PS3 Project RSX Boost: Overclock your Retail PS3 RSX Speeds (ps3 cfw only)

[cha0shacker]

If you are aware how OC and voltage works on silicon you know that a higher frequency at the same voltage still produces a higher wattage and therefore heat output. I didn't say higher voltage but higher current, which is given due to the higher frequency. Current is proportional to clock cycles, not voltage.
That's just how semiconductors function. More switching per second, more current used, more produced heat.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMOS

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPU_core_voltage

 

[xxjoeyxx]

It really shouldn't matter because the voltage/current draw is not being modified. This is an old school nvidia chip, before GPU boost that was introduced with maxwell. There is a max defined voltage for P0 clock state and it will not exceed that unless the vBIOS is modified. It comes down to the ASIC quality of the core and memory dies at this point. I'd argue proper cooling of the RSX is a way bigger factor in preventing degredation aka limiting the delta between system off and load operating temperature to minimize thermal cycling

Yes, the temperatures are really bad with the original fan control. The Playstation also has very little contact pressure on the cooler, a few washers do wonders.

 

[xxjoeyxx]

cha0shacker That's theoretically correct what you write. But raidriar isn't wrong either. In practice, if you have limited power, not much more electricity comes through, even with a higher clock,not the same "more electricity" like a open power surce and adjustable voltage.

 

[cha0shacker]

I mean i wouldn't want to degrade a product even faster when it degrades under stock settings. But that's your call to make.

 

[xxjoeyxx]

I mean i wouldn't want to degrade a product even faster when it degrades under stock settings. But that's your call to make.

Are the 40nm RSX known to break down like the 90 and 65nm RSX?

 

[cha0shacker]

Are the 40nm RSX known to break down like the 90 and 65nm RSX?

I posted above which ones are the defective ones.

 

[raidriar]

Are the 40nm RSX known to break down like the 90 and 65nm RSX?

90NM by far the most unreliable, 65NM got better and 40nm is pretty much bulletproof. 28nm is nearly passively cooled and the most reliable but not pin compatible with COK001/002

 

[cha0shacker]

90NM by far the most unreliable, 65NM got better and 40nm is pretty much bulletproof. 28nm is nearly passively cooled and the most reliable but not pin compatible with COK001/002

There are two 65nm models with the first one having the same issues as the 90nm version

 

[DOOMED86M]

Really enjoying testing this the past month in my free time. My slim is handling it just fine. I do use a thicker thermal paste, and thermal pads, so hopefully it holds out.

One thing I'm curious about, though. Is it possible to change the Vblank setting ? Similar to doing the same in RPCS3. I'd like to see how some games fair with their frame rates unlocked. With this overclock, something like Resistance 1 doesn't break a sweat, and locks to its 30 target. Would love to see how it goes with a 60 target.

 

[Paul Joseph Goldman]

Really enjoying testing this the past month in my free time. My slim is handling it just fine. I do use a thicker thermal paste, and thermal pads, so hopefully it holds out.

One thing I'm curious about, though. Is it possible to change the Vblank setting ? Similar to doing the same in RPCS3. I'd like to see how some games fair with their frame rates unlocked. With this overclock, something like Resistance 1 doesn't break a sweat, and locks to its 30 target. Would love to see how it goes with a 60 target.

Bro, what model is your SLIM, 20xx? 21xx? 25xx?
Could you say exactly (a photo if possible) where your thermal pads are?
Mine is a slim 25xx and there are hardly any thermal pads lol

 

[DOOMED86M]

Bro, what model is your SLIM, 20xx? 21xx? 25xx?
Could you say exactly (a photo if possible) where your thermal pads are?
Mine is a slim 25xx and there are hardly any thermal pads lol

My model slim is CECH-2503a (PAL UK).

There are only a few thermal pads from what I remember. I can't take a picture, as I only open the system when needed.
The slim has vastly better cooling properties than the fat models, and most chips are a lot smaller so there is less need for thermal pads. I only replaced mine as I had some spare. Thermal paste was essential, as the silicone stuff Sony used had turned to clay. The most important thing is to NOT apply paste as you would on a PC. There is a larger gap between the chip lid and heatsink here, so a thicker past and more of it is absolutely a must. On PC, you would try to not go crazy with paste, but for PS3 (all models) it's better to have more than not enough. Spread method is useless. Large dollop of thick MX-6 should work a treat.

 

[Paul Joseph Goldman]

My model slim is CECH-2503a (PAL UK).

There are only a few thermal pads from what I remember. I can't take a picture, as I only open the system when needed.
The slim has vastly better cooling properties than the fat models, and most chips are a lot smaller so there is less need for thermal pads. I only replaced mine as I had some spare. Thermal paste was essential, as the silicone stuff Sony used had turned to clay. The most important thing is to NOT apply paste as you would on a PC. There is a larger gap between the chip lid and heatsink here, so a thicker past and more of it is absolutely a must. On PC, you would try to not go crazy with paste, but for PS3 (all models) it's better to have more than not enough. Spread method is useless. Large dollop of thick MX-6 should work a treat.

