Just got PS3, what to expect?

I got an used PS3 with a Sony controller, they said it powers on then shuts down. For $25 I didn't think it was too bad so I got it. I took it apart and found lots of dust bunny so I cleaned them (none sticky so it was not from a smoker) and I also replaced thermal grease with AS5 that I usually use in my computer. Cleaning the heat sink block was a bit hard with all those fins but I got probably 95% of the dust out.

I have not powered it yet, and frankly I don't know what to expect since this would be my first PS3 console. It is CECHE01 model but has 160GB hard drive so it's probably upgraded. The memory card slot cover is missing, the hinge is still there though. It simply looks like the cover popped off the hinge due to weak glue or something.

Anyway

1. How do I connect PS3 controller? There's no cord but it looks like USB cable with mini plug on one end and standard plug on other end might work?
2. What's a good way to test the system without PS3 game?
3. How can I tell if it's working good or if it's about to go YLOD?
4. Where would I get the memory card cover? eBay only has whole top shell (shipping in USA) and it's costing too much just to get a flap.
5. Assuming it all works fine, would PS2 games look better with HDMI or do I stick with older A/V port?

 

Looks like its YLOD. If u have a heatgun, u can google youtube for some self repair....also I will suggest u go for the CECHA01 which offers FULL PS2 hardware emulation instead of the CECHE01 model which does software emulation.. but the price its like paying for the 160GB hard disk.

 

1. PS3 controllers are Bluetooth. The USB port is for charging (and syncing with a PSP, but don't worry about that now)

2. To test the system, just jump on PSN and download a game. Dust514 and DC Universe are free, among others.

3. Keep it on, keep playing a game. If it seems stable you got a $25 PS3, if it dies, it dies.

4. I dunno

5. It upscales, so go ahead with the HDMI. AV to a CRT will usually yield better results for PS2/1 games though.

 

In case the controller is unsync'd with the console, booting with the controller plugged in the ps3 via a mini-usb cable re-sync the console/controller together. This could be required if the batteries are long dead in the controllers.

 

3. Simple. If fan starting to get really loud after, like, 5 minutes, that means that CPU, GPU or both of them are overheating. PS3 overheats -> PS3 turns off -> repeat several times and PS3 is dead. If you want to prevent this, you need to replace thermal grease between heatspreaders and CPU/GPU crystals. Search on YouTube for "PS3 IHS".

 

Just adding info to the PS3 controller syncing- sometimes, especially if swapped between multiple consoles, it can be a bitch to get it reconnected. Repetition and patience are all I can say.

Memory card covers are those kinds of parts that everyone throws away, and so end up being over-priced on eBay by some asshole company that collects them.
If you still have the hinge, chances are that the cover is actually broken off. IIRC you could remove the entire cover, hinges and all (for whatever reason) but they often just broke before you even thought of it.

 

hmmm it seems most people never have noticed the tiny hole on the bottom of all ps3 controllers ....... .
the reset for the sync is in there, just use a needle or similar

 

Mind blown.

Why wouldn't they make that a larger, noticeable, documented and well known button?

 

This!

And that!

 

oh and to add to the thread:

you very likely got already a YLOD. wont hurt to see for yourself. just turn it on and if it quickly goes to yellow - then red, its dead.
in most cases its then the cheap solder below the gfx chip having not enough contact anymore.

if it would be a BC ps3, i would straight ahead say to get it properly reballed. here are a few good console repair services, all doing it for 60-70 €.

but as its not a bc ps3, its your choice to spend more money on it and get it properly fixed (usually will last then forever with proper solder balls) or torture it on your own with a heatgun for some temporary fun (YLOD for sure again after a while).

but just heat the gfx chip, usually theres no prob with the main processor.

 

Maybe because Sony assumed people would RTFM? But no one reads the manual anyway and has to do the hard way to resync the controller.

Anyway, plugged the power and video cable and turned on the main power switch, then pressed the front power button. Yep it's dead. Goes to yellow then flashing red. No video comes up at all. I'll probably keep the 160GB HD and toss the PS3 for the wolves to gobble on eBay. An earlier PS3 with hardware PS2 support would be desirable anyway.

The only "heat" gun I have is a hair dryer, it'd be going as is.

EDIT: OTOH if I find a PS3 motherboard from CECHA01 cheap and working, could I just swap mobo in mine? Or is the internal different and nothing lines up?

 

I think the optical drive and the mobo are "married" and you'd have to be able to execute code or install a custom firmware to fix this, so the mobo would have to be of an old fw, below 3.55 ideally.

 

Bah easier to get a whole working PS3 then.
EDIT: found a guide on YLOD repair, there's a mention that faulty power supply can cause YLOD. Since I am hard of hearing I can't listen if the fan kicks in or not. Is there a way or do I need to take it apart and look at the fan?