PlayStation 3 Model Guide

PSx Compatibility

Newer PS3 models generally have larger hard drives, but older models feature unique backward compatibly for PS2 games.

All PS3 models are backward compatible with PSone games. However, only the original model features backward compatibility with PS2 games. Even then, most original models are only backward compatible via software emulation, meaning that not every PS2 game is supported. However, the original 60GB version features internal hardware that allows it to run nearly every PS2 game without a hiccup, so if you’re really interested in backward compatibility, that is the version to hunt down.

Model numbers can be used to determine if a PS3 is backward compatible. These numbers are found on the bar-code sticker on the back of the console right after the serial number.

• 60GB model numbers that begin with CECH-Axx are fully backward compatible.
• 20GB models that begin with CECH-Bxx, 60GB models that begin with CECH-Cxx, and 80GB models that begin with CECH-Exx are backward compatible via software emulation.
• Original models (Phat9 that include G, J, K, L, M, P, and Q in the model number are not backward compatible with PS2 games but are compatible with PSone games.
• None of the Slim or Super Slim models are backward compatible with PS2 games but are compatible with PSone games.

PS3 models

• Original Model (Phat) – This is the first model that Sony released in November 2006. They released versions that included various hard-drives sizes, including: 20, 40, 60, 80, and 160GB versions.
• Slim Model – In September 2009, Sony started releasing this slim model, which has a case that's 32 percent smaller than its predecessor, 36 percent lighter, and consumes about a third less power. You can choose between 120, 160, 250, and 320GB versions of this model, but the Slim only supports PSone emulation.
• Super Slim model – In September 2012, Sony released this version of the PS3, which was roughly 25 percent smaller and about 20 percent lighter than the first Slim model. The Super Slim also features a sliding disc cover rather than the slot-loading drive found on previous PlayStation 3 consoles. You can find 250 and 500GB versions of this system on the market. This is the only model currently sold in traditional retail stores. Like the original Slim model, the Super Slim only supports PSone emulation.

Find the Sony PS3 model number

To locate the model and serial number of the PlayStation 3 system, look on the back of the system and locate the bar code sticker. Underneath the bar code you will see the 11-digit serial number followed by the model number which begins with "CECH".

PS3 Super Slim:

• CECH-4001B
• CECH-4001C

PS3 Slim:

• CECH-2001A
• CECH-2001B
• CECH-2101A
• CECH-2101B
• CECH-2501A
• CECH-2501B
• CECH-3001A
• CECH-3001B

PS3 Phat:

PS3 Serial number model guide

PS3 Firmware - FAQ

Q So what is this CFW thing and how does it work?
A CFW basically means Custom Firmware and it enables you and your PS3 to do things it wasn't intended for.

Q Ok, I'm all hyped up for this, what are the pre-requisites?
A All you need is a PS3 running 3.55 (To check Settings>System Settings>System Information).

Q But I've heard something about an Infectus chip which can help me downgrade?
A The method exists, but is very complex and demanding. Newbies should absolutely avoid this method or find someone who can do it for them. The guide for this can be found at THIS PAGE. Also, this guide can be used to fix the PS3 Brick caused by Waninkoko's CFW.

Q) Which is the best CFW, 'cause I see a lot of names around here? (Geohot, Kmeaw, Waninkoko, etc.)
A) Excellent question. My personal recommendation is to install the kmeaw CFW, as there is absolutely no chance of bricking your console since it does not patch your lv2.

UPDATE:- If you want OtherOS++ Support along with some other perks such as the Package Manager by Team Rebug, I would recommend PS3A Revision 2 Custom Firmware

Q) What about Rebug CFW?
A) Though it enables many debug options in your PS3, it is not of much use to an average user and so I wouldn't prefer that.

Q) lv2? What's That?
A) I will not go into the specifics, all I will tell you is in order for you to play 'backups' you need a CFW that has peek/poke capability which is a pre-requisite for you to run a backup manager.

Q) Backup Manager?
A) The 'program' on your PS3 that loads the 'backups' for you to play.

Q) So... if lv2 is not patched, what am I supposed to do?
A) When the first CFW was released you needed to run a program called lv2patcher on PS3 startup to play, but now all backup managers incorporate auto-lv2 patching so you don't have to do anything. So, as long as you have the latest version of your favorite backup manager, you'll be fine.

Q) So, now how to install this CFW?
A) Ok, I will outline the basic steps and you'll be fine (NOTE:- IF YOU ARE ON 3.56 DO NOT EVEN DARE ATTEMPT THIS)

1) Download PS3 3.55 Kmeaw CFW from the Sticky thread.