Old PS3, repair or replace?

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jflail2
jflail2 Posts: 2,868
edited September 2013 in Video Games
Gents:

During my move into the new house, I discovered my first PS3, tucked quietly away in a closet. I can't remember exactly what was going wrong with it, but I think it was simply the BRD drive not playing discs. This is one of the original models, with a very small 60gb HD, and rather large in size.

I've done some reading, and it looks like Sony would fix it for about $175 including shipping. I can get a new one for about 90 bucks more. Just curious if anyone has had any luck with having their PS3 repaired, or if I'd just be throwing money at a bandaid.

I hate for it to go to waste, but I also don't want to put more money into a rather old console.
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  • jeremymarcinko
    jeremymarcinko Posts: 3,785
    edited August 2013
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    Yes just replace it.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited August 2013
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    Is that one of the PS3s that also played SACDs etc.? Because you might want to rethink that if you have an "early" model. Some claim the features on those early units were a little better than the player that followed.

    I'm not sure if this is true or not. Because I've never seen an early model.

    cnh
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  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited August 2013
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    Sounds like folks are leaning towards replacement. CNH, I'm honestly not sure if it does or not, as I don't own any SACD's (I know, shame on me.) It was definitely an early model, and I think it did do "everything" now that I think about it.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited August 2013
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    jflail2 wrote: »
    Sounds like folks are leaning towards replacement. CNH, I'm honestly not sure if it does or not, as I don't own any SACD's (I know, shame on me.) It was definitely an early model, and I think it did do "everything" now that I think about it.

    It should say somewhere on it, I think. And also, those models had 4 instead of 2 USB ports, I believe. But if you don't do SACDs it probably does not matter.

    cnh
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  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    edited August 2013
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    cnh wrote: »
    It should say somewhere on it, I think. And also, those models had 4 instead of 2 USB ports, I believe. But if you don't do SACDs it probably does not matter.

    cnh
    These fat PS3 60 gig are also backward compatible for the older Playstation games from the PS1 and PS2!!!!:smile:
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,071
    edited August 2013
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    Just wait it out and get a PS4 or Xbox One?
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,722
    edited August 2013
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    That's still my favorite model of PS3, I would replace the drive and keep it
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  • Dabutcher
    Dabutcher Posts: 2,591
    edited August 2013
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    Buy.com via Ebay has a new 500GB model w Assasins Creed III game package today for $229.99 shipped. Great deal! Or wait til January 1st for PS4? Long way off if you ask me? Good luck. D
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  • rtart
    rtart Posts: 817
    edited August 2013
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    If it is indeed a SACD capable machine (4 USB ports) and it is indeed the BD drive that failed, I'd consider buying a BD drive on eBAy and repair it. I've seen them for $10 to $15. Easy fix and directions on Youtube.

    Here's a link to help you identify it: http://www.ps3sacd.com/faq.html#_Toc180147566
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,071
    edited August 2013
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    Dabutcher wrote: »
    ...Or wait til January 1st for PS4? Long way off if you ask me?...
    PS4 is coming out in November. Maybe even October according to this link.

    http://www.gottabemobile.com/2013/08/14/ps4-release-date-could-beat-xbox-one-by-a-month/
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

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  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited August 2013
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    So it sounds like I could do the repairs myself for much cheaper. I've found a couple BRD listings on Ebay, and it looks like it would run about 60 bucks:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-PS3-PLAYSTATION-3-BLU-RAY-BLU-RAY-DISC-DRIVE-KES-KEM-400A-KES-KEM-400A-WORKS-/321181864306?pt=US_Video_Gaming_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item4ac7ee5172

    And yea, I think the best route would be for me to attempt a repair at home (I built my HTPC myself, so it can't be that hard), and if that doesn't pan out, just wait for the PS4.

    Thanks for the input gents. Let me know if you think of anything else.
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  • eeagle
    eeagle Posts: 226
    edited August 2013
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    My vote is repair...the whole reason I bought a PS3 was for the Blu-Ray and SACD capability, I'm not a gamer....can't believe Sony the main champion of SACD has dumbed the new models down. Lot of repair help out there, just google.

    I'll be interested to see what the PS4 has to offer.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,722
    edited August 2013
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    You still haven't told us which version you have, does it have 4 USB ports or 2?
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  • Devlon
    Devlon Posts: 355
    edited August 2013
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    Look on the back of your PS3 near the serial#. Is it a model CECHA01? If so you have a jewel there. That's what I have. For 130.00 Sony sent me a special shipping box. Then issued a call tag and picked it up. Repaired, and completely updated it, and then returned it in about 10 days. It has worked flawless since then. If you have a CECHA01 you want to keep it because:

    1) It is backwards compatible with all PS1, PS2 games
    2) It plays SACD
    3) It has a chip card reader that plays most all camera card formats
    4) It has 4 USB ins so it can handle up to 4 players

    Many consider this the best model of all the PS3's. I wouldn't worry about the 60gb hard drive either. So, you have to load a game or movie past the 60gb. No biggie. Also, larger hard drive replacements are available if needed
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  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited August 2013
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    Yup, that's the exact model Devlon. 4 ports, sacd compatible, the whole 9.

    Ok, so maybe repair this, amd then pick up a ps4 in a few months as well. Food for thought....
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  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited September 2013
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    Following up here, anyone know of a reputable source for replacement drives? I've found a few on eBay, but have had terrible luck there in the past...also can't tell if I should go for just the laser or the whole shebang....
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