Help! Been having issues with older model PS3...

[RYJAPE21]

I have an older model of the PS3 (20GB) which I got back when they first released them a few years ago; I've had zero problems with it until just recently: whenever I play a BD or a videogame the picture will suddenly freeze. I can hear the disc skipping around and oftentimes I am forced to shut the PS3 off manually because it is entirely frozen. Sometimes the screen goes black or the image will shudder and there's nothing I can do for it to continue.

Has anyone else encountered this problem? Could the system be overheated? (which doesn't make much sense given the fan). The first time it happened was when I was watching a blu-ray disc and I just assumed the disc was faulty (especially when I was able to watch a full DVD afterwards) but then today when I tried a videogame the same thing happened (as well as a fresh BD). Anyone know what this problem could be or how to fix it? Any info would be much appreciated, thanks.

[Wingman1977]

Sounds like your BD drive is going bad.

[jamclaur]

if it's the laser there's a replacement guide here: https://forum.blu-ray.com/blu-ray-ga...ual-video.html


If you're worried about over-heating you could do, like I do, and put a small table fan behind the PS3 to supplement the cooling. Also, I use canned air on my PS3, but only when it's been running for a while and the fan has kicked in. You don't want to push the dirt back into the system. But if the fan is blowing it works out a little better.

Some people suggest a vacuum but I haven't had much luck with that.

[RYJAPE21]

Thanks for the replies. I'll try the additional fan method (the console has felt hotter than usual).

It could be the laser though since a DVD played fine all the way through but I'm hoping that's not it. I've unplugged the console and in a day or two I'll try again to see if anything changes.

[jamclaur]

Originally Posted by RYJAPE21

Thanks for the replies. I'll try the additional fan method (the console has felt hotter than usual).

It could be the laser though since a DVD played fine all the way through but I'm hoping that's not it. I've unplugged the console and in a day or two I'll try again to see if anything changes.

also, you didn't mention one, but don't use those intercooler things. I hear they're not really good for the system. Just the table fan should be fine... along with making sure it has room to breathe.

[DeathByAsh'aman]

I just replaced the thermal compound on the Cell and RSX a few days ago. I was shocked to see how terribly it had been done originally. Might be something you will want to look into.

[BluHavik]

Originally Posted by RYJAPE21

Thanks for the replies. I'll try the additional fan method (the console has felt hotter than usual).

It could be the laser though since a DVD played fine all the way through but I'm hoping that's not it. I've unplugged the console and in a day or two I'll try again to see if anything changes.

I had a 60gb that went through lasers like crazy, dvd's would work fine. That's how you know it's the BD laser. Finally broke down and got a 80gb. I hope I'm wrong but sounds like the laser is going out. As said though it is possible to replace one on your own if your interested.

[RYJAPE21]

Originally Posted by BluHavik

I had a 60gb that went through lasers like crazy, dvd's would work fine. That's how you know it's the BD laser. Finally broke down and got a 80gb. I hope I'm wrong but sounds like the laser is going out. As said though it is possible to replace one on your own if your interested.

Really, geez... Yeah I'll see if the problem continues and then look into getting a new laser. Hopefully they're not too pricey.

[langn08]

Originally Posted by RYJAPE21

Really, geez... Yeah I'll see if the problem continues and then look into getting a new laser. Hopefully they're not too pricey.

Around $50, compared to Sony RAPING you at $150

[Navster]

Originally Posted by langn08

Around $50, compared to Sony RAPING you at $150

Sony raped me for $150

But i'll get them back