RSX also has a different pinout than the 40 nm, making it incompatible with an original or Slim PS3.

The Blu-ray disc drive was redesigned to be a top loading drive like the PS1 and PS2 Slim, but with a sliding disc door. All Super Slim consoles lack a paired Blu-ray disc daughterboard, as the drive controller is integrated on the console's motherboard.

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 or HEN, which allows for game backups to be run as well as some basic homebrew.

Super Slim SKU Comparison

Model	Description	CPU	GPU	Default HDD/eMMC Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
CECH-40XX	First Super Slim model. This SKU was also the first to feature a 28 nm RSX on the NPX-001 motherboards.	45 nm CXD2996	40 nm CXD5302 (MSX/MPX-001) 28 nm D5305 (NPX-001)	16 GB eMMC(A), 250 GB(B), or 500 GB(C) HDD	MSX-001, MPX-001 or NPX-001	4.10? / 4.20 / 4.22 / 4.25
CECH-42XX	Second Super Slim model. Motherboards in these models should always have a 28 nm RSX. Curiously, PPX-001 motherboards changed the flex cable for the Blu-ray drive's laser pickup mechanism to be a 40 wire cable, like on all the CECH-43xx boards.	45 nm CXD2996 (NPX-001) 45 nm CXD2999 (PPX/PQX-001)	28 nm D5305		NPX-001, PPX-001 or PQX-001	4.40 / 4.45?
CECH-43XX	Third Super Slim model. The last PS3 model to ever be released. Motherboards in these models always have a 28 nm RSX.	45 nm CXD2999			RTX-001 or REX-001	4.45?

• You can also get Super Slims with a 40 nm RSX if you happen to get one with a MPX-001 or a MSX-001 motherboard.

Developer Consoles (TOOL)

Example of a DECR-1400.

Differing greatly from the retail and testing kit PlayStation 3s, the DECR models have vastly more features than the other two. These include direct kernel level debugging (extra GbE port), extra I/O compared to retail/testing kits, Blu-ray disc drive emulation, and doubled system RAM. Interestingly, they also don't officially support OtherOS or PS1/PS2 emulators on their stock firmwares.

Model	Description	CPU	GPU	Default HDD Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
DECR-1000(A/J)	The original developer version of the PS3. It was first manufactured before the retail release of the PlayStation 3, and was used for game development. The Blu-ray disc drive is the same model from the finalized first generation fat consoles. Unlike all other models of the PS3, its case is in a large rack mount chassis. It features six total USB ports, memory card readers, four total LAN ports (with one used for remote debugging), and a serial port unlike CECH/DECH hardware. It also doesn't feature any PS1 or PS2 backwards compatibility in the official firmware, but can be regained with custom firmware. This and the DECR-1400 also feature double the system RAM (512 MB instead of 256 MB).	90 nm CXD2964(?)	90 nm CXD2971	400GB (GameOS) 400GB (BD Emulation)	TMU-520	<=0.80.004, 160.008, or 230.001
DECR-1400(A/J)	The DECR-1400 was the successor to the DECR-1000, and was vastly simplified compared to its predecessor. It also features 512 MB of system RAM with an extra LAN port for remote debugging. It has the same appearance as a CECHBxx console (including four USB ports but without any card readers), but the motherboard components and Blu-ray disc Drive share more in common with the third generation fat consoles. The power supply is also the same model used in the CECHG, while the bootloader is similar to the CECH-20xx Slims.	65 nm CXD2990(?)	65 nm CXD2991	160GB	DEB-001	260.001

Region Codes

The PlayStation 3 was released in several regions, with the last two digits of the model number (XX) indicating the region code. Asian PlayStations will come with the X and O buttons switched in the XMB (X is cancel, O is confirm) but this can be changed in CFW.

More information can be found on the Region Information page.

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, it's recommended to 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. On consoles with a 90 nm RSX (first generation consoles, non-refurbished SEM-001/DIA-001 consoles, and DECR-1000 developer kits), a recommended setting is to set the temperature target to 70°C or below.