Dilemma

I started another thread about Cobra USB reviews since I couldn't find any on the web. I bought a BC PS3 because I wanted to test PS2 iso's on it and long story short, YLOD and firmware 3.66 which was a major letdown. However, I am returning that one and I have found a launch model PS3 for sale with OtherOS capability still working. I believe firmware 3.00...Now the dilemma. Do I upgrade the firmware to 3.55 for Cobra (which I love by the way) to run exclusively from backup files or do I leave OtherOS on there and play from discs? I know that the inevitability is that I'm looking at heat build up in the console, but if anyone still has a working launch model please post to give me hope (or tips) in the console.

Heat generally does tend to build up on the older launch consoles. It has nothing to do with the firmware, my advice upgrade to 3.55 and use Cobra you will not regret it. You may also want to add in another fan to cool down the system even more.

Personally, I'd go with updating to 3.55. For one thing, I believe you can always downgrade back to the FW version you have now without much effort. Second, recently there's been an article (http://psx-scene.com/forums/content/...-otheros-1350/) about an alternative to OtherOS that is actually easier.

I read that article. Lol that it much easier than when I tried to install debian on my slim. Got to learn how to telnet. I also picked up on the progskeet downgrading tutorial which was able to turn NOR consoles back to earlier firmwares. Unfortunately this launch model will have a NAND in it and I don't know if any downgrader can go from 3.55 to before otherOS was removed. I did see another article that said progskeet was going to offer dual firmware but I can't recall if it was NAND or NOR that it was being installed for. I have a feeling it was for a NOR console.

It was for the NOR console. And Progskeet is a universal downgrader works both on NAND and NOR.

Correct. You can have OtherOS++ on 3.55 anyway (altho I'm not 100% sure it works with Cobra, I will test it myself once I receive my dongle).
About the heat building up issue, it's not something you can't fix. The issue is with thermal paste. The thermal paste tends to dry up after 2-3 years of use. Most people replace the thermal paste between the heatsink and the IHS, and notice that it doesn't help much. The reason is simple : there is also thermal paste that dried between the IHS and the die. What you have to do is remove the IHS's (which is a delicate operation but not that hard), change the thermal paste under it, stick the IHS back. I suggest using a non-conductive paste (AS5 is conductive so avoid that) like Arctic MX-4.
That said, I doubt even if doing that your console will not YLOD, but it will decrease the chances a lot. I bought a CECHA01 used model off ebay recently, and its fan would get really loud after 10 mins. I took off the IHS's, and changed the thermal paste (I'm waiting to receive my MX-4, so I used AS5 for a temporary test) and guess what, after leaving it on for 30 mins, the fan was still more or less silent.

Pereb that is news I wanted to hear. It makes me very happy to hear someone is still using their launch model 60GB. I'm ordering Tuniq today and also installing the APS-231 power supply in the console to further reduce heat. I wanted to replace the fan with a 19 blade fan if I could, but I'm not sure what it will have in it. When I open it up to change the grease out I will check what fan type it is.

On a second note, will progskeet be the chip that allows dual firmware or was that a different project altogether?

To answer your question yes progskeet is the chip. You can check out the tutorial on the front page of this site. You will require 2 HDDs though.

Awesome thanks for your replies. I guess updating to 3.55 won't be so bad. Especially since I can backup all my old discs to my PS3 750GB HDD. And when I'm ready to solder, progskeet for dual firmware.

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Originally Posted by alkaliv2

Pereb that is news I wanted to hear. It makes me very happy to hear someone is still using their launch model 60GB. I'm ordering Tuniq today and also installing the APS-231 power supply in the console to further reduce heat. I wanted to replace the fan with a 19 blade fan if I could, but I'm not sure what it will have in it. When I open it up to change the grease out I will check what fan type it is.

On a second note, will progskeet be the chip that allows dual firmware or was that a different project altogether?

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I'm not "still using" it, I got it a few days ago :P
Anyway, Tuniq should do the job, but be careful if you're actually going to lift the IHS's on the Cell and RSX. If you **** up you will break the console.
Do not confuse heatsink and IHS. The IHS is the metal plate that is stuck to the GPU and GPU PCB. These are hard to remove.
I removed the RSX IHS with the method seen on this video : Playstation 3 YLOD REMOVE RSX HEATSPREADER ( HS ) ( IHS ) - YouTube
I did it with a butter knife though. Make sure to insert the knife about 0,5mm, but don't go as far as touching the die with it. Make sure you use something to protect the PCB like that guy did, and that you do it on the same side, the side where the Cell is, because the RSX PCB has no components on that side.
As for the adhesive leftovers on the IHS and the RAM chips, you can cut them off with a razor blade.

As for the CELL, I took it off by sliding a razor blade around the silicone that glues it, while shoving it in, similar to what is seen in this video : AMD IHS removal - YouTube
However, I made quite a few scratches on the Cell, although it was my first time. The copper was exposed at some points, although it still works. I covered it with Artic Alumina Thermal Adhesive (if that happens to you, make sure to cover it with something non-conductive!). When removing the IHS make sure to keep the razor blade parallel or almost parallel to the Cell PCB, and do not shove it in too much or you might reach the die and damage it.

Clean the thermal paste using isopropyl alcohol, apply new one. You also need to stick the IHS's back, and I haven't decided what to use for this yet, although I'm thinking Arctic G-1.
Also, understand that you must be careful, and if you mess up you will break the processors and I shall not be held responsible for it. :P

EDIT : Some pics for you, ignore the white stuff on the Cell, it's the thermal adhesive i used to cover the exposed tracks :

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