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[Raistlin]

False.

Some of today's 7200rpm drives run cooler than older 5400

Certainly. However, you need to verify the particular model you are looking at does in fact run cooler. Just assuming it does because it's a recent model is not a good idea.

 

[LiK]

More or less. Mostly because you don't have enough twisting leverage, and some of the screws are tight enough (not everyone's are) where trying to apply enough pressure and twist with the with the small handle will cause it to strip, since the bits aren't designed for those screw heads.

darn it Jim, i was just about to buy those jewelers screwdrivers...now i need to search again

 

[Mejilan]

Same.

 

[Raistlin]

I'm not sure why you're all saying 'darn it Jim'.

You should be thanking him.

 

[Deus Ex Machina]

Certainly. However, you need to verify the particular model you are looking at does in fact run cooler. Just assuming it does because it's a recent model is not a good idea.

As of now there isn't any 7200 drive that cause heat related issues for PS3.. its just a bunch of poor gamers spreading this crap around that don't want to spend the extra bucks for slightly better performance.

 

[mintylurb]

I'm not sure why you're all saying 'darn it Jim'.

You should be thanking him.

Dang it Jim! Anyway, listen to Mr. Moderator. I also have those precision screw drivers and man it was real pita to get them screws out. I ended stripping my screws but not completely. So, what I did was tape around the handle with some masking tape so I can get a better grip. After that I was finally able to unscrew them darn screws.

 

[LiK]

I'm not sure why you're all saying 'darn it Jim'.

You should be thanking him.

oh, i am. i was saying "darn it" in a loving way.

 

[Goldrusher]

hdd requirements:

• 2.5" SATA (aka a laptop hdd)
• 9.5 mm height
• speed: 5400 rpm or faster
• cache: 8MB or more
• size/capacity: as much as you want

screws:

• use the biggest fitting screwdriver you have, and use one that looks "too big" before trying with a smaller one
• use pliers to loosen them a bit, if the screwdriver you have messes them up

back-ups:

• the backup utility backs up everything, except for the user info, which is stored on the PS3 itself
• you can't use a backup from one PS3 on another PS3

installing the new drive:

• you might need a "storage medium" containing the latest system software, which can be found here: http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/SystemUpdates/PS3/pc_update.html

There you go, all the info you need. I think.
Feel free to put it in the OP...

 

[The Faceless Master]

Has anyone put their factory ps3 hdd into an sata enclosure? I just bought a $7 enclosure off ebay for s's and g's. It's only 40gb but I think I'll leave it in my backpack and use it for school shit and emergency porn

i have my factory PS3 (60GB) and 360 (20GB) HDD's in Western Digital Passport enclosures.

 

[Mejilan]

I'll revise the OP accordingly when I get off work later tonight.
Thank you.

 

[Wolffen]

Quoting myself:
And I grabebd a SAMSUNG M6 Series HM320JI 320GB 5400 RPM 8MB last year for $99. Works perfect. Quiet. Already half full, lol.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152111

That's the exact same thing I picked up right before Christmas for $60 shipped. After all the warnings about the screws I was expecting something awful, but mine came out with a breeze. I used a ratchet driver with a good sized philips head bit and every screw came out easy.

I read several people in the other HDD upgrade thread saying their PS1/PS2 saves didn't move over, but mine did (I'm on the latest firmware if that makes any difference) as part of the backup/restore utility. All in all, it was a super painless upgrade except for me fucking up by being a dumbass and running the factory restore instead of the restore option under "backup", which reset my PS3 back to factory settings.

 

[Pristine_Condition]

OP, buy a set of precision screwdrivers if you want to ensure you don't strip the screws. Something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BDDG8Y/?tag=neogaf0e-20
(You only need #0, and maybe #1 too, so any set with those should be fine).

The screws are absurdly tight. I actually put my screwdriver in a vice so I could use both hands to twist the drive casing before I got it off. No wonder so many people strip the screws.

I think there are a couple clarifications to be made here:

Don't use a "jewelers" or "precision" screwdriver with those tiny, thin metal handles. That's why you had to mess with the vice to get enough torque. If you use a larger handle diameter, you can get plenty of leverage/torque. That's just basic physics at work. You won't think the screws are too tight if you use a better screwdriver handle. Believe me, the first two swaps I did were with precision screwdrivers, and I definitely had to "break" the initial grip of the screws with a needlenose to avoid stripping. Since I switched to a larger-handled set, I haven't had to do it.

