Buying a PS3, what's the recommended model?

[Zman2k2]

So I'm replacing my old blu player with a PS3. Interested in some of the games, as my daughters' cousins now have a PS3, and they can game together online. My plan is to load the games on the HDD, and save the wear on the disc drive.

What's the recommended procedure here? Buy the 160Gig PS3 and swap in a bigger HDD later, or buy the 320Gig and stick with it for a while? Not really interested in Move, so probably will skip that option.

First purchases with the system are LBP and GT5.

[groovyone]

I am using over 160GB on my PS3 now, so you may want to consider the 320GB. I am pretty sure that is the ONLY difference between the two. You could get the 160GB and add a 500GB drive later since prices keep dropping. It just depends on how much you want to go the easy way (320GB) or plan on upgrading later if needed.

[Zman2k2]

Oh, okay, so the only difference is the HDD. Thanks for that. As for replacing HDDs, I assume it's similar to replacing one in a computer, so I'm not worried about screwing it up. Just finding the right type of HDD. But I'm sure that info is kicking around here somewhere.

[Rike255]

Just fyi you can't load any game onto the hard drive, only some games have optional/mandatory installs.

If you don't want the Move, I recommend you buy the 160GB model and if you want more space than that just buy a bigger drive. 160GB so far has been more than enough for my music, a few movies, and a lot of game data.

[Drew664]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

Oh, okay, so the only difference is the HDD. Thanks for that. As for replacing HDDs, I assume it's similar to replacing one in a computer, so I'm not worried about screwing it up. Just finding the right type of HDD. But I'm sure that info is kicking around here somewhere.

I replaced my 60gb HDD with a 300gb (I think, can't remember! ) and it was very easy to do so. The only thing I remember being a pain, is that the HDD was secured by a little blue screw that stripped verrrrrryyyy easily. I'm not sure if they have replaced this particular screw in newer models, but watch out for it if/when you do it.

[Zman2k2]

Originally Posted by Rike255

Just fyi you can't load any game onto the hard drive, only some games have optional/mandatory installs.

If you don't want the Move, I recommend you buy the 160GB model and if you want more space than that just buy a bigger drive. 160GB so far has been more than enough for my music, a few movies, and a lot of game data.

Really!?! Well, that changes my opinion on which one to get. I thought you could load the disc on the HDD, and just put the disc in the drive for proof you have it, and play it off the HDD, like the Xbox360. But if you can't load games, then I'm probably not going to use a huge amount of the HDD. I can save myself a bit of money up front, and upgrade later if need be. Thanks for the info Rike255.

[TheZoof]

I have an old 60gb model. I still have enough spacee and that includes GT5 8gb and Rock Band 13 gb.

ENJOY!

[Xerios]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

Really!?! Well, that changes my opinion on which one to get. I thought you could load the disc on the HDD, and just put the disc in the drive for proof you have it, and play it off the HDD, like the Xbox360. But if you can't load games, then I'm probably not going to use a huge amount of the HDD. I can save myself a bit of money up front, and upgrade later if need be. Thanks for the info Rike255.

get the 160gb slim

its quiet

its enough space to download PSN games (so you dont use the drive that much)

and you can always upgrade the HDD like everyone else stated... i took my old 60gb to a 320gb but now they make 500gb 2.5 sata drives =)

[Mavrick]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

So I'm replacing my old blu player with a PS3. Interested in some of the games, as my daughters' cousins now have a PS3, and they can game together online. My plan is to load the games on the HDD, and save the wear on the disc drive.

What's the recommended procedure here? Buy the 160Gig PS3 and swap in a bigger HDD later, or buy the 320Gig and stick with it for a while? Not really interested in Move, so probably will skip that option.

First purchases with the system are LBP and GT5.

Well you cant load games to the HDD of any ps3 unless you jailbreak it, and right now that costs money and effort.

Many still consider the original 60gb model to be the best thats ever been released. But there mostly the serious gamers and the like. But for your needs any of the newer models would be fine. And swaping out the HDD couldnt be any simpler.

[Rike255]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

Really!?! Well, that changes my opinion on which one to get. I thought you could load the disc on the HDD, and just put the disc in the drive for proof you have it, and play it off the HDD, like the Xbox360. But if you can't load games, then I'm probably not going to use a huge amount of the HDD. I can save myself a bit of money up front, and upgrade later if need be. Thanks for the info Rike255.

