PS3 rundown...

[JonSimonzi]

So, I'm looking into picking up a PS3. I recently got a new TV, and want a Blu-Ray player, and I think I've set my mind on a PS3. I have a 360 right now, and the only thing it does is stream media from my PC, which I can do with a PS3 as well. Some things I need some clarification on though.

Now, I don't think they sell the "fat" PS3s new anymore, it's all the slim ones, correct? What HD sizes do they have of those?

The only ones that are backwards compatible with PS\PS2 are the original 40gb and 80gb ones, so if say I picked up one of those used, it'd still be backwards compatible? They didn't disable that feature in a firmware update or something, did they?

I have no problem buying a used system, and I'm trying to get away with this as cheap as possible. Aside from the age, and the different body style, is there any difference from buying one of the original 40/80gb ones instead of the newer models? If I wanted more space, they take normal 3.5" SATA hard drives?

Thanks for some input, just trying to gather some knowledge.

[deadlysyn]

Of the "fat" PS3 models, the 40 and 80 GB used software emulation for backwards compatibility with PSX/PS2 games. The old 60 GB was the one that did it on the hardware level. I still run my 60 GB release model. If you need more space, you can always just upgrade the HDD. It is nothing more than a 2.5" SATA HDD. Just keep in mind, if you want to stream HD content to it, you may need something like PS3 Media Server (http://ps3mediaserver.blogspot.com/). I feed my PS3 with .mkv files all the time, and have no problems, unless something interferes with the network. If I could get my hands on a gigabit switch, I would be doing real well with it.:p

[JonSimonzi]

So either the 40, 60 or 80gb can do backwards compatible? Good to know, sounds like a 60gb might be my best bet since I do want backwards compatibility. Now, if my memory serves me right (use to work in a video game store a few years ago, when PS3s were coming out), the 60/80 have built in wireless, whereas the 40gb doesn't? I won't loose out on any fancy new features buying say a used 60gb model, will I?

[deadlysyn]

There are games that aren't playable on the 80GB, because of something in the software emulation. The 60GB is hardware based, and as far as I know plays all older games. I think Sony has the compatibility list somewhere on their website, or maybe in the forums. It would be a good idea to find that list and make sure the games you want to play are on it if you decide on the 80. I think the 60 and 80 models were the only ones with backward compatibility, but don't quote me on that.:p

I don't think you will be losing out on anything by going with the 60GB, and is probably the better choice for you. I would check a game store that can offer a warranty on it, if you decide to go that route. I think the slim models got a die shrink, making them run cooler. Other than that, I think there is more to gain by getting the 60.:thup:

[ArcturusVi]

I have a 60 gig that I bought used still kicking. Warranty sticker still intact and it plays every format I throw at it. Handles folding for a few days at a time as well(my room gets too hot to keep it a continuous thing).

[deadlysyn]

I have a 60 gig that I bought used still kicking. Warranty sticker still intact and it plays every format I throw at it. Handles folding for a few days at a time as well(my room gets too hot to keep it a continuous thing).

Have you thrown any mkv's at it yet? It seems the only way I can get them to play is by running them through PS3 Media Server (linked in a previous post). It decodes and streams the files to the PS3, instead of the way Windows Media does it, by basically just categorizing and linking the files. In the case of using Windows Media, the PS3 does all of the decoding.

[ArcturusVi]

Have you thrown any mkv's at it yet? It seems the only way I can get them to play is by running them through PS3 Media Server (linked in a previous post). It decodes and streams the files to the PS3, instead of the way Windows Media does it, by basically just categorizing and linking the files. In the case of using Windows Media, the PS3 does all of the decoding.

Er, I should clarify: Every disc-based format. I haven't had much of a need to stream yet.

On my previous 60 gig I do remember having to fenangle through stuff on windows to stream different formats, though.

[Slayn]

The 20gb model also has hardware backwards compatability, but no wireless internet connection. I have one of those, I basically use it to play blu-ray and a few ps3 games. My TV is my computer monitor so no point in streaming for me. So you can grab a 20gb, but I would strongly recommend upgrading the HDD. This thing is very small, I can't even install DLC without it filling up.

