PS3 Need a definitive answer on PS3 65nm RSX

[SquiglyDiggly]

I've got the option to buy a Cechk for a good price and the SKU on the devwiki says its 65nm RSX, I'm aware of the Nec/Tokin capacitors having a chance to fail compared to tantalums and I have the option to buy a 2500 slim for slightly more but I much prefer the looks of the fat model so I'm looking for a definitive answer on how reliable the 65nm RSX is. Is there any real difference in heat output from the 65 to 40nm? Will I have any worries about overheating issues or is it simply the Nec/Tokin capacitors that could cause issues and even then be replaced? Just can't find a lot on reliability on this model fat and the reliability of the 65nm chips so any real concrete information on how a 65nm ps3 fat compares to a 2500 slim would be great in terms of failure rate and reliability.

 

[Sampsonay]

I've got the option to buy a Cechk for a good price and the SKU on the devwiki says its 65nm RSX, I'm aware of the Nec/Tokin capacitors having a chance to fail compared to tantalums and I have the option to buy a 2500 slim for slightly more but I much prefer the looks of the fat model so I'm looking for a definitive answer on how reliable the 65nm RSX is. Is there any real difference in heat output from the 65 to 40nm? Will I have any worries about overheating issues or is it simply the Nec/Tokin capacitors that could cause issues and even then be replaced? Just can't find a lot on reliability on this model fat and the reliability of the 65nm chips so any real concrete information on how a 65nm ps3 fat compares to a 2500 slim would be great in terms of failure rate and reliability.

65nm RSX uses reliable underfill material just like the 40nm, so both are reliable and the difference in operating temps between the two doesn't matter. I recommend watching this video in full, but 1:18:50 talks about the 65nm RSX specifically if you're interested:

 

[GuilloteTesla]

In my experience, the CECHK is good compared to the Slim 2500 only if it's in good conditions, for a very low price and IF (and only IF) the Slim 2500 is not CFW capable.

 

[SquiglyDiggly]

In my experience, the CECHK is good compared to the Slim 2500 only if it's in good conditions, for a very low price and IF (and only IF) the Slim 2500 is not CFW capable.

The 2500 slim has a date code of 0C which according to devwiki is CFW (Hackable it says) so would you say the 2500 slim is the better option? Its about a $20 difference and they are both in great condition from the photos I've seen and both have warranty seals so I'd have to clean them myself.

 

[GuilloteTesla]

I have two used Slim 2500 models and have been running flawlessly for over 3 years after a good clean + repaste.

On the other hand, my brother has a new CECHP model (which has the 65 nm processors) that was used a lot and got the YLOD.

It's hard to say, but I would go with the Slim models unless we are talking about full BC or semi BC model, like CECHA/B and CECHC/E models.

But it's up to you and your budget.

 

[Raidmax]

CECHK would be my vote. Aside from the caps, there isn't much to go bad on those 65nm phats. Maybe the NOR chip but that's been quite rare lately. (haven't seen much corrupt VTRM-region units around.)

 

[SquiglyDiggly]

65nm RSX uses reliable underfill material just like the 40nm, so both are reliable and the difference in operating temps between the two doesn't matter. I recommend watching this video in full, but 1:18:50 talks about the 65nm RSX specifically if you're interested:

So you would say that the 65nm CECHK is fine and on par with 2500 slim?

 

[Sampsonay]

So you would say that the 65nm CECHK is fine and on par with 2500 slim?

Id argue the K model would probably be more reliable than the 2500 model after replacing the tokin capacitors. Its motherboard has modular USB ports and Wifi / BT… where the slim models have those soldered directly to the motherboard and shorted out wifi chips seems to be a common failure point on those.

 

[GuilloteTesla]

Id argue the K model would probably be more reliable than the 2500 model after replacing the tokin capacitors. Its motherboard has modular USB ports and Wifi / BT… where the slim models have those soldered directly to the motherboard and shorted out wifi chips seems to be a common failure point on those.

But the BD drive is not swappable on the Phat models, you have to remarry it to the console if the logic board is damaged. So, it has some pros and cons.

 

[Sampsonay]

But the BD drive is not swappable on the Phat models, you have to remarry it to the console if the logic board is damaged. So, it has some pros and cons.

The bd circuit being fully integrated on the slim board is just more non modular components that cant be easily replaced if they fail. Remarrying is easy.

 

[GuilloteTesla]

The bd circuit being fully integrated on the slim board is just more non modular components that cant be easily replaced if they fail. Remarrying is easy.

Remarrying is not easy. A single mistake could render your console unsuable (i.e. updating the FW while on FSM, which is the most common mistake that's being made time and time again, even with lots of tutorials, videos and guides). It's not a noob-friendly nor a "press one button" solution, and it also requires CFW which not everyone likes it or uses it.

And having the BD logic board integrated into the motherboard means less chance of failure (because everything is handle by less or even one integrated component), no issues in ending in a boot loop after a FW update, and the possibility to simple change the BD drive for another one without having to go into FSM.

If the integrated BD logic board dies, then it means the motherboard has suffered major issues, even some other components damaged or burned out.