The Most Reliable PS3 Model, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the model you think is the most reliable!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:56
In the gaming world, the reliability of a console can greatly enhance the experience of players, ensuring they spend more time in immersive gameplay rather than troubleshooting hardware issues. For those who cherish their gaming collection, particularly with vintage systems like the PS3, knowing which model stands the test of time can be invaluable. This list serves as a crucial resource for both new buyers and seasoned collectors aiming to make an informed decision.
By casting your vote on the most dependable PS3 model, you contribute to a broader community input that guides potential buyers. Your experiences can shape the purchasing choices of others and ensure they get great value and lasting performance from their consoles. As votes accumulate, we see real-time trends emerge that reflect the true resilience and popularity of each model.
What Is the Most Reliable PS3 Model?
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166votes
Evan-Amos · Public domainPlayStation 3 Slim
SonyThe PS3 Slim is considered the most reliable model due to its bigger hard drive, less overheating issues, and a quieter fan. There are also fewer reported instances of YLOD (Yellow Light of Death) errors.The PlayStation 3 Slim is a more compact and streamlined version of Sony's popular gaming console, the PlayStation 3. It was released in 2009 as a successor to the original PS3 model.- Dimensions: 11.4 x 2.56 x 11.42 inches
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
- Processor: Cell Broadband Engine
- GPU: NVIDIA RSX
- Storage: Multiple options available: 120GB, 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, 500GB
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248votes
Evan-Amos · Public domainPlayStation 3 Super Slim
Sony Computer EntertainmentThe PS3 Super Slim is the newest model, which means that it has the latest hardware revisions, including a better cooling system. It's also the smallest and lightest model, making it more portable.The PlayStation 3 Super Slim is the latest model of Sony's PlayStation 3 video game console. It was released in 2012 as a successor to the previous models of the PS3. The Super Slim model is smaller, sleeker, and more energy-efficient compared to its predecessors.- Dimensions: 11.4 x 2.4 x 9.1 inches (290 x 60 x 230 mm)
- Weight: 4.6 pounds (2.1 kg)
- Storage Capacity: Available in 250 GB and 500 GB versions
- CPU: Single-chip custom Cell Broadband Engine
- GPU: RSX 'Reality Synthesizer'
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321votes
PlayStation 3 320GB
SonyThis model has a larger hard drive than the original PS3, which means that it can store more games and media. It's also less prone to overheating and has a quieter fan.The PlayStation 3 320GB is a gaming console released by Sony. It is a more reliable model of the PlayStation 3 with a larger storage capacity of 320GB, allowing for more game installations and media storage. It offers an immersive gaming experience with high-definition graphics and a vast library of games. The PS3 320GB has built-in Wi-Fi for online gaming and streaming services, as well as support for Blu-ray movies. It also comes with a wireless controller for seamless gameplay. The console is known for its sturdy build quality and longevity.- Storage Capacity: 320GB
- Graphics: High-definition
- Wi-Fi: Built-in
- Media Support: Blu-ray
- Controller: Wireless
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414votes
PlayStation 3 500GB
Sony Computer EntertainmentThis model has the same benefits as the 320GB version, but with a larger hard drive. It's also been reported to have fewer issues with overheating and fan noise.The PlayStation 3 500GB is a gaming console developed by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was released in 2012 and is considered one of the more reliable models of the PS3. It comes with a built-in storage capacity of 500GB, allowing users to store a larger number of games and media. The console supports both physical discs and digital downloads, providing flexibility in gaming options. With its powerful Cell Broadband Engine processor and advanced graphics capabilities, the PlayStation 3 500GB delivers an immersive gaming experience. It also includes the PlayStation Network, which enables online multiplayer gaming and access to various entertainment services. The console supports high-definition gaming and is compatible with Blu-ray discs, allowing for stunning visuals and enhanced media playback. Additionally, it offers HDMI output for seamless connectivity to modern TVs and home theater systems.- Storage Capacity: 500GB
- Processor: Cell Broadband Engine
- Graphics: Advanced
- Gaming Options: Physical discs and digital downloads
- Online Features: PlayStation Network
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510votes
PlayStation 3 CECH-2001A
Sony Computer EntertainmentThis model has a redesigned motherboard that uses less power, which means that it runs cooler and has fewer issues with overheating. It's also less prone to YLOD errors.The PlayStation 3 CECH-2001A is a model of the PlayStation 3 gaming console. It was manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment and released in 2009. This model has gained a reputation for being one of the most reliable versions of the PS3.- CPU: 3.2 GHz Cell Broadband Engine
- GPU: NVIDIA RSX
- RAM: 256 MB XDR Main RAM, 256 MB GDDR3 VRAM
- Storage: 120 GB Hard Drive
- Optical Drive: Blu-ray/DVD/CD drive
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610votesThis model has the same benefits as the CECH-2001A but with a larger hard drive.The PlayStation 3 CECH-2501A is a model of the PS3 gaming console that was released by Sony. It is known for its reliability and was one of the more reliable versions of the PS3 console.