[TheDeej]

60gb release is what I've got, backwards compatible (still play FF tactics, GT1, and SotN), wireless, sturdy, etc. I recently had the blu-ray optic go out on me but it was a simple repair, and that is the only problem it has ever given me. New slims come in 120gb and 240gb I think.

I remember reading that the PSU on the 60gb is way more than necessary and some people replaced them to cut down on heat but I've never had any over-heating issues with mine.

[Theocnoob]

So, I'm looking into picking up a PS3. I recently got a new TV, and want a Blu-Ray player, and I think I've set my mind on a PS3. I have a 360 right now, and the only thing it does is stream media from my PC, which I can do with a PS3 as well.

YES. IT EVEN PLAYS PS3 GAMES.

Some things I need some clarification on though.

Now, I don't think they sell the "fat" PS3s new anymore, it's all the slim ones, correct? What HD sizes do they have of those?

NO MORE FATTIES FOR SALE NEW. 120, 250, 320GB

The only ones that are backwards compatible with PS\PS2 are the original 40gb and 80gb ones, so if say I picked up one of those used, it'd still be backwards compatible? They didn't disable that feature in a firmware update or something, did they?


SOME OF THE BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE PS3'S (60GB) ACTUALLY HAVE DISCREET PS2 HARDWARE IN THEM. THE PS2 GAMES ARE PLAYED IN HW, NOT THROUGH EMULATION. AFAIK THIS HAS NEVER BEEN DISABLED. I CAN'T STAND SW EMULATION FOR SOME REASON SO IF I WERE NOT USING A 60 I WOULD NEVER BOTHER TRYING PS2 GAMES ON IT

I have no problem buying a used system, and I'm trying to get away with this as cheap as possible. If I wanted more space, they take normal 3.5" SATA hard drives?

ALL PS3 CONSOLES USE SATA HARD DRIVES IN THE 2.5" FORM FACTOR, NOT 3.5". YOU CAN USE ANY 2.5" SATA HARD DRIVE IF YOU WISH TO SWAP THE CURRENT DRIVE OUT. THIS INCLUDES SSD IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO USE A MECHANICAL DRIVE.

THE 'FAT' PS3'S RAN LINUX IF DESIRED UNTIL IT WAS APPARENTLY DELETED AS AN OPTION IN A FAIRLY RECENT SYSTEM UPGRADE.

Aside from the age, and the different body style, is there any difference from buying one of the original 40/80gb ones instead of the newer models?

SLIM PS3 USES 65NM PROCESS LITHOGRAPHY VS 90NM IN FAT PS3. ORIGINAL PS3 HAD DISCREET PS2 HW BUILT IN AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL USB PORTS (40/60 ONLY?)
SLIM HAS RE-DESIGNED (IMO SUPERIOR) COOLING SYSTEM ASS WELL AS LOWER POWER CONSUMPTION AND HEAT PRODUCTION DUE TO SMALLER LITHOGRAPHY

[benbaked]

So either the 40, 60 or 80gb can do backwards compatible? Good to know, sounds like a 60gb might be my best bet since I do want backwards compatibility. Now, if my memory serves me right (use to work in a video game store a few years ago, when PS3s were coming out), the 60/80 have built in wireless, whereas the 40gb doesn't? I won't loose out on any fancy new features buying say a used 60gb model, will I?

Just so you are clear: the 40 GB model DOES NOT play PS2 games. That model is only backward compatible with PS1(psx) games.

Also, the 40 GB has built-in 802.11b/g wireless.

[JonSimonzi]

Thanks for the info. I just sucked it up and bought a 160gb slim PS3. And I'm absolutely in love with PS3 Media Server.

[rainless]

Thanks for the info. I just sucked it up and bought a 160gb slim PS3. And I'm absolutely in love with PS3 Media Server.

PS3 media server is very nice.

[Peeved Kitten]

I bought a 40gb back when they first came out. Yanked that drive out after the thing was on for 20 minutes and stuck a 250gb in it. I love the media server functionality.