I use a set designed for use with electronics construction/repair, with a handle that is about twice the size of a precision driver, but still has the little piece on the top of the handle that spins. My set is the "5 Piece ESD Safe Screwdriver Set" by General Tools Mfg. Co. (Pt. No. 713, UPC 22170) which I bought from Fry's Electronics for around $15.

Also, the #0 screwdriver size is actually too small. You can get the job done in a pinch with that size, but you really risk stripping the screw more than if you use the PROPER SIZE, which is a #1. (#1 x 2-1/2" to be precise)

 

[ithorien]

I've upgraded my 20GB 3 days after launch, and as long as you have a tight fitting screwdriver with a relatively normal handle, and you're careful, I can't see how you'll strip the screws.

You unfortunately reminded me however that my 100gb is getting too small, but I don't have the cash to upgrade right now :/

 

[Durante]

I'd really suggest to just buy a good set of bits instead of a set of screwdrivers. Every man should have some good bits.
While you are at it, learn the difference between Philips and Pozidrive!

 

[LiquidMetal14]

I vote we keep this thread. If Mejilan can put on a good show like his CFW thread then this should be the one stop spot for PS3 HDD inquiries.

 

[Pristine_Condition]

I'd really suggest to just buy a good set of bits instead of a set of screwdrivers. Every man should have some good bits.
While you are at it, learn the difference between Philips and Pozidrive!

A #1 Philips bit works just fine, in my experience. I haven't ever felt like I needed a Pozidrive. I have a set of Pozidrive heads, so I might try one next time, just to experiment though, and I'll report back if it makes any difference.

I like bits too!

 

[LiK]

I think there are a couple clarifications to be made here:

Don't use a "jewelers" or "precision" screwdriver with those tiny, thin metal handles. That's why you had to mess with the vice to get enough torque. If you use a larger handle diameter, you can get plenty of leverage/torque. That's just basic physics at work. You won't think the screws are too tight if you use a better screwdriver handle. Believe me, the first two swaps I did were with precision screwdrivers, and I definitely had to "break" the initial grip of the screws with a needlenose to avoid stripping. Since I switched to a larger-handled set, I haven't had to do it.

I use a set designed for use with electronics construction/repair, with a handle that is about twice the size of a precision driver, but still has the little piece on the top of the handle that spins. My set is the "5 Piece ESD Safe Screwdriver Set" by General Tools Mfg. Co. (Pt. No. 713, UPC 22170) which I bought from Fry's Electronics for around $15.

Also, the #0 screwdriver size is actually too small. You can get the job done in a pinch with that size, but you really risk stripping the screw more than if you use the PROPER SIZE, which is a #1. (#1 x 2-1/2" to be precise)

thank you! i'll check this out.

 

[Mejilan]

So we need Pozidrive screwdrivers, not Philips?
See, this is the kind of thing I need to know. There's so much misinformation out there, especially about those precision/jeweler screwdrivers...

 

[Raistlin]

As of now there isn't any 7200 drive that cause heat related issues for PS3.. its just a bunch of poor gamers spreading this crap around that don't want to spend the extra bucks for slightly better performance.

Potentially

That said, heat issues actually depend on which PS3 rev you have. Also, in speed tests, the PS3 doesn't appear to really take advantage of the extra speed to any great extent ... so it doesn't matter very much.

At least that seems to be the case based on some of the tests that have been posted. Then again, not all HDDs are equal. There are 5400RPM as fast or faster than some 7800's.


I simply make the point because in my server (which has temp readings for each drive), I actually am seeing some relatively significant temp variance between my 'Green' drives, and my faster rotational speed drives.

 

[gcubed]

Leaning towards that 320GB 7200RPM 16MB cache Seagate over the lower-specc'ed 500GB Seagate...

i just upgraded my new 80gb to the 250gb 7200.3 Seagate wtih 16mb of cache. It is noticably faster then the stock drive when installing games (have tested a few between the 2 drives such as pain and wipeout, saves a few seconds)... i didnt really stopwatch any loading times though, i bought it for the space, not neccessarily the extra speed which the ps3 doesnt seem to really take too much of an advantage of

I researched teh shit out of 2.5" HDD's and the 7200.3 Seagates are rather quiet, dont use much power and dont produce much heat (i believe even less then some of the OEM 5400s depending on which one you have)

let me also say, i had 2 launch 60's, sold one for a profit since i didnt need 2, and replaced it with brand new 80gb that has 65nm cell/rsx. Holy balls its like half the weight, and now my cable box makes more noise then my ps3.

 

[Durante]

So we need Pozidrive screwdrivers, not Philips?