I've looked online for pictures of thermal pads on the 25xx models and just can't find anything.

 

[milkdrinker333]

Hi everyone, I'm sorry this is a pretty basic question. I installed one of the overclock CFW files on my 2501A console, the speed was 600/750, and after playing for 15-20 hours my console crashed 3 times, I was able to turn it off with the power button, so I went back to regular CFW. Is it possible for me to manually enter different speeds so I can figure out the fastest stable speed for my console?

Would it be okay for me to install the .self files in the OP and test those out to see if they're stable? How do I go about installing a .self file, I only installed .pkg files in the past.

Thank you.

 

[Mitsu™]

Hi !

Does anyone here have been using overclock (600/750) for months (or more) ?
I was searching for reliables feedbacks about it.

Have tested it for a week now on my Slim 2004B (65nm RSX), temperatures are good (In game : CPU 49~54°C/GPU 51~61°C, fan speed : 38%) and some games get an appreciable boost.
Still, I wonder if a PS3 can handle this for a looong time.

 

[LuanTeles]

Hi !

Does anyone here have been using overclock (600/750) for months (or more) ?
I was searching for reliables feedbacks about it.

Have tested it for a week now on my Slim 2004B (65nm RSX), temperatures are good (In game : CPU 49~54°C/GPU 51~61°C, fan speed : 38%) and some games get an appreciable boost.
Still, I wonder if a PS3 can handle this for a looong time.

I'm using since day one, my system runs at (CPU 72C and GPU: 75) on XMB since 2012 hahah and with oc i didn't notice more heat, so its good, ofc most of the time i use webman dynamic fan control to take care of my temps.

I know i should replace the thermal paste, but i'm too lazy

 

[Mitsu™]

I'm using since day one, my system runs at (CPU 72C and GPU: 75) on XMB since 2012 hahah and with oc i didn't notice more heat, so its good, ofc most of the time i use webman dynamic fan control to take care of my temps.

Oh nice ! It's very reassuring ! Thanks !
Most of the time, peoples share their first impressions about OC and then...
So, it's not easy to know concretely how much this is safe or risky on long-term use.

I'll keep using it !
It really makes a significant difference, especially when combined with the use of an SSD.
I couldn't play without now x')

I know i should replace the thermal paste, but i'm too lazy

I was too xD
But in fact, it's pretty easy to do and with a good thermal paste (Arctic mx-4 is good enough), you'll have nice results.

 

[ashura]

Oh nice ! It's very reassuring ! Thanks !
Most of the time, peoples share their first impressions about OC and then...
So, it's not easy to know concretely how much this is safe or risky on long-term use.

I'll keep using it !
It really makes a significant difference, especially when combined with the use of an SSD.
I couldn't play without now x')



I was too xD
But in fact, it's pretty easy to do and with a good thermal paste (Arctic mx-4 is good enough), you'll have nice results.

i wanted to ask you mitsu, which SSD are you using? i was trying to purchase a crucial mx500 to have installed into it the latestr firmware available on that SSD and then after that to install that one, is that worth it? i am currently using a HDD under 7200 rpm my ps3 temps are on around CPU 64C and GPU 65C when i do play for more than 3 hours uncharted 3 at 45% fan speed on my ps3 slim currently on cfw 4.90 evilnat OC

 

[Mitsu™]

which SSD are you using?

A Samsung 870 Evo, 500Gb. 37,50€ on Amazon.

Spoiler

The Crucial mx500 seems to be a great choice too !

is that worth it?

Even if the PS3 can't use a SSD at full speed, this is still the fastest drive you can use with.
A SSD will produce less heat than a 7200 rpm HDD, a good point to consider.
In game, loading times are shortened and you'll have less pop-in, especially in open-worlds.
Of course, games will benefit more of it if copied/stocked on the SSD.

In term of reliability, a good SSD will last a looong time. A friend has been using one in his PS3 for years and it still works very well.

 

[ashura]

ohh thats great to know, thanks a lot Mitsu, i will give it a try with crucial mx500 and will see how it goes, also i will try to use an external usb ssd, for this one i will go with an adata SU650 under 960GB capacity due to that i have my games installed on an external hdd and i hope that may help as well to the PS3 to have a better performance in terms of loading the games and also any other benefits that this process may bring to the console

 

[Mitsu™]

ohh thats great to know, thanks a lot Mitsu, i will give it a try with crucial mx500 and will see how it goes, also i will try to use an external usb ssd, for this one i will go with an adata SU650 under 960GB capacity due to that i have my games installed on an external hdd and i hope that may help as well to the PS3 to have a better performance in terms of loading the games and also any other benefits that this process may bring to the console

With an external SSD, I'm not sure about the benefits.
PS3's USB ports (2.0) are slower than SATA port.

Approximately :
USB 2.0 port speed : ~57mb/s
SATA I port : ~150mb/s

Still, it's a good idea to backup your games on an external drive, just in case ┐⁠(⁠ ⁠∵⁠ ⁠)⁠┌