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

[ashura]

I see your point and I will always recommend 700/850 as the optimal OC for a PS3 (25**).
That said, if you want to keep the same core/VRAM ratio, that's not exactly how it works.

500 / 650 = 5 / 6.5 ≈ 0.7692 (ratio)

So, here :
VRAM= Core/Ratio = 700(MHz core) / 0.7692 ≈ 910 MHz VRAM.

700/900-925 would be better if you really want to stick to the original ratio.
(I still think that 700/850 is better, though :P )

Unrelated, but like Dhmhtrhs, I'm also testing underclocking. Not on a FAT, but on my main Slim (2504A). Why ? Well, just for fun ! ... No, that's not the only reason.
These days, I'm mostly playing PS1/PS2 titles, so I don't need any overclocking at all. I don't even need 500/650, as 400/550 seems perfectly stable (at least on this PS3, so try it at your own risks, as always :P).
I've observed approximately a -3°C drop on the RSX compared to 500/650 while running PS1 titles, with no drawbacks so far. I also tested some PS2 games, and the results were the same.
You might think that a ~3°C reduction isn't worth it, but I've seen crazier and riskier mods/methods being used for the same or even worse results, so... I'm fine with this.
Even the CELL runs slightly cooler, thanks to the reduced heat generated by the RSX !

• While playing Xenogears :
- At 500/650 : CELL 57°C / RSX 60°C
- At 400/550 : CELL 55°C / RSX 57°C

Same ambient temperature, same fan speed.

Of course, this is much more interesting for a 90nm FAT.
However, if it proves to be perfectly stable after further thorough testing, I'll likely keep it on my Slim for PS1/PS2 games and other non-RSX-intensive tasks.
For PS3 games, I'll use 500/650 as long as there are no major performance issues (or in cases where overclocking doesn't help anyway), and switch to 700/850 when a boost is needed :y

hi Mitsu i did actually test it on my ps3 slim 2101B and it gaves me the same temps when playing ps3 games but there was a small performance drop it seems that on some game aprts drops were to 5-10 fps in no temps difference compared to standard 500/650 frequencies, i will stick to the standard frequencies then

 

[Mitsu™]

interesting test Mitsu, i will try my ps3 slim 2101B to see if there are any differences on ps3 games, sounds interesting to test, i do ussually play ps3 games only so far, so it will be good to have great and stable temps and not to lose too mucho performance on the way


jaja we are both that play those xeno series, i hope that xenoblade chronicles 4 gets released soon, and also maybe an anime or game that came to give continuity to Nier Automata anime ending, it seem to be a great story for whats coming

It's always nice to meet other Xeno fans !
I'd bet more on a Xenoblade Chronicles X2 (and maybe even a possible Xenosaga sequel) than on a 4, haha.

I'm also wondering what Yoko Taro is cooking up for a real third NieR game (not another mobile game, I hope x) ).

That wiiu Xenoblade x comes out in March for the switch, I believe. @Mitsu™ , your handle isn't by any chance named after Mitsuda or is that a coincidence?

Total coincidence ! I didn't know his works at the time I chose this pseudonym years ago. I probably heard some of his compositions, though.
Yep, I can't wait to discover XCX ! I never had a Wii U, so... ^^'

hi Mitsu i did actually test it on my ps3 slim 2101B and it gaves me the same temps when playing ps3 games but there was a small performance drop it seems that on some game aprts drops were to 5-10 fps in no temps difference compared to standard 500/650 frequencies, i will stick to the standard frequencies then

Interesting. Thanks for your report !
I think such an underclock should only be used for light tasks, not for PS3 games. Maybe 450/600-650 would be a more reasonable underclock performance-wise for PS3 titles. Combined with undervolting on a 90nm FAT, this could do wonders !
Now, why didn't the temps decrease despite the lower framerate ?
My guess...
For lighter tasks like PS1/PS2 games or the XMB, the RSX handles the workload easily, even when underclocked, reducing energy use and heat. However, with PS3 games, the RSX is fully utilized. Underclocking slows it down, forcing it to work longer to complete the same tasks, which keeps its temperature unchanged despite the lower clock speed.
That's how I see it.

