PS3 HDD Upgrade.

James79 · 05-12-2010, 21:25

I have an older model PS3 with a 60GB HDD installed. Unfortunately, it appears that I have nearly filled the HDD and need more room!! Came to light thanks to GT!!

Anyhow - just wodering if anyone had any tips regarding what I should install!! I think its a better option to go for the internal model (backing up previous game saves and settings obviously).

Ive heard that it is safer to stick to a HDD not faster than 5400RPM. What Im not clear about is - what size should I go for!! Is there any limit cos Ive seen a 1TB HDD and it isnt much dearer than the 500GB - 700GB models!!

Cheers!!

05-12-2010, 21:27

I bought a 640 gig western digital from Ebuyer for around 55 quid and installed that in mine

James79 · 05-12-2010, 21:30

Thanks - I have to laugh - Im unlikely to fill a 500GB HDD never mind a 1TB!!

This is all GT5's fault!!

BenMcr · 05-12-2010, 21:34

You need to make sure it's a 9.5mm high drive and not 12.5mm - as it won't fit

James79 · 05-12-2010, 21:36

Best to find one with "Compatible with PS3" touted on it??!!

BenMcr · 05-12-2010, 21:38

Yup, although make sure they aren't trying to mark it up because of that!

James79 · 05-12-2010, 21:41

Is it safer to stick to any particular brand names? Ive heard Seagate works well?!

**Matt D** · 05-12-2010, 22:55

I used a Western Digital drive, & I've heard good things about Seagate, too.

SATA, 5400rpm, & (as BenMrc said) 9.5mm not 12.5mm.

Ravenheart · 06-12-2010, 09:35

I've upgraded a few friends older PS3 drives with the WD Scorpio Blue range of drives. I think the 120gb I got recently for a friends machine was under £25.

Jayster · 06-12-2010, 16:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by James79

Is it safer to stick to any particular brand names? Ive heard Seagate works well?!

Seagate or WD both good as hdd's and I have heard both work.

James79 · 09-12-2010, 19:53

Thanks folks - had a good look online and saw alot of good reviews for a samsung 640GB drive - so have ordered that one!!

Just an additional query - I have seen that in some cases, when the PS3 is restarted after that HDD has been changed, the system software need to be downloaded from a USB datastick.

I understand that the USB datastick has to be formatted in FAT32 (to allow the PS3 to recognise it). Basically, I have noticed that the (relatively new - less than a year old) datastick that I have is in "FAT" format. "Properties" does not specify "FAT32"!!

Will this make a difference, or should I reformat to "FAT32" just in case??

Thanks again!!

**Matt D** · 09-12-2010, 20:34

I don't know if it will make a difference, but I'd reformat in FAT32 anyway.

After you've formatted it, create the following folder within the root: "PS3"

And, within "PS3", create another folder: "UPDATE".

Grab the latest PS3 System Software from the official website (it seems to be down for me at the moment, so I can't find the link for you - it is easy to find though), and move the file ("PS3UPDAT.PUP") to the "UPDATE" folder on the USB stick.

The path should therefore be... "USBSTICKNAME:\PS3\UPDATE\PS3UPDAT.PUP"

James79 · 09-12-2010, 21:47

Thanks Matt.

Got the System Software alright - now all I have to do is await delivery of the HDD and dig out the old Philips Screwdriver!!

**Matt D** · 10-12-2010, 00:04

Good good. It's an easy job

James79 · 10-12-2010, 22:23

The HDD arrived today, so got the philips screwdriver out to start the replacement. Thing is, the blue screw won't budge!! Tried for a while, but concerned that if I try anymore, I'll strip the head of the screw!!

Any tips in getting the screws out without stripping them or in the event that they get stripped??!!