PS3:Buying Guide

This page serves as a reference for informaton 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 charateristics of retail models will also apply to DECH test kits and vice versa. DECR hardware will not be covered on this page.

Many NOR consoles (CECH-L 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.

First Generation Fat Consoles

All first generation fat consoles have a very high YLOD risk; proceed with caution if you commit to buying one.

Model	Description	CPU/RSX Sizes	Default HDD Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
CECH-A	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.	90nm RSX & 90nm CELL BE	60GB	COK-001	1.00
CECH-B	"Lower-end" version of the CECH-A. Came with a 20GB HDD, no card readers, and no Wi-Fi capabilities. 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.	90nm RSX & 90nm CELL BE	20GB	COK-001	1.00
CECH-C	First console to see PS2 hardware for backwards compatability (EmotionEngine CPU, IOP, and RAMBUS) removed and instead have these functions emulated by the PS3's CELL CPU. Only the PS2's Graphics Synthesizer remains. First PS3 to be released in Europe and Oceania, but wasn't released in the North/South America or Asia. PSUs in these models only operate at 220v-240v unless replaced.	90nm RSX & 90nm CELL BE	60GB	COK-002	1.00 / 2.30
CECH-E	Refresh of the CECH-C, but with an upgraded HDD. In some cases, the CECH-E might have a COK-002W motherboard, indicating that it has been refurbished. First PS3 to be released in Latin America, and replaced the CECH-A in all NTSC regions except for Japan, as Japan kept CECH-A/B models longer than other regions. (This means that C00/E00 consoles don't exist.)	90nm RSX & 90nm CELL BE	80GB	COK-002 or COK-002W	1.00 / 2.70 / 3.40

• 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 reflective chrome finish and has 4 USB ports. First gen fats also have much more ventilation on the case compared to later fats. CECH-B consoles have a unique black trim that wasn't used on any other fat model. PS3s with these charateristics are guaranteed to be a first generation fat.

Second Generation Fat Consoles

Model	Description	CPU/RSX Sizes	Default HDD Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
CECH-G	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 90nm RSX having low Tg underfill with high lead bumps under the GPU die and the removal of front intake vents, this model is very likely to suffer from YLOD unless the GPU is replaced with a 65nm or 40nm RSX from a later fat or Slim. First PS3 to be released globally. PSUs in PAL versions are only 220v-240v unless replaced. Some refurbished CECH-Gs can come with a DIA-002 motherboard. Avoid this console.	90nm RSX (SEM-001) or 65nm RSX (DIA-002) & 65nm CELL BE	40GB	SEM-001 or DIA-002	1.90 / 1.97 / 2.30
CECH-H	First console to use a 16MB NOR flash instead of two 128MB NAND flash chips. PSUs found in PAL CECH-H PS3s were also switched to universal voltage instead of only 200v-240v like in CECH-C/G consoles. Since these have the same RSX and case design as the CECH-G, CECH-H consoles also have a high YLOD risk. Avoid this console.	90nm RSX & 65nm CELL BE	40GB	DIA-001	1.97 / 2.30
CECH-M	Similar to CECH-H, but only released in the UK & Ireland. The existence of this system is peculiar, as it released after the CECH-L but uses the older DIA-001 motherboard with the second generation chassis. Some users have reported it comes with a VER-001, but this is not confirmed.	90nm RSX & 65nm CELL BE	80GB	DIA-001	1.97 / 2.30
CECH-J	First console to feature a 65nm RSX. Only released in Europe & Oceania.	65nm RSX & 65nm CELL BE	40GB	DIA-002	2.30
CECH-K	Similar to CECH-J, but with an 80GB hard drive. Released worldwide.	65nm RSX & 65nm CELL BE	80GB	DIA-002	2.16 / 2.30

Third Generation Fat Consoles

Model	Description	CPU/RSX Sizes	Default HDD Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
CECH-L	The original third generation fat console. 65nm GPU received a new revision, and the case design was changed.	65nm RSX & 65nm CELL BE	80GB	VER-001	2.30 / 2.45
CECH-P	Similar to CECH-L, 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.	65nm RSX & 65nm CELL BE	160GB	VER-001	2.45
CECH-Q	Similar to CECH-P, but only released in Japan. Included in the Final Fantasy VII Advent Children limited edition console bundle.	65nm RSX & 65nm CELL BE	160GB	VER-001	2.70?