 

[Charles_n_town]

It's always nice to meet other Xeno fans !
I'd bet more on a Xenoblade Chronicles X2 (and maybe even a possible Xenosaga sequel) than on a 4, haha.

I'm also wondering what Yoko Taro is cooking up for a real third NieR game (not another mobile game, I hope x) ).

Total coincidence ! I didn't know his works at the time I chose this pseudonym years ago. I probably heard some of his compositions, though.
Yep, I can't wait to discover XCX ! I never had a Wii U, so... ^^'

Interesting. Thanks for your report !
I think such an underclock should only be used for light tasks, not for PS3 games. Maybe 450/600-650 would be a more reasonable underclock performance-wise for PS3 titles. Combined with undervolting on a 90nm FAT, this could do wonders !
Now, why didn't the temps decrease despite the lower framerate ?
My guess...
For lighter tasks like PS1/PS2 games or the XMB, the RSX handles the workload easily, even when underclocked, reducing energy use and heat. However, with PS3 games, the RSX is fully utilized. Underclocking slows it down, forcing it to work longer to complete the same tasks, which keeps its temperature unchanged despite the lower clock speed.
That's how I see it.

I had like 35 hours in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 when my switch died. I had been playing mega man legends iirc, and when I came back from rest mode, it said a serious error has occurred, your switch will now be powered down. The system then wouldn't turn back on. It was still under warranty luckily, but Nintendo couldn't retrieve my saves. I didn't have NSO at the time either. It was pretty devastating, especially my 115 hour octopath traveler save on my last chapter 4. I haven't started over in either game, and I haven't really played any of the other Xenoblade games. I do remember them being somewhat difficult, especially if you venture into the wrong place on the map.

 

[ashura]

It's always nice to meet other Xeno fans !
I'd bet more on a Xenoblade Chronicles X2 (and maybe even a possible Xenosaga sequel) than on a 4, haha.

I'm also wondering what Yoko Taro is cooking up for a real third NieR game (not another mobile game, I hope x) ).

Total coincidence ! I didn't know his works at the time I chose this pseudonym years ago. I probably heard some of his compositions, though.
Yep, I can't wait to discover XCX ! I never had a Wii U, so... ^^'

Interesting. Thanks for your report !
I think such an underclock should only be used for light tasks, not for PS3 games. Maybe 450/600-650 would be a more reasonable underclock performance-wise for PS3 titles. Combined with undervolting on a 90nm FAT, this could do wonders !
Now, why didn't the temps decrease despite the lower framerate ?
My guess...
For lighter tasks like PS1/PS2 games or the XMB, the RSX handles the workload easily, even when underclocked, reducing energy use and heat. However, with PS3 games, the RSX is fully utilized. Underclocking slows it down, forcing it to work longer to complete the same tasks, which keeps its temperature unchanged despite the lower clock speed.
That's how I see it.

interesting thanks a lot Mitsu it makes totally sense about the temps, about XC, the second one is one of my favorite too, lets see how it goes with the xeno games saga, maybe i was thinking that perhaps a sequel on the saga can be after ending of xenosaga 3 maybe or a mix between that one and XC we will see, and also lets wait how yoko taro will surprise us

 

[Dhmhtrhs]

Personally i got better temperatures after playing darksiders for 2 hours with 28% fan speed my temperature are 55 GPU RSX 54 should i underclock more? Is stable

 

[Mitsu™]

I had like 35 hours in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 when my switch died. I had been playing mega man legends iirc, and when I came back from rest mode, it said a serious error has occurred, your switch will now be powered down. The system then wouldn't turn back on. It was still under warranty luckily, but Nintendo couldn't retrieve my saves. I didn't have NSO at the time either. It was pretty devastating, especially my 115 hour octopath traveler save on my last chapter 4. I haven't started over in either game, and I haven't really played any of the other Xenoblade games. I do remember them being somewhat difficult, especially if you venture into the wrong place on the map.