I just spent the last few minutes googling trying to confirm this. But I didn't find anything definite, just horrible stuff like "use a #1 philips/pozidrive" BRRRRR. This is an outrage - I'll open mine up and report back.

I haven't ever felt like I needed a Pozidrive.

Do you mean for PS3 or in general? Because generally, for pozidrive screws I find the torque and grip you can achieve using the correct pozidrive bit to be much better than with a philips bit.

 

[Raistlin]

• the backup utility backs up everything, except for the user info, which is stored on the PS3 itself

I may be nuts, but doesn't the backup actually fail to store PS1/PS2 virtual memory card saves?

If true, rememember to manually grab those.

 

[Pristine_Condition]

I just spent the last few minutes googling trying to confirm this. But I didn't find anything definite, just horrible stuff like "use a #1 philips/pozidrive" BRRRRR. This is an outrage - I'll open mine up and report back.

Do you mean for PS3 or in general? Because generally, for pozidrive screws I find the torque and grip you can achieve using the correct pozidrive bit to be much better than with a philips bit.

I meant for the PS3. I've found Pozidrive bits helpful in the past, especially with auto wiring/electronics, where some of those little screws are often a LOT tighter than the PS3 harddrive.

Thanks for checking on your machine... You do know how to identify a Pozidrive easily, right? It has a little "x" engraved in the screwtop, perpendicular to the cross of the drive slots. (I'm sure you do)

So we need Pozidrive screwdrivers, not Philips?
See, this is the kind of thing I need to know. There's so much misinformation out there, especially about those precision/jeweler screwdrivers...

The screw is supposedly Pozidrive. I've used a Philips #1 for over 10 swaps with no problems/stripping though, so it obviously isn't a deal-breaker if you can't find a Pozidrive.

Next time I do a swap, (which should be within the month) I'll try a Pozidrive, and see if that makes any difference.

 

[LiK]

So we need Pozidrive screwdrivers, not Philips?
See, this is the kind of thing I need to know. There's so much misinformation out there, especially about those precision/jeweler screwdrivers...

wha? i was just about to jump on a set with phillips. so confusing. lol

 

[Durante]

I just opened mine and investigated it
The screw heads are not pozidrive at all. They are Philips, and unlike most said previously, after some testing I would suggest a #2 Philips bit to screw/unscrew them.

(I don't get the whole problem though now that I tried it, they are easy to remove/replace with a philips #1 or #2 bit, and quite possible with a #0 or a pozidrive #0/#1)

Thanks for checking on your machine... You do know how to identify a Pozidrive easily, right? It has a little "x" engraved in the screwtop, perpendicular to the cross of the drive slots.

What! I will have you know that ...

(I'm sure you do)

... oh, that's alright then :lol

 

[Pristine_Condition]

wha? i was just about to jump on a set with phillips. so confusing. lol

The difference in Pozidrive and Philips is really pretty minor. They are both Philips properties, and Pozidrive is designed to be BC with Philips. The difference in machining is really pretty small.

Pozidrive bits/screwdrivers are generally more expensive, so if there isn't much practical difference in the real world, (I'll test this soon) I wouldn't worry about using a Philips bit of the proper size.

 

[Cheech]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136197

Installed that in my 40gb with no issues, seems good so far, though I haven't done much with it yet.

That's the exact drive I put in mine. I ordered it from Newegg as well.

I didn't need pliers for my screws, but you do have to use a Phillips with a head that fits the screws well. You also have to push HARD. I mean, gripping the system's other end with your other hand, and just CRAMMING the screwdriver into the screw with the other hand.

 

[Pristine_Condition]

I just opened mine and investigated it
The screw heads are not pozidrive at all. They are Philips, and unlike most mostly everyone said previously, after some testing I would suggest a #2 Philips bit to screw/unscrew them.

(I don't get the whole problem though now that I tried it, they are easy to remove/replace with a philips #1 or #2 bit, and quite possible with a #0 or a pozidrive #0/#1)

Thanks for checking! Awesome effort there. I know your fellow GAFers appreciate it.

Interesting you got a #2 to work. I was afraid it might not get deep enough into the screw head, so I've stuck with the #1. I didn't do the "graphite trick" to test the depth though, so if this works, and that size goes deep enough, that's good news. Next one I do, I'll test out the #2.

 

[LiK]

alright, thanks a lot guys, gonna go ahead with a phillips. every single guide online used one from what i've read. it can't be that bad if i'm careful twisting it. man, why did Sony make the screws so fragile if they allowed people to upgrade the HDDs? everything else looks like a simple process.

