Playstation 3 System Update Thread

[Tornado]

Why not?

We could start with how there is no reason to do it, and work from there.

 

[premhz]

If not at Gamescom, then sometime soon. It seems to make sense to Sony, remember the PS2 slim came out roughly 12mths before the PS3 debut and sold well (i think it is still available??)

If a PS3 slim did come out, it will replace the PS2 slim as the budget console while the PS4 will be the full blown console (but not backwards compatible) like the PS3/PS2 slim situation.

The latest PS3 update changed the wording in the menu from "eject disc" to "remove disc". The PS2 slim had no disc eject mechanism and went to a simple PS1 style door.

The wheels look to be in motion so to speak

Cheers Phill

 

[Tornado]

It was 2 years before the PS3 did, but am I missing something? Because the PS3 Slim already came out 3 years ago.

 

[TheDabbinDave]

We bought a slim PS2 a few months before GT4 released. Not sure when it [slim ps2] hit the market.

 

[premhz]

It was 2 years before the PS3 did, but am I missing something? Because the PS3 Slim already came out 3 years ago.

Oh ok so it was 2yrs before! Man i`m getting old!

It gets a bit confusing, the current PS3 is known as the slim version, compared to the orig Fat version. The rumours of a new "Slim PS3" will be a..... lets say we name it a "Super Slim PS3".

Likely to be physically smaller,external power supply,perhaps better venting for passive cooling (no or smaller fan/ducting) no disc eject mechanism seems highly likely though.

Think of a PS3 scaled down further into a cross of a PS1 & PS2 slim and thats likely what will turn up. Maybe even something Wii sized??

Cheers Phill

 

[Saidur_Ali]

We could start with how there is no reason to do it, and work from there.

The only thing that is stopping them is the ability to make one in my opinion. It is only a matter of time, so it could be soon as this year or next year.

 

[Tornado]

The only thing that is stopping them is the ability to make one in my opinion. It is only a matter of time, so it could be soon as this year or next year.

No, it's not "only a matter of time." You still haven't given a reason why they would go through the effort of redesigning the system a second time even though you are acting like it is a sure thing that they have one in the works already. What exactly brought this up?

 

[Samus]

Exactly. It's not like one person can knock up a hardware revision in a morning and then test it in the evening and jobs done. It takes a lot of time, effort and money. With one redesign/shrink already done, why do it again? To what end?

 

[Barra333]

Just to put it out there, the PS one was released AFTER the PS2 in Japan, and only a couple of months before the PS2 in NA/EU.

Im not saying Sony will do the same with PS3/PS4, but it has been done before...

 

[Saidur_Ali]

No, it's not "only a matter of time." You still haven't given a reason why they would go through the effort of redesigning the system a second time even though you are acting like it is a sure thing that they have one in the works already. What exactly brought this up?

They are constantly thinking of ways to make it cheaper to produce, we are already on the 3rd version of the slim and there has been changes cosmetically and internally. It is only matter of time that they make a slimmer PS3 if they can make it off course. A 28nm RSX version of the Slim will most likely come out if they don't decide to make a slimmer version yet.

It all entirely depends on if they have managed to shrink down the Cell from the current 45nm process. It has been like that for a few years now, if they can get it to 32nm or 22nm and combine it with a 28nm RSX, they might think about releasing a slimmer version. They can just make better cooling for initial ones and use cheaper cooling when a new die shrink comes out like they did with the current slim.

The person who posted above me sort of brought this up. I don't think it is PS4 the reason, but a new hardware revision might be on its way out. Might also be just a cheaper to produce version of the current design. There might even be no new version coming out this year, but for sure there should be some kind of hardware revision out at least by next year, whether a redesign or not.

Exactly. It's not like one person can knock up a hardware revision in a morning and then test it in the evening and jobs done. It takes a lot of time, effort and money. With one redesign/shrink already done, why do it again? To what end?