Sad :\ Maybe one day you'll feel ready to give it another shot, but I understand. Yes, you need to be careful and avoid getting too close to over-leveled enemies, or… xD
As for the Switch, I've had issues with mine too.
First, there was the infamous Joy-Con drift.
Then, after the warranty expired, the game cartridge reader died. A few weeks after I finished Xenoblade Chronicles 3, funnily enough.
It cost me 90€ at a repair shop because, at the time, I didn't have the knowledge or skills to fix it myself. It's actually a pretty easy replacement once you know how, but...
A few months later, the AC block failed as well !
I've never had so many issues with any previous Nintendo console, and I'm really careful with my devices.
I hope the Switch 2 will be more reliable in terms of hardware, but I definitely won't buy it at launch.

interesting thanks a lot Mitsu it makes totally sense about the temps, about XC, the second one is one of my favorite too, lets see how it goes with the xeno games saga, maybe i was thinking that perhaps a sequel on the saga can be after ending of xenosaga 3 maybe or a mix between that one and XC we will see, and also lets wait how yoko taro will surprise us

I love every Xenoblade game, but the second is my favorite ! I don't know, it just hits differently.
Thinking about it, the first Xenoblade was originally meant to be a one-shot and something like a therapy for Monolith Soft after Xenosaga was cut short, and they were forced to move on yet again.
When Nintendo gave them the chance to create a sequel to that one-shot, it opened up a new world of possibilities and hope for Takahashi and his team. You can really feel this in Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
That's also why there are even more obvious references to their earlier works in it compared to the first game (scenes and context from Xenogears, KOS-MOS and T-elos...).
They even went so far as to revise the first Xenoblade in the Definitive Edition to tie it more closely to the second game (e.g., Alvis).
This is probably why XC2 feels so special.
The third game is great too and meaningful on many levels, but I still prefer the second.

As for Xenosaga, I think it's more than likely that Takahashi will attempt to reconnect it to Blade through Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition, with some changes and new content.
There are just too many heavy references to Saga in "XC3-Future Redeemed" for them to be mere coincidences or simple Easter eggs.
So, I'm waiting for Xenosaga Episode IV or something like this

Personally i got better temperatures after playing darksiders for 2 hours with 28% fan speed my temperature are 55 GPU RSX 54 should i underclock more? Is stable

Nice ! What were the temperatures like before, for comparison ? Did you notice any impact on performance, or is it still playable?
You might try lower clocks if you're not satisfied at 400/550, I remember RIP-Felix or his friend Nascar going down to 300 or 350MHz core (can't recall exactly) but you need to be cautious.
The lower you go, the higher the risk of instability.
And just like with clocks that are too high, if it becomes really unstable, you'll need an E3 flasher to recover it.
Do it at your own risks !

 

[Charles_n_town]

Sad :\ Maybe one day you'll feel ready to give it another shot, but I understand. Yes, you need to be careful and avoid getting too close to over-leveled enemies, or… xD
As for the Switch, I've had issues with mine too.
First, there was the infamous Joy-Con drift.
Then, after the warranty expired, the game cartridge reader died. A few weeks after I finished Xenoblade Chronicles 3, funnily enough.
It cost me 90€ at a repair shop because, at the time, I didn't have the knowledge or skills to fix it myself. It's actually a pretty easy replacement once you know how, but...
A few months later, the AC block failed as well !
I've never had so many issues with any previous Nintendo console, and I'm really careful with my devices.
I hope the Switch 2 will be more reliable in terms of hardware, but I definitely won't buy it at launch.

