Upgrading HDD in ps3

[Tesla]

hi all

 

looking to upgrade the HDD in my ps3, anyone gone about doing this before? How easy was it? Does the backup before back everything as you'd expect (game downloads, add ons etcetc)?

Is there a specific HDD i should look to buy?

How long does the entire process take?

 

Thanks in Advance.

[Michael]

I did this years ago, but had to start again from scratch, unless you can save game saves to the cloud? Actual game downloads/installs would have to be re-installed.

 

On the original PS3 it takes minutes. It's just a standard SATA 2.5" drive, but I guess (in theory), you could also use a Solid State 2.5" drive to speed up game loading.

[MrPstv]

I upgraded my sons PS3 with a 1tb hard drive, i used my ps3 to connect and clone all of his data using patch cables.You will require an additional ps3 and a spare hard drive...can't remember what the make or model the hdd was but it was recommended via the tinterweb..

[Tesla]

i do currently have a psplus subscription, so stuff does go to the cloud, i don't know how much.... sounds like a right pain, i dont have a spare ps3 knocking about lol.

[korifugi]

I've done my Sis-in-law's when she got a cheap 'arcade' one.

 

Physically swapping the drive over is very easy, literally a two minute job, then there's a bit of a wait while the firmware sorts itself out.

 

Then - reinstalling and updating can take a while, but is exactly the same as when you first installed the games.

 

Game saves can be copied off on to USB media or up to the PSN cloud storage before upgrading (well, most of them) and just put back later once you've upgraded.

[sted]

can you shove the old drive in a usb caddy and copy it back that way? or even use something like ghost to clone it?

[Michael]

can you shove the old drive in a usb caddy and copy it back that way? or even use something like ghost to clone it?

 

You can't, as Sony use a custom format last I tried. I think it's something Linux based, but it isn't readable in a PC or Mac.

[DCUK6]

Wasnt hard but takes a while for the backup to take place.

 

Upgraded to a SSD and was a complete waste of time. Disappointed on the small improvements if any.

[computer_expert]

You can't, as Sony use a custom format last I tried. I think it's something Linux based, but it isn't readable in a PC or Mac.

 

I think it's probably encrypted as well

[Michael]

I think it's probably encrypted as well

 

Most probably yes - wouldn't surprise me if it's linked to the hardware it's installed/formatted on. I think this is probably why many 'enthusiasts' struggled to jailbreak the PS3 with latter firmware versions.