They are constantly trying to revise hardware, we are on the 3rd version of the current slim already. Sony have averaged about one per year since release of the original PS3 regarding hardware revisions. The whole idea behind it is to be able is to increase profit margains, and be able to be in the position to do a price drop without affecting the bottom line. A complete redesign will make it more attractive for people to buy a new one, whether if you own a PS3 or not. Might be a response to Wii U as well.

 

[Samus]

There is quite a difference between slightly changing the current slim internals and completely redesigning the whole thing again. They only did it once for PS1&2, why would they do a second revision of the smaller PS3?

 

[Saidur_Ali]

There is quite a difference between slightly changing the current slim internals and completely redesigning the whole thing again. They only did it once for PS1&2, why would they do a second revision of the smaller PS3?

The final PS2 slim had the PSU back integrated into it. They constantly want to make it smaller and especially with the PS3, it is more important as it is still quite big and they could make it quite a bit smaller and cheaper to produce and sell it at a lower price point. They could always stick to the current design but it might be a waste of raw materials as they could make it smaller, instead of having just empty space.

They might have a target of 22nm CPU and GPU, so might not be until late 2013 or sometime 2014 for slimmer version but they could bring it forward if they wanted to with the intended design, through three options, make PSU external or use a lot better cooling or make it slightly bigger than what there intended design was. Who knows if they choose, the last option, they might also release a smaller version still sometime in the future once technology allows it to go to PS2 Slim size. It all depends on if they can shrink the Cell down this year or not if there is a chance of a slimmer version coming out this year. I think it is Sony's interests especially with Wii U coming out to freshen things up.

 

[Tornado]

They are constantly trying to revise hardware, we are on the 3rd version of the current slim already. Sony have averaged about one per year since release of the original PS3 regarding hardware revisions.

A hardware revision isn't remotely the same thing as a console redesign. By that logic, Sony redesigned the original Playstation 6 times before bringing out the PSOne.

The final PS2 slim had the PSU back integrated into it. They constantly want to make it smaller and especially with the PS3, it is more important as it is still quite big and they could make it quite a bit smaller and cheaper to produce and sell it at a lower price point. They could always stick to the current design but it might be a waste of raw materials as they could make it smaller, instead of having just empty space.

So again, this isn't something you know or can act like "it's only a matter of time" about. This is something you're assuming will happen but are saying is definite anyway while only looking at half of the facts/costs.

I think it is Sony's interests especially with Wii U coming out to freshen things up.

I think it's in Sony's best interests to see how the Wii-U actually does on the market before they commit huge sums of money to redesigning, rebranding and repositioning the PS3 on the market a second time, with all the risks that doing such entails.

 

[E28]

That's absolute genius right there. end the rivalries between the systems and we the consumers benefit greatly from an awesome system.

Actually, the consumers will suffer because the only rivalry will be the Wii U, and Sony and MS won't be trying to produce a better console than each other. Things get better because of competition, not worse.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

A hardware revision isn't remotely the same thing as a console redesign. By that logic, Sony redesigned the original Playstation 6 times before bringing out the PSOne.

That is why I used the term hardware revision. Once they get it small enough, they can think about doing a console redesign, half the power consumption of the original slim could be a good reason for doing one.

So again, this isn't something you know or can act like "it's only a matter of time" about. This is something you're assuming will happen but are saying is definite anyway while only looking at half of the facts/costs.

It is the most logical outcome. It is to reduce costs for Sony, if the technology was out quicker, Sony would have done it by now.

Here is an article that might sway you:
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-12-new-playstation-3-super-slim-never-say-never-says-sony

I think it's in Sony's best interests to see how the Wii-U actually does on the market before they commit huge sums of money to redesigning, rebranding and repositioning the PS3 on the market a second time, with all the risks that doing such entails.

It is money in Sony's pocket making a cheaper PS3 to produce. That is why Sony actively do hardware revisions, even the latest slim had some cosmetic changes which made it look cheaper and some removal of led lights. They will just replace the current PS3 with the newer model, like how the original PS3 did. People like the latest stuff, they might get one for the sake of it, I will get one for power efficiency and coolness (Temperature hopefully will be low).