I love every Xenoblade game, but the second is my favorite ! I don't know, it just hits differently.
Thinking about it, the first Xenoblade was originally meant to be a one-shot and something like a therapy for Monolith Soft after Xenosaga was cut short, and they were forced to move on yet again.
When Nintendo gave them the chance to create a sequel to that one-shot, it opened up a new world of possibilities and hope for Takahashi and his team. You can really feel this in Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
That's also why there are even more obvious references to their earlier works in it compared to the first game (scenes and context from Xenogears, KOS-MOS and T-elos...).
They even went so far as to revise the first Xenoblade in the Definitive Edition to tie it more closely to the second game (e.g., Alvis).
This is probably why XC2 feels so special.
The third game is great too and meaningful on many levels, but I still prefer the second.

As for Xenosaga, I think it's more than likely that Takahashi will attempt to reconnect it to Blade through Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition, with some changes and new content.
There are just too many heavy references to Saga in "XC3-Future Redeemed" for them to be mere coincidences or simple Easter eggs.
So, I'm waiting for Xenosaga Episode IV or something like this

Nice ! What were the temperatures like before, for comparison ? Did you notice any impact on performance, or is it still playable?
You might try lower clocks if you're not satisfied at 400/550, I remember RIP-Felix or his friend Nascar going down to 300 or 350MHz core (can't recall exactly) but you need to be cautious.
The lower you go, the higher the risk of instability.
And just like with clocks that are too high, if it becomes really unstable, you'll need an E3 flasher to recover it.
Do it at your own risks !

Yeah, I've also had at least one set of joycons die. From my experience, that's just not normal with Nintendo. Perhaps it's due to being older tech, but in my experience, Nintendo has always had top notch hardware quality. I'm all digital on the switch, because I was afraid I'd drop a cartridge behind my entertainment center. I had a lot of shakiness in my hands, and had to use a wheelchair sometimes, to prevent falling, which happened a lot, so they thought I was developing Parkinson's. My uncle and grandmother had it. I have a different condition, which is why I'm on permanent disability.

 

[SANEX98]

I see your point and I will always recommend 700/850 as the optimal OC for a PS3 (25**).
That said, if you want to keep the same core/VRAM ratio, that's not exactly how it works.

500 / 650 = 5 / 6.5 ≈ 0.7692 (ratio)

So, here :
VRAM= Core/Ratio = 700(MHz core) / 0.7692 ≈ 910 MHz VRAM.

700/900-925 would be better if you really want to stick to the original ratio.
(I still think that 700/850 is better, though :P )

Unrelated, but like Dhmhtrhs, I'm also testing underclocking. Not on a FAT, but on my main Slim (2504A). Why ? Well, just for fun ! ... No, that's not the only reason.
These days, I'm mostly playing PS1/PS2 titles, so I don't need any overclocking at all. I don't even need 500/650, as 400/550 seems perfectly stable (at least on this PS3, so try it at your own risks, as always :P).
I've observed approximately a -3°C drop on the RSX compared to 500/650 while running PS1 titles, with no drawbacks so far. I also tested some PS2 games, and the results were the same.
You might think that a ~3°C reduction isn't worth it, but I've seen crazier and riskier mods/methods being used for the same or even worse results, so... I'm fine with this.
Even the CELL runs slightly cooler, thanks to the reduced heat generated by the RSX !

• While playing Xenogears :
- At 500/650 : CELL 57°C / RSX 60°C
- At 400/550 : CELL 55°C / RSX 57°C

Same ambient temperature, same fan speed.