 

[Auron_Kale]

Thinking of picking this up next week: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136314

I've been entertaning the idea of upgrading my PS3 HDD for a while, but only now has it started to become an issue (I've got roughly 5gb free).

Definitely will be continually checking on this thread, so if I have any problems with the upgrade (though I doubt it), at least I know where I can turn to for help.

 

[Beardz]

You will need this

 

[MrTroubleMaker]

god info in this thread

 

[Raistlin]

Pretty much the same info that was in the last thread actually

 

[Wolffen]

Pretty much the same info that was in the last thread actually

But less pages to read through so far.

 

[Mejilan]

Pristine, Durante, you guys kick ass. Thank you so much.
I'll re-purpose the OP and consolidate all of your (and others') awesome info into a handy-dandy post, right at the top.

THIS is why threads like these on GAF can kick the shit out of pouring over Google results. *smirk*

 

[Durante]

I think this is the only place on the internet where you get the definite answer on the age-old question of whether the PS3 HDD screws are Pozidrive :lol

man, why did Sony make the screws so fragile if they allowed people to upgrade the HDDs?

The screws are not particularly fragile, and they are also not fastened inappropriately. I expected some major deficiency when I opened my PS3 but was disappointed. I seriously don't see how anyone who has ever used a screwdriver before and has some passable equipment could screw up here. (har har)

 

[Automatisch]

Are people still worried about 7200RPM drives? I've been using one for like a year and a half with no problems. There is a slight increase in speed, but to me it wasn't really that noticeable because I'm not really sure the PS3 takes advantage of it as much as a PC would anyways.

 

[LiK]

The screws are not particularly fragile, and they are also not fastened inappropriately. I expected some major deficiency when I opened my PS3 but was disappointed. I seriously don't see how anyone who has ever used a screwdriver before and has some passable equipment could screw up here. (har har)

good to know, some people's stories about stripping their screws terrify me.

 

[gcubed]

I think this is the only place on the internet where you get the definite answer on the age-old question of whether the PS3 HDD screws are Pozidrive :lol

The screws are not particularly fragile, and they are also not fastened inappropriately. I expected some major deficiency when I opened my PS3 but was disappointed. I seriously don't see how anyone who has ever used a screwdriver before and has some passable equipment could screw up here. (har har)

i am sure many people grabbed any phillips laying around, and stuck it in and twisted, when the head popped out they said, shit, i wasnt trying hard enough, and did it again, and again until it was stripped. If you're somewhat careful and using the right size, it's easy enough. The first time i did one, the blue screw was insanely tight in there

 

[user friendly]

I'm going to exchange my PS3 soon (long story), is it possible to restore my games/demos to the new system. I've already backed up all the data (19GB).

Last time I tried to do this I had to redownload all my PSN games/demos and I'd rather not have to do this again, as I only have a 60GB cap on my bandwidth.

Thanks for the potential help.

 

[gcubed]

I'm going to exchange my PS3 soon (long story), is it possible to restore my games/demos to the new system. I've already backed up all the data (19GB).

Last time I tried to do this I had to redownload all my PSN games/demos and I'd rather not have to do this again, as I only have a 60GB cap on my bandwidth.

Thanks for the potential help.

short answer... no

your restore will only restore ps3 saves that arent copy protected (which only a few are copy protected) you will have to redownload and reinstall all psn games as well as game installs, patches, etc. It blows... i just went through it.

Just remember to save your ps1 and ps2 saves seperately if you have them. The backup/restore only works fully on the same system.

Also, remember to deactivate your old system!

 

[user friendly]

short answer... no

your restore will only restore ps3 saves that arent copy protected (which only a few are copy protected) you will have to redownload and reinstall all psn games as well as game installs, patches, etc. It blows... i just went through it.

Just remember to save your ps1 and ps2 saves seperately if you have them. The backup/restore only works fully on the same system.

Thanks! I've gone through a few times now and it's really tiresome, but at least I know I'm not doing it wrong.

Also, remember to deactivate your old system!

Lol, yeah, I think I forgot on my 2nd unit and I couldn't on my first one since it wouldn't power up. I also have come across a weird problem when trying to get my trophies to show. I've synced before and after but I literally have to boot up each game for the trophies to show up in the trophy section of the XMB. It get's the job done but it just seems backwards.

 

[Manp]

Except for the weird WD Green drives. They're actually variable rate.



