[Question] Buying a de-lidded CECHA PS3 vs non-opened one?

[Bar-g]

Hi, this is going to be my first PS3.

I'm aware of the issues with CECHA models.

I have two offers, one console comes de-lidded from an eBay seller, both Cell and RSX, it has very good reputation but one of his consoles failed and started acting up like turning off every 10 minutes or so after a time,according to a buyer.

The other console from another seller physically looks better, but has never been opened. It has low use and another buyer from 6 months ago reported working without issues.

I'm in a pickle in what to choose, I'm going to stay in the USA for a week but not more (I'm not from there).

Personally I think the best I can do is buy the no delidded one, and look for someone to do the frankie mod in the USA the next time I go there, since my budget is a bit constrained to make it someone perform it for me right now, and heard that is the console works fine then aa delidding is not necessary.

Is this the best approach based on my situation? Thanks!

EDIT: de-lidding but myself is out of the question, I don't have the skills to do it, and the technicans in my country probably aren't even aware the Frankie mod exists. Haven't found anyone performing it.

 

[TchebSmaNx]

I think the delidded one is the best option bcus you will get better temps, even a sealed (never opened) console can fail... sooner or later. If your console die (mostly with GPU issues), you can frankie it. recently my A01 died (3034).. the console has only 34 days usage (delidded CELL/RSX). I got a new A01 working with 134 days.. so.. unfortunately the BC models does have this potential risk of failure.

Now about the delidding process, i was afraid to risk too.. I buyed a painter knife and a sandpaper to make it thin as possible to not scratch the mobo, my first attempt was on a GLOD console and worked, so.. i went to my E01 (back in the day) and i got success.. temps become waaayy better than before and the system runs quieter too.

 

[Bar-g]

I think the delidded one is the best option bcus you will get better temps, even a sealed (never opened) console can fail... sooner or later. If your console die (mostly with GPU issues), you can frankie it. recently my A01 died (3034).. the console has only 34 days usage (delidded CELL/RSX). I got a new A01 working with 134 days.. so.. unfortunately the BC models does have this potential risk of failure.

Now about the delidding process, i was afraid to risk too.. I buyed a painter knife and a sandpaper to make it thin as possible to not scratch the mobo, my first attempt was on a GLOD console and worked, so.. i went to my E01 (back in the day) and i got success.. temps become waaayy better than before and the system runs quieter too.

Thanks for the answer! I think I will stay with the unmodified console, and if it fails I will wait until I can go to the USA and see if I can find someone that is trusted to perform the GPU swap if needed. Probably next year if everything goes fine. Thanks

 

[GuilloteTesla]

I would go with the undelidded one. But you must install CFW first, then WebMAN MOD to have some info about the temps on idle, and then run some heavy games to see how it behavies on heavy load. After that, you must do a full clean and apply new thermal paste.

Delidding a PS3 doesn't guarantee much longevity. It is recommended to do the Frankenstein mod only if you can and your console needs it. Some CECHA and CECHB are still running perfectly to this day, with only the typical maintenance being done.

 

[