Of course, this is much more interesting for a 90nm FAT.
However, if it proves to be perfectly stable after further thorough testing, I'll likely keep it on my Slim for PS1/PS2 games and other non-RSX-intensive tasks.
For PS3 games, I'll use 500/650 as long as there are no major performance issues (or in cases where overclocking doesn't help anyway), and switch to 700/850 when a boost is needed :y

try drakangerd 3 on 700/900 to many lag bro, fps not stable

 

[Tanzu15]

I can do it for you am based in uk London greenwich

UPDATE ON THE 2503A ps3

rsx40 a01 950/1000 vpe:1f7 shd:7d [AP0021812:0:1:d:14:14:2:0:1][1d:0:a:0:1:0:1][1:1:0]

Gpu is 5300GGB

Overvolted it to 1.1v

Runs 950 stable now no artifacts or crash above 70c

Trying to run 1ghz on gpu when running a game shutdown the console and give no light of death and 1002 error am guessing if I can get 470uf caps and add them that should fix the 1002 error can someone control if that'll work?

My ps3 slim does 950/1000 fully stable without any voltage lol.

 

[Zx6r]

My ps3 slim does 950/1000 fully stable without any voltage lol.

It does 950 without an voltage but at 70c at crashs

 

[Tanzu15]

It does 950 without an voltage but at 70c at crashs

It actually doesn't crash even at 75 dawg. I know how testing this stability goes lol. It's rock solid at 75c.

 

[Zx6r]

It actually doesn't crash even at 75 dawg. I know how testing this stability goes lol. It's rock solid at 75c.

I was saying that about mine

And this isn't a competition bud calm down

 

[Tanzu15]

I was saying that about mine

And this isn't a competition bud calm down

Never said it was Brody calm down lmao! besides, 70c isn't bad. Increasing the fan speed can keep you below 70c and keeping the OC stable. So that's not bad at all. We want to keep our ps3s at below 70c anyways at all times to preserve them as long as possible.

 

[Zx6r]

Never said it was Brody calm down lmao! besides, 70c isn't bad. Increasing the fan speed can keep you below 70c and keeping the OC stable. So that's not bad at all. We want to keep our ps3s at below 70c anyways at all times to preserve them as long as possible.

You sound like chat gpt

 

[Tanzu15]

You sound like chat gpt

Someone hasn't ever used chat GPT lmao

 

[Zx6r]

Someone hasn't ever used chat GPT lmao

Let's do a challenge whoever overclocks their 90nm the highest

 

[Tanzu15]

Let's do a challenge whoever overclocks their 90nm the highest

I wish lol. I don't have a single backwards compatible ps3 ;(.

 

[Mitsu™]

Yeah, I've also had at least one set of joycons die. From my experience, that's just not normal with Nintendo. Perhaps it's due to being older tech, but in my experience, Nintendo has always had top notch hardware quality. I'm all digital on the switch, because I was afraid I'd drop a cartridge behind my entertainment center. I had a lot of shakiness in my hands, and had to use a wheelchair sometimes, to prevent falling, which happened a lot, so they thought I was developing Parkinson's. My uncle and grandmother had it. I have a different condition, which is why I'm on permanent disability.

I see :0

Yep, Nintendo's consoles used to be tanks. Bomb-proof, haha ! Well, maybe not the Wii U, considering how many of them are dying now.
It's sad, but I don't trust their hardware as much as I used to.

try drakangerd 3 on 700/900 to many lag bro, fps not stable

This game is simply one of the worst-optimized titles on this system, despite being an exclusive !
Nothing can save it anyway, except maybe an official remaster or playing it on RPCS3, but I'm not much of an emulator fan.

 

[MBazza]

Guys , what's the lowest you could underclock a 90nm fat, without bricking it?
If you put 300/400 will it even start up?

Personally i got better temperatures after playing darksiders for 2 hours with 28% fan speed my temperature are 55 GPU RSX 54 should i underclock more? Is stable

At what numbers have you set it? The underclock

 

[Charles_n_town]

Guys , what's the lowest you could underclock a 90nm fat, without bricking it?
If you put 300/400 will it even start up?


At what numbers have you set it? The underclock

If you use mfw builder, it doesn't go that far down. Iirc, the lowest it goes is 400/550.