That, and if you set up your machine to spind down on idle, obviously it ain't running then (of course that isn't an option for PS3).

didn't know about the WD drives but of course i was referring to PS3 only (well, and games keep using the HDD so it wont idle anyway)

 

[gcubed]

Thanks! I've gone through a few times now and it's really tiresome, but at least I know I'm not doing it wrong.


Lol, yeah, I think I forgot on my 2nd unit and I couldn't on my first one since it wouldn't power up. I also have come across a weird problem when trying to get my trophies to show. I've synced before and after but I literally have to boot up each game for the trophies to show up in the trophy section of the XMB. It get's the job done but it just seems backwards.

hmm, i didnt have that problem in moving things. I just finished doing it last night actually... although it did take a good 20 minutes to sync my trophies back up on the new system.

 

[Pristine_Condition]

I think this is the only place on the internet where you get the definite answer on the age-old question of whether the PS3 HDD screws are Pozidrive :lol

True. GAF delivers, again.

Thanks again for checking on the Pozidriv thing.



Next thing we need are actual, concrete numbers on drive performance for the PS3. I'd like definitive answers on:

-System (Boot ect) performance vs. RPM/Capacity

-General gaming performance vs. RPM/Capacity (Using a few popular games)

-HD video performance vs. RPM/Capacity

-File transfer performance (gaming install and multimedia files) vs. RPM/Capacity

-Heat vs. RPM

-Noise vs. RPM



That way, people could finally get a good idea of what kind of performance increases they actually get when they go with a higher-speed drive, and whether those plusses are worth the minuses (more noise/heat, less capacity-per-dollar) to them.

I've done a ton of installs now, both 5400 and 7200, and even I can't really tell whether it's worth it, or whether the differences are just placebo effects. I lean toward the 5400 RPM camp, just because I'd rather have the capacity-per-dollar, and any performance gains have always seemed minor, if any.


Maybe this is something someone could investigate scientifically in 2009 in this thread.

 

[user friendly]

hmm, i didnt have that problem in moving things. I just finished doing it last night actually... although it did take a good 20 minutes to sync my trophies back up on the new system.

Alright, I must be doing something then. When I sync my trophies on my new systems it takes like 1 second and doesn't sync anything. But when my girlfriend syncs hers on her account it works perfectly. It doesn't matter really, thanks for your time.

 

[iFootball]

THIS LINK should help

OMG ... I LOL'd...

 

[LiK]

anyone using a 500GB HDD? any problems?

 

[gcubed]

True. GAF delivers, again.

Thanks again for checking on the Pozidriv thing.

Next thing we need are actual, concrete numbers on drive performance for the PS3. I'd like definitive answers on:

-System (Boot ect) performance vs. RPM/Capacity

-General gaming performance vs. RPM/Capacity (Using a few popular games)

-HD video performance vs. RPM/Capacity

-File transfer performance (gaming install and multimedia files) vs. RPM/Capacity

-Heat vs. RPM

-Noise vs. RPM



That way, people could finally get a good idea of what kind of performance increases they actually get when they go with a higher-speed drive, and whether those plusses are worth the minuses (more noise/heat, less capacity-per-dollar) to them.

I've done a ton of installs now, both 5400 and 7200, and even I can't really tell whether it's worth it, or whether the differences are just placebo effects. I lean toward the 5400 RPM camp, just because I'd rather have the capacity-per-dollar, and any performance gains have always seemed minor, if any.


Maybe this is something someone could investigate scientifically in 2009 in this thread.

they havent done comparisons in a while, but even with the comparisons, the most notable differences were when you upped the cache on the HDD. The new 7200's have 16mb of cache (not sure if you can get that in 5400's yet), so that is most likely where most of the improvement is coming from. Not sure of the PS3 filesystem structure, but one would assume you would HAVE to notice a difference between a stock drive and one of the newer faster 7200's as they are a rather decent step up in overall HD performance.

 

[Mejilan]

I've read tutorials (from Gamepro and others) that have done non-scientific stopwatch style tests and found that loads and boots generally increased by a near-insignificant amount when comparing 5400RPM drives with same-manufacturer 7200RPM drives. I'd imagine that a 16MB cache over an 8MB cache would make more of a difference. Granted, this was years ago. However, there's nothing saying that Sony won't revise their HDD protocols in future firmware revisions, "unlocking" performance increases. The price differences really aren't that dramatic, IMHO, and since full game installs are not on the table at the moment, I think I feel pretty comfortable buying a faster 320GB HDD for a little less cash than a slower 500GB HDD. Just IMHO.