Comparing PS3 Models for Making an Informed Purchase
When deciding which PS3 to buy, there are several factors to weigh with respect to intended usage, required capabilities, and personal priorities. This article provides an overview of PS3 generations and dives deeper on differentiation across key specs.
Generations of PS3 Hardware
Sony released the PlayStation 3 console in three primary generations:
Original/Launch (2006-2007): With 20GB or 60GB model options, these "fat" PS3s were fully backwards compatible, with 4 USB ports, card readers, and SACD support.
Slim (2009-2012): A thinner form profile with lower power draw. Included 120GB-500GB storage options, removed card readers, reduced USB to 2 ports. Partial PS2 backwards compatibility.
Super Slim (2012-2017): Further reduced size, 250GB-500GB HDDs. No backwards compatibility. Lowest production cost.
Within each generation there were also sub-models with minor internal component variations. But in broad strokes, these three generations capture the major industrial design and specification differences.
Backwards Compatibility
A key consideration for some gamers is native support for playing older PlayStation 2 (PS2) and PlayStation 1 (PS1) titles. Backwards compatibility allows access to a richer gaming catalog without having multiple consoles connected.
The original PS3s fully support PS2 game discs, using an integrated PS2 processor chipset. This enables broad compatibility for the vast PS2 library. The availability of four USB ports also makes connecting controllers easier when playing old multiplayer games.
In contrast, mid-generation Slim and Super Slim PS3s removed this PS2 chip. Their PS2 backwards compatibility is therefore much more limited. Only select digital titles purchased from the PlayStation Store will work. So this is an important distinction for those with large legacy disc-based collections.
Hard Drive Capacity
Another specification that saw change over the PS3 lifetime was hard drive capacity. This determines available storage for purchasing and downloading digital PS3 titles, expansion packs, downloadable content, and game data saves.
The launch 60GB PS3 systems shipped with ample disk space thanks to their cutting edge HDDs at the time. The Slim PS3 initially stepped down storage, with 120GB-320GB drives, but later increased this back up to 500GB capacities matching the originals. Select Super Slim bundles also offered 500GB.
Regardless of which PS3 you choose, the hard drive can be user upgraded by opening the chassis and swapping in any 2.5” form factor SATA HDD. So you can add additional storage later as your library grows.
Graphics Processing
While the Cell processor and onboard RAM saw optimization and die shrinks between generations, the graphics processing remained essentially unchanged:
- GPU: Nvidia/SCEI RSX ‘Reality Synthesizer‘ w/ 550MHz clock
- Video memory: 256MB GDDR3 w/ 650MHz clock
So all PS3s output the same 1080p HD resolution and visual fidelity. The user experience of new titles designed for PS3 will be on par across different models in terms of graphics performance.
Reliability and Operating Temperature
The initial model PS3 systems were criticized for loud fans, significant heat output, power draw, and propensity for YLOD (Yellow Light of Death) failures as units aged. This led to the smaller form factor, lower TDP chips, and superior cooling adopted in the Slim redesign.
While Super Slims cut production costs further, they seem to maintain thermal characteristics and reliability at parity with late-model Slims. So both the late Slim and Super Slim models are reasonable options if longevity is important.
With 10+ years since launch for even the newest PS3s, it‘s always smart to inspect any used system thoroughly before purchasing. However the design improvements of later models lend more confidence in their working order.
Price and Availability
As PlayStation 3 hardware has reached end-of-life status, availability of new retail units is very limited. Thus secondhand systems make up the bulk of remaining inventory circulating:
| Model | Used Price Range* |
|---|---|
| Early Fat PS3 | $70 – $150 |
| Late Slim | $100 – $200 |
| Super Slim | $120 – $250 |
* Approximate used prices, may vary based on bundles, special editions, condition, included games/media.
Supply is diminishing over time, even for used consoles. So prospective buyers need to monitor resale sites closely if holding out for a particular package or below-market pricing. Jailbreaking is not endorsed.
Conclusion
With three generations and over a dozen unique models, PS3 offers lots of options. Consider how you want to use your system – whether playing older titles, needing more storage, or console lifespan – and match specifications accordingly. Slims and Super Slims provide the best reliability. Let me know if you have any other questions!