Yep, that'll save you a bunch of space. I own about 30 disc games + 15ish full PSN games + a lot of demos and with all the installs/saves/game data for those I've probably used around 60-70GB.

Of course I usually opt out of optional installs (like GT5) because I don't really mind the load times.

[Zman2k2]

Great information everyone! Thanks for all the quick responses. I'll probably pick up the 160GB model now. I think that will cover my needs perfectly. Much appreciated everyone.

[dtrush]

When you go to the store you'll want to make sure on the side of the box it says it's a 2501 model. 2501A = 160gb, 2501B = 320gb model. This has the smaller graphics chip inside to help on heat. I doubt you can still find a 2001 in the store but you want to steer clear and check just in case. Those are 120gb & 250gb I believe.

By far, of the three machines I own the original 20gb unit is my absolute favorite as it backwards compatable and is very super quiet surprisingly. My friends with original 60gb models can't believe it and a couple of friends YLOD recently which pushed them into 160gb models which they love. The 20gb model uses twice the power than my 320gb Move slim which I got for testing purposes as mentioned above. I have the slim in an enclosed area in the entertainment center and I don't worry about it overheating. Overall it's a great unit and I know you'll be happy about it.

See sig for the models I have.

[Mavrick]

Originally Posted by dtrush

When you go to the store you'll want to make sure on the side of the box it says it's a 2501 model. 2501A = 160gb, 2501B = 320gb model. This has the smaller graphics chip inside to help on heat. I doubt you can still find a 2001 in the store but you want to steer clear and check just in case. Those are 120gb & 250gb I believe.

By far, of the three machines I own the original 20gb unit is my absolute favorite as it backwards compatable and is very super quiet surprisingly. My friends with original 60gb models can't believe it and a couple of friends YLOD recently which pushed them into 160gb models which they love. The 20gb model uses twice the power than my 320gb Move slim which I got for testing purposes as mentioned above. I have the slim in an enclosed area in the entertainment center and I don't worry about it overheating. Overall it's a great unit and I know you'll be happy about it.

See sig for the models I have.

I haveto say the originals are by far the best you could get. The componants used were very good, but expensive. I belive pre owned 60gb models still sell for over £300 they are very much in demand. My 60gb has worked perfectly since day 1. Its whisper quiet and has all the extras, multiple memory card readers 4 usb ports, backwards compatibility.Im dreading the day it dies on me

[Rike255]

TC, if you're not looking to play PS2 games, Linux (OtherOS), or SACD support then I suggest you stay away from the original fat models. New models are more reliable, more efficient, quieter, and smaller than the old guys (although I prefer the glossy look of the old models).

[Matt S]

I purchased the 80 gig version that came out with MGS4 bundle - has all the extra ports, backward compatibility, rumble controller and has had no issues of any kind!

[Amazing808s]

If your a gamer and have PS2 games, I would recommend getting the original 60gb model with PS2 backwards compatibility.

[BluStation 3]

If you are already planning on buying GT5, Best Buy has a GT5 160gb bundle for $350. You also get a blu-ray movie (Grown Ups) with it too. So save yourself $10 buying the bundle and you get a free movie also.

[kingofgrills]

I would recommend buying a brand new 160 GB model. Necessary hard drive space will largely vary due to how you use the machine. The PS3 allows anyone to easily swap the hard drive. If it turns out you need more than 160 GB of storage, you can swap it for a 320 or 500 GB drive really cheaply.

[PirateBooty]

I don't know if it's too late but Best Buy has the 320GB PS3 GT5 Bundle for $350. I haven't seen any good deals since the $100 gift cards a couple weeks ago.

[Zman2k2]

Thanks for looking out for me all! I would love to get the BB bundle. Unfortunately, I'm in Canada, and we don't have that bundle here. But I will look around for a bundle that offers some sort of deal. There must be something out there.

I'm not much of a gamer, my daughter uses the gaming systems more than I do, so I don't think searching for a backwards compatible system is necessary for me. I haven't picked up the Xbox360 controller in a couple months, but my daughter plays regularly. I am interested in the Media Center possibilities though, so I'm going to play with that once I get it. And I looked it up, and a 500GB HDD for the PS3 is $70 right now. Pretty sweet if I decide to expand.

Thanks again all. You rock.