- Model Number: CECH-2501A
- Release Year: 2010
- Processor: IBM Cell Broadband Engine
- Graphics: NVIDIA RSX
- Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
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717votes
PlayStation 3 CECH-3001A
Sony Interactive EntertainmentThis model is newer than the CECH-2001A and CECH-2501A and has a better cooling system, making it less prone to overheating.The PlayStation 3 CECH-3001A is a gaming console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is a slim model of the PlayStation 3 line-up, featuring a sleek design and improved energy efficiency. The console was released in 2011 and is considered one of the most reliable PS3 models.- Processor: IBM 'Cell' Broadband Engine
- Graphics: NVIDIA RSX 'Reality Synthesizer'
- Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
- Storage: 160GB/320GB/500GB (depending on variant)
- Media: Blu-ray, DVD, CD
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86votes
PlayStation 3 CECH-4001C
Sony Computer EntertainmentThis model has a smaller hard drive than some of the other models, but it's still considered reliable due to its improved cooling system.The PlayStation 3 CECH-4001C is a gaming console that is part of the PS3 Slim series. It was released by Sony Computer Entertainment in 2012 and is known for its reliability and improved design.- Model Number: CECH-4001C
- Release Year: 2012
- Storage Capacity: Up to 500GB
- CPU: 1.6 GHz Cell Broadband Engine
- GPU: RSX Reality Synthesizer
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96votesThis model is similar to the CECH-4001C but with a larger hard drive.The PlayStation 3 CECH-4201C is a model of the Sony PlayStation 3 gaming console. It is a reliable and popular iteration of the PS3, offering a range of features for gamers.
- Processor: Cell Broadband Engine
- GPU: NVIDIA RSX
- Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
- Storage: 250GB or 500GB Hard Drive
- Optical Drive: Blu-ray / DVD
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101votesThis model is the newest PS3 model and has the latest hardware revisions, including a better cooling system, making it less prone to overheating and fan noise.The PlayStation 3 CECH-4301C is a gaming console developed by Sony. It is part of the third generation of the PlayStation 3 models and is widely considered to be one of the most reliable versions of the PS3.
- Model Number: CECH-4301C
- Processor: IBM Cell Broadband Engine
- CPU Clock Speed: 3.2 GHz
- Graphics: NVIDIA RSX Reality Synthesizer
- GPU Clock Speed: 550 MHz
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Discussion
Ranking factors for reliable model
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Launch model vs. Slim modelThe launch model of the PS3 is known for having several issues such as overheating, YLOD (yellow light of death), and disc drive failure. Whereas, the slim model was released later on and addressed these issues significantly.
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Age and usage of the consoleThe age and usage of the console can also play a significant role in its reliability. A well-maintained, lightly used console is likely to be more reliable than an older console that has been heavily used.
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Number of reported issuesThe number of reported issues for a specific model could be an indicator of its reliability. Models that have a higher number of reported issues are likely to be less reliable than those with fewer issues reported.
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Warranty and repairsThe availability of warranty and repairs can also affect the reliability of the console. Models that have a longer warranty period or are easier to repair may be more reliable in the long run.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable PS3 model. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or model is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3386 views
- 190 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each model once every 24 hours. The rank of each model is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most reliable ps3 model
The PlayStation 3 (PS3) was released in 2006 and quickly became a popular gaming console. However, over the years, some users reported issues with their PS3 such as overheating, freezing, and the infamous "Yellow Light of Death." Sony, the manufacturer of the PS3, made several revisions to the console in an effort to address these issues. The most reliable PS3 model is considered to be the "Super Slim" version, which was released in 2012. This model has a more efficient cooling system and is less prone to overheating and hardware failures. If you're looking to purchase a PS3, consider going for the Super Slim model for the most reliable gaming experience.
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