By the way, CECH-4000 FCC filing has been found out today pointing towards a new PS3, this time it might be a new redesign as it looks like it has different casing than the current slim from a picture. Interesting stuff, will look forward to Gamescom.

 

[Tornado]

It is money in Sony's pocket making a cheaper PS3 to produce.

You are, still, completely ignoring actual costs with a console redesign and the risks entailed. It's not simply a matter of "less materials = more profit;" especially not when the difference in material costs is so much lower than, say, removing hardware from the system (as they did with the original PS3 over the years).

Here is an article that might sway you:
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-06-12-new-playstation-3-super-slim-never-say-never-says-sony

That just tells me that internet journalism is pretty terrible these days when they got what basically amounts to a "No comment" from the guy they asked and reported that one was likely coming out anyway.

They will just replace the current PS3 with the newer model, like how the original PS3 did.

That's not remotely what happened when they replaced the PS3 with the Slim.

By the way, CECH-4000 FCC filing has been found out today pointing towards a new PS3, this time it might be a new redesign as it looks like it has different casing than the current slim from a picture. Interesting stuff, will look forward to Gamescom.

What a lucky break. Now you don't have to bother explaining where you pulled all of this stuff from yesterday, which was the only thing I wanted you to do in the first place.

 

[Saidur_Ali]

You are, still, completely ignoring actual costs with a console redesign and the risks entailed. It's not simply a matter of "less materials = more profit;" especially not when the difference in material costs is so much lower than, say, removing hardware from the system (as they did with the original PS3 over the years).

The die shrink is usually where the big savings are. There is a reason why Sony try and change all the time the console and do slimmer models when it makes sense. The postives far outweigh the negatives in my opinion and that is why slim models are attractive. They have to do a pretty bad job, to put people off, like the current slim, quite a lot of people did not like it but it still sold and design grew on people. If they make it more attractive than the current slim, then it will sell well.

That just tells me that internet journalism is pretty terrible these days when they got what basically amounts to a "No comment" from the guy they asked and reported that one was likely coming out anyway.

He said never say never. It is difficult to answer the questions for a reason, there is something that might be confidential that he has to hide.

That's not remotely what happened when they replaced the PS3 with the Slim.

What happened then?

What a lucky break. Now you don't have to bother explaining where you pulled all of this stuff from yesterday, which was the only thing I wanted you to do in the first place.

Like the person I responded to partially with my reason, I also noticed price drops and then price increases once all stock sold out, that is how I got the feeling they might make a new PS3 and retailers may have been given the heads up. Nothing about being a lucky break, it follows logic, no die shrink of Cell for ages, 28nm RSX die shrink was definately on cards, it is a matter of when, not if in my opinion. There is articles already pointing towards it too.

 

[BWX]

My PS3 has been acting slow in GT5 since this last update. Installing parts takes longer, just everything takes longer. Browser is much more apt to locking up.

I wish I could go back.

EDIT* Above post refers to 4.20, I didn't realise 4.21 was out. Just randomly checked 5 min ago and updated to 4.21

 

[Tzun]

Do you have good ways to clean the slim like the inside of it?

 

[Samus]

Do you have good ways to clean the slim like the inside of it?

Can of compressed air. Only real way to clean the inside of any electronic equipment safely.

 

[Ddrizle]

Optional 4.21 firmware now live.

 

[BWX]

With 4.20 my PS3 will NEVER shut itself off after 5 hours like it always has. I se t both settings to 5 hrs but my PS3 always stays on.

I haven't looked at notes for 4.21 but I just noticed there's a 30 min setting for controller auto-off feature where it was only up to 20 minutes last time I looked.

