This is some extra information that has been gathered while using a playstation 3 that may not be aparent to newcomers. You can consider it a FAQ if you want.

There's currently two models still in production; a 40gb and 80gb. Aside from the disk size there are several differences in the two. The 80gb is typically bundled with a game. It still uses the larger 90nm processor while the 40gb uses the smaller 65nm die. The smaller size uses less power, generates less heat, and is less expensive to manufacture. The 80gb supports ps2 backwards compatibility in software while the 40gb has no ps2 backwards compatibility. The 80gb has 4 usb ports and memory card readers. The 40gb only has 2 usb ports and no memory card readers. Although it's trivial to buy a usb hub and memory card reader.

Additionally under the hood the 40gb model has been redesigned. Not only does it have a smaller processor, the hard drive is mounted differently, and some of the firmware is stored on the hard drive. In all other models the firmware is stored solely in the PS3's internal memory. Having some of the firmware on the hard drive does make upgrading the hard drive a little more complicated but not by much.

SCEA recently announced replacements for the current 2008 models. An 80gb version which has the “same features as the 40gb” (ie no backwards compatibility) but with an 80gb hard drive and dual shock controller for the same US$399 price. Later on during the Games Convention in Europe a 160gb bundle was announced that has the same feature set as the brand new 80gb (again, no backwards compatibility) but with a 160gb hard drive and game bundled with it. Effectively by the end of 2009 there will be no backwards compatible PS3s still in production.

The main interface on the ps3 is called the Xross (pronounced “cross”) Media Browser or XMB. Currently, aside from playing games the ps3 can also play music and video files including divx and mpeg4. It can also access streaming media servers such as those included in the latest windows media player.

Short answer, it tests the fans. In the new 40gb model only there is a diagnostic function called the fan test. It brings the fan to full speed, knocking loose any dust that's inside. Although it's been up for debate as to the usefulness of it or that it may even damage the system by running it, a lot of confusion stems from the type of fan test performed. This is the proper way to do a fan test on a 40gb ps3

• power off the ps3
• once you see the red “standby” light on, hit the power switch on the power supply next to the cord
• while holding down the eject “button” turn the power switch back on.
• You'll hear the fans kick in
• after about 30 seconds or so the fans will automatically turn off and you'll hear 3 beeps
• after you hear the beeps again turn off the powersupply, wait a few seconds and turn it on
• you can then power on your ps3 like normal

While not mentioned in the manual, people have been instructed to do this by customer support and that it doesn't hurt to run it every so often. The argument against doing it is the excess wear it does on the fans. As long as you only do it no more than every month or two there shouldn't be anything to worry about. Keep in mind though that there are millions of PS3s out there where the owners never do such a test and never have any issues.

The other method to test the fans (for 20gb, 60gb, and 80gb models) is to turn the ps3 upside down (vertically the status lights are towards the bottom instead of the top) and running folding@home or something to work the processor. Essentially causing the fans to kick into full speed. This is NOT the fan test. It is purposely overheating the ps3 to cause the fans to run. Needless to say this should never be performed as it can damage your system. This is where the confusion happens because both the correct method and this method are called “the fan test.” While one is pretty safe, the other definitely isn't.

The hard drive was purposely designed to be user replaceable. This allows you to either replace a bad drive with a good one or even upgrade the hard drive.

The physical format of the drives are 2.5“ (laptop), 5400 RPM, SATA drives. Typically the drives are in the Seagate Momentus line. While the drive only has to be a 2.5” drive with a SATA interface it's a good idea to match up the other parameters as well. A good source for these drives are from newegg.com. Just search for “Seagate Momentus” to view them. Drive size doesn't matter but you should compare the different sizes against their price to determine the best value for price. Again, it's possible to use a 7200 RPM or even a solid state drive but the benefits to these are marginal at best, and can cost more. Also the 7200 RPM drives, which spin the internal drives faster, can also generate more heat. Again this typically hasn't been an issue with regards to drives or PS3's failing sooner.

Before replacing the hard drive it's a good idea to backup the current drive. You'll need an external USB drive that has been formatted to FAT32 filesystem. The drive should be size of all the saved data on the current system (give location on where to check disk space). It's also a good idea to have the latest firmware version link to support page on a usb flash drive. For some systems it will be required while initializing the new drive.

By far the most important data on the system is the save game data. Any games or movies that were purchased in the playstation store can be redownloaded for free. Install game data can also be reinstalled. Also the actual system settings are important just for time saving. Unfortunately the back up tool is an all or nothing type of backup. If you find you don't have enough space on the backup drive you can try deleting the installed game data and any demos and downloaded games purchased through the playstation store.

While there are plenty of how-to's on the internet arguably the best source is from Sony themselves. Go to their PlayStation 3 manuals page and download the appropriate manual under “Safety and Support” for your model of PS3. While the basic steps are the same the specifics have changed between some models.

Some things to keep in mind while replacing the drive. Ensure you have the proper set of small phillips head screwdrivers. There have been several reports of users stripping the screws during disassembly. If you use a small screwdriver that fits correctly in the screw you shouldn't have any problems. Recommendations are a small-medium screwdriver for the blue screw that holds the drive into the PS3 and then a smaller screwdriver for the screws holding the drive in the caddy.