Slim Consoles

Model	Description	CPU/RSX Sizes	Default HDD Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
CECH-20XX	Slim launch model. This model was the first to remove official OtherOS support, even with OFW older than 3.21. (OtherOS can be restored with various CFWs) First console to feature a 45nm CELL and replaced the NEC/TOKIN capacitors used on the CPU with standard tantalum capacitors. This was also the first PS3 that supported HDMI-CEC, which continued to be a feature in later Slims and Super Slims. Introduces multiple variants of consoles, distinguished by "A" or "B" in the model number and different hard drive sizes.	65nm RSX & 45nm CELL BE	120GB(A) or 250GB(B)	DYN-001	2.70
CECH-21XX	Second model of slims released. First console to feature a 40nm RSX and replaced the NEC/TOKIN capacitors for the GPU with standard tantalum capacitors.	40nm RSX & 45nm CELL BE	120GB (A) or 250GB(B)	SUR-001	3.20 / 3.40
CECH-25XX	Third model of slims released. Last models to support the installation of CFW; read the note below for more information. Blu-Ray daughterboard is embedded in motherboard, eliminating the possibility of needing No-BD firmware if the Blu-Ray drive is defective or removed. Swapping the Blu-Ray drive on this model, CECH-30XX Slims, or any Super Slim no longer requires Factory Service Mode to remarry a new drive either. The CELL on this model also uses much stronger thermal adhesive on the die, in addition to the CELL's IHS sealant being stronger. CPU delidding on this model and the CECH-30XX are much harder as a result, and isn't recommended.	40nm RSX & 45nm CELL BE	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 drive like the CECH-25XX models.	40nm RSX & 45nm CELL BE	160GB(A) or 320GB(B)	KTE-001	3.60 / 3.65 / 3.66 / 3.72 / 4.10

• IMPORTANT NOTE FOR CECH-25XXs: Consoles produced circa April 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 exploitable is by looking at the datecode for a 0, 9, or 1A. (Consoles made between January and April [1A Datecode] usually can't be downgraded to 3.55 can still use CFW with a noFSM patch, as they still have the old encryption key.) Another method is check the manufacture date if it was produced prior to April 2011. 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.

Super Slim Consoles

Model	Description	CPU/RSX Sizes	Default HDD/eMMC Size	Motherboard	MinVerChk
CECH-40XX	First Super Slim model. The 40nm RSX no longer has an IHS, making it harder to swap onto a Fat or Slim motherboard. This was the first PS3 that introduced internal eMMC storage, and eMMC models didn't come with a hard drive caddy as it was sold seperately. The Blu-Ray drive was redesigned to be a top loading drive like the PS1 and PS2 Slim. This SKU was also the first to feature a 28nm RSX on the NPX-001 motherboards. The 28nm RSX has a different pinout than the 40nm, making it incompatible with a fat or Slim PS3.	40nm* or 28nm RSX & 45nm CELL BE	16GB eMMC(A) or 250GB(B) or 500GB(C) HDD	MSX-001 or MPX-001 or NPX-001	4.10? / 4.20 / 4.22 / 4.25
CECH-42XX	Second Super Slim model.	40nm* or 28nm RSX & 45nm CELL BE	16GB eMMC(A) or 250GB(B) or 500GB(C) HDD	MSX-001 or MPX-001 or NPX-001 or PPX-001 or PQX-001	4.40 / 4.45?
CECH-43XX	Third Super Slim model. The last PS3 to ever be released. Motherboards in these models should always have a 28nm RSX.	28nm RSX & 45nm CELL BE	16GB eMMC(A) or 250GB(B) or 500GB(C) HDD	RTX-001 or REX-001	4.45?

• 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.
  • You can also 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, 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. A recommended setting is to set the temerature target to 70°C or below.