*goes to read notes*

 

[premhz]

You are, still, completely ignoring actual costs with a console redesign and the risks entailed. It's not simply a matter of "less materials = more profit;" especially not when the difference in material costs is so much lower than, say, removing hardware from the system (as they did with the original PS3 over the years).


That just tells me that internet journalism is pretty terrible these days when they got what basically amounts to a "No comment" from the guy they asked and reported that one was likely coming out anyway.


That's not remotely what happened when they replaced the PS3 with the Slim.


What a lucky break. Now you don't have to bother explaining where you pulled all of this stuff from yesterday, which was the only thing I wanted you to do in the first place.

A bit off topic given the thread title, but just a side note to let you know Tornado that a ultra slim PS3 is certainly on it`s way. My prediction is for it to land in time for the XMAS rush.
It is also making news in the general PS3 thread too. But here is a link for you
http://www.cnet.com.au/sony-to-release-a-slimmer-ps3-slim-339340802.htm

Knew there was a reason behind the sudden price drops, Sony obviously think it is worth the effort to make a slimmer slim.

Cheers Phill

 

[Ridox2JZGTE]

Do you have good ways to clean the slim like the inside of it?

Is it still under warranty ? If it is, I suggest to use what SimonK said, a can of compressed air, although this won't really clean the inside. The power supply is at the back part where you plug the cables, the fan is at the left middle section, the exhaust cooling vent from back of the fan is directly covered by the power supply. The HDD cover is down below the Bluray drive, there are small holes there but you need to take out the HDD if you want to really clean this section.

If your PS3 is out of warranty already, it's safe to just open the top cover, from there you can take out the big fan safely and easily, as well the power supply. You can clean the exhaust fan assembly and rear vent - this is where most of the dirty stuff are, as it is in front of the power supply. No need to take out the Bluray drive or the board underneath the fan, usually they are still clean, just blow it with a can of compressed air, wipe the grime clean around the fan assembly.

I ran my PS3 with top cover open, I put them back when I turned it off, never secured it with the screws again. Every 3 months or so, I took out the fan and the power supply to clean them from dust, nothing much, due to this my PS3 runs cool all day and the fan always at slow initial boot up speed, even when running days no end. Just to let you know it's not difficult to open the PS3 slim and it's safe if you know what to do.

This will get you to know a bit more :

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/PlayStation-3-Slim-Teardown/1121/1

 

[BWX]

With 4.21, my 5 hr. shut-off works now. Browser is a little more stable than 4.20, but not great, lot's of websites still completely freeze PS3 completely. It's like Windows 95.. lame.

GT5 menus were very slow and not working great at all with 4.20, 4.21 seems to have fixed that.

 

[CodeRedR51]

So I just downloaded the YouTube app and can't get it to work. The first few times I tried I just got a black screen. After I reset the console, now I just get a little spinning thing down in the corner like it's loading and nothing else.

 

[BubbleBelly542]

So I just downloaded the YouTube app and can't get it to work. The first few times I tried I just got a black screen. After I reset the console, now I just get a little spinning thing down in the corner like it's loading and nothing else.

That's odd. Worked fine for me. The only problem I have that isn't very big is the videos don't look as good as my phone or laptop and I believe they are only 720p if that, where my TV is 1080p. But maybe that's because they aren't 37".

To my knowledge there are also not comments or description shown anywhere.

It's very cool though.

 

[TheDabbinDave]

That's odd. Worked fine for me. The only problem I have that isn't very big is the videos don't look as good as my phone or laptop and I believe they are only 720p if that, where my TV is 1080p. But maybe that's because they aren't 37".

To my knowledge there are also not comments or description shown anywhere.

It's very cool though.

It figures, SONY has become experts at doing things half assed.

 

[BubbleBelly542]

It figures, SONY has become experts at doing things half assed.

True that. Though isn't this kind of on YouTube?

Also, music is choppy at times. Music that sounds fine on a laptop freezes then catches up. It's new so I guess there can be updates.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Just realized there was a system update. Downloaded and reset, still not working.