E3 flasher

So I've wanted to mod a PS3 for a while, so I'm wondering which model is to attempt this on...

I've looked around on the PS3DEV wiki SKU models, and was thinking that a cech2102a would be the best option, or to simply go to a FAT model but not sure if that's wise or not. I mainly just want to be able to play games from the Hard Disk, just like my XBOX and XBOX 360. Disc drives are pretty loud for my liking especially recent releases.

What would be the best revision for me go through? My current PS3 is undowngradable as it's a CECH-3002A model

 

From my point of view, I think the best downgradable ps3 are the 2100 and the 2500 (with a minvrchk inferior to 3.55) because both have the lowest die shrink.

 

I was aiming for the same models too, or around that. Thanks for your input, now not sure where to get my E3 from :/

 

I've bought mine on Aliexpress. Working fine, downgraded few PS3 (Slim 2K and Fats with NOR) using NOR clip.

 

this is something i have also been checking into.What is the reason for not using the Fat? i was wanting to do this with my launch model as the disc drive is getting quirky.

 

this is something i have also been checking into.What is the reason for not using the Fat? i was wanting to do this with my launch model as the disc drive is getting quirky.

 

Fat's are notorious for the YLOD, especially the first few models with PS2 backwards compatibility.

 

Can you remember how much you paid for it, if you don't mind me asking?

 

About ~90$ but it was year ago.

 

Is it required to use the downgrade dongle?

 

I got one on Aliexpress for around $50AUD a month or two ago, came with everything needed.

Didn't work but hey..

 

I think it'd be a better idea to just get an already CFW system. E3 flashers and another PS3 works out the same price as buying a complete CFW system in box.

 

No, dongle is required only when you're doing downgrade using "old patches". New patched doesn't require dongle. Also new patches doesn't require HDD format

 

You are correct a PS3 and an E3 flasher will cost about the same as purchasing a console that is already running CFW.
But if you get an E3 flasher you would then have the option to sell it after you have downgraded the console and re-coup most of the money.
Another advantage is if you happen to brick the console you have the tools to re-flash it yourself.

I have kept my E3 flasher and my NandX just in-case any of my consoles ever get bricked.

 

That's good to hear then. So for example if a PS3 is on 4.50+ can just flash directly with E3?

I had that solution in the back of my mind as well, and the added bonus of learning something new. Only step I think... and possibly have trouble with is dump verification. Everything else I think I'll be fine with.

 

The dump verification is very simple. There is software available to verify the dump for you.
It is also a good idea to manually check the dump yourself with a hex editor just to be sure.

 

Only if minimum firmware isn't greater than 3.56 (You can check minimum/factory firmware with "MinVer Check" PUP).

 

I researched the part of the process, the Hex editor part looks very confusing to me though. The software apparently isn't accurate or something...

Yep, I'm aiming for a 2Kxxx2A series anyway.

 

Verifying the dump manually with a hex editor is very simple.
I actually created my own program to help me verify my dumps.

If I show you a screenshot of the program that I created and explain a little about it, I'm sure you will find the verification process fairly simple.




In the left window is a dump from a CECHK model console open in HEX view.
In the right window you see a list of offset buttons.
Each of those offsets are what you need to check and the corresponding values are what you should expect to see for a CECHK model.
So basically you need to search through the hex file, looking at each of those offsets for the particular values.
The program that I have created just makes the process much quicker and easier by allowing you to quickly jump to each offset and highlights the values for you.

If you see in the screenshot, I have clicked on the offset 00000200 button. It shows the value should be "49 46 49" and as you can see in HEX view, the value is highlighted.
So you basically check the values at 19 different offsets in the HEX file.
If the values all match up, then your dump is good.

I hope that explains it a little bit for you.

 

I think I understand (more than I did before anyway) how would I know which values I should expect for a CECH-2002A? It will the model I'm looking for mostly, and I have my eye on one currently.

Had a look at this table, but I don't think I understand it... http://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Validating_flash_dumps

Probably over thinking this maybe.