Hello,
There has been a lot of discussion about the different models of PS3 and which is better or worse. We get asked a lot if the old ones are worth repairing or if Sony “fixed” all of the old issues in the newer generations. This blog is our opinion from a repair shops perspective.
TL;DR The fat PS3s are worth repairing. Although slims have some issues, they cost less.
Here are some myths about the PS3 slims.
Myth #1 : PS3 slims do not get the YLOD and they do not fail at all.
Unfortunately they do get the YLOD, their blu-ray drives fail, they need servicing and wear out like every electronic device. About 20%-30% of our repair volume is PS3 slims that are 2-3 years old in any given month.
Myth #2 : PS3 slims were designed to fail.
This is not true. Slims were designed to cost about $250 to $300. So, they are cheaper and thus cost had to be cut, parts had to be made smaller. This (like other electronics) can lead to their failure.
Myth #3 : PS3 slims GPU and CPU are smaller and so produce less heat.
The chips (GPU/CPU) are physically the same size as the older units, 42.5 mm x 42.5 mm. They use a smaller infrastructure internally. The bridges and capacitors on the board are definitely smaller than the older units. They produce the same amount of heat as the old PS3s.
Bottom line with the PS3 slims
The PS3 slim was designed to be a cheaper console. It doesn’t cost as much to purchase. It does have some short comings but for the majority of people whose first PS3 is a slim, it will get them into the age of the PS4.
But, PS3 slims do break and they run hotter than the older PS3s. They are harder to repair as some of their failures is damage from heat that cannot be reversed. But, they are not $600. They are reasonably priced you get blu-ray technology, free network access, the best graphics you can get on a console etc. all for the low price of about $250 to $300.
If you have an original PS3 “fat” edition it is wroth repairing
The older fat model PS3s are tanks, honestly. We know it is frustrating when they break but they run cooler, they have more features and they are easier to upgrade than slims. Just think your CECHA01 has been running strong for about six years with no maintenance of any kind. If we give it some TLC it can be back to working and ready for years more of usage.
Facts about original PS3 edition
1. They have a great heatsink. It is more than 4x the size of a slim.
2. They can play PS1 and PS2 games.
3. With upgrades they run about 20 cooler than slims.
4. When they finally fail after hundreds of hours of usage, the vast majority can be repaired without a problem.
Our bottom line is that we are seeing more PS3 slims than we expected only about 2-3 years after their production. It is clear from temperature read outs that they run hotter, they have less heatsink. But, They are pretty reasonable price wise. This is what the consumer demanded. Who wants to pay $600 for a PS3 6 years after it launched?
But, if you have an original PS3, keep it alive, get a PS3 Repair. Find a good repair shop or use us! It is well worth it.
In terms of the super slim. It is too early to cast judgement.
A top loading blu-ray driver seems silly and cheap. The diodes that the PS3s use are very sensitive, having a top loading seems outdated and vulnerable. But, it is too early. We are going to have a break down video and do some testing. The bottom line is that maybe they will be great pieces of hardware that will work for years and that would be best for all of us fans of Sony hardware. We will see!
Thanks,
EE