FAT PS3 buyer guide

[dread123]

i just purchased a 60gb backwards compat ps3 for £62 in the uk...bargain..only got faulty blue ray drive- ps2 discs and dvd still work-so not bothered that will cost £40 to fix drive if i want

[alkaliv2]

Whatever you do don't purchase refurbished launch models from Gamestop. I should have noted that getting it from them would get me a console in any kind of condition imaginable but I went that route anyway because they had launch models. I returned two launch models due to the first skipping video playback on bluray movies and I returned the second one because it had the YLOD. Which I should have known because a game was still inside of it and the Sony warranty sticker was removed. I eventually negotiated a Move bundle from them instead of the old one. I hate that I compromised backwards compatibility but a new PS3 is better than an unreliable backwards compatible one. Just something to consider.

[Swollenostrich]

Whatever you do don't purchase refurbished launch models from Gamestop. I should have noted that getting it from them would get me a console in any kind of condition imaginable but I went that route anyway because they had launch models. I returned two launch models due to the first skipping video playback on bluray movies and I returned the second one because it had the YLOD. Which I should have known because a game was still inside of it and the Sony warranty sticker was removed. I eventually negotiated a Move bundle from them instead of the old one. I hate that I compromised backwards compatibility but a new PS3 is better than an unreliable backwards compatible one. Just something to consider.

Good advice for refurbed/used xbox 360 consoles from gamestop as well. I got burned with one that went e74 or 3 red rings (can't remember) about 6 weeks from the gamestop purchase date, and I had the receipt. Since they only have a 30 day return/exchange policy, I went to microsoft. Microsoft doesn't care if you are the original owner of the console, or the 10th owner, as long as you can successfully register it under your name, you get free service under the 3 year extended warranty. To do this they require some type of information about the previous owner....name, email address, or location, phone number or a combination of 1-3 of these. Since you have no idea who the previous owner is, and gamestop does not keep or even register this information, you have no way to register your console with microsoft and therefore are shiznit out of luck on what should be a free repair. Not to mention that the 3 year 3RROD or E74 microsoft extended warranty is voided if the console has been opened up anyway (by someone other than them), so that's a second reason not to get one refurbed/used from gamestop.

[SRCordier]

60GB US Launch Console (3.41), no issues.
40GB US Hagane Steel MGS4 Limited Edition (3.41), no issues.

I take really good care of my stuff, hopefully I never lose my BC 60GB. That would be a really sad day

[flo]

Is there any "lifetimer" on PS3 ? I mean view how much the console was on and used ?

What would you choose between :
60GB , 95nm, 400A lens - higher risk to YLOD and lens break
80GB , 65nm , 410ACA lens - cooler,better lens but no PS2 compatibility .

I also have a separate PS2 for the record ..

[jayzie]

Just a piece of advice... If you plan to get the older version (Fat) at least try to get the last SKU model of PS3 Fat

80Gb Model
CECHKxx
CECHLxx
CECHMxx

160Gb Model
CECHPxx
CECHQxx

With this you're rest assured that the unit is far by less used as compared with the super older version.

[EL1MIN8R]

ive got 60gb launch console and ive replaced laser almost a year ago and now it just went yellow light last night, hopefully i can fix tomorrow

if your going to buy a fat console, buy a fan.... thats all i can suggest to you guys, i regret not buying a cooling fan

[KainUK]

I've got 2 PS3's...

CECHA01 (60GB USA Launch model with hardware B/C: Never had YLOD, Never had a laser issue).
CECHG03 (40GB UK model, no B/C: Faulty laser (KEM-400A) but no YLOD).

The main thing I've noticed is that the older PS3's have the crappy KEM laser, and thus are prone to dying. YLOD can be minimized by making sure you clean out the PS3 with compressed air (I just blast through the vents, clears out dust without opening the unit) and ensure your PS3 is in a well ventillated area.

[erickdj]

I've got 2 PS3's...

CECHA01 (60GB USA Launch model with hardware B/C: Never had YLOD, Never had a laser issue).
CECHG03 (40GB UK model, no B/C: Faulty laser (KEM-400A) but no YLOD).

The main thing I've noticed is that the older PS3's have the crappy KEM laser, and thus are prone to dying. YLOD can be minimized by making sure you clean out the PS3 with compressed air (I just blast through the vents, clears out dust without opening the unit) and ensure your PS3 is in a well ventillated area.

how hot does your 40gb ps3 run? I just recently bought a 40gb ps3 and it seems to get pretty hot. If I touch the back of it, the surface feels hot and if it's still running the air coming out of the vents is hot too. In contrast, my 80gb ps3 doesn't seem to get hot at all, even when playing for hours, one could barely feel any warmth out of it.

[KainUK]

At the moment, it's not too bad.

I gave it a bloody good clean when I replaced the dead blu-ray laser. Before that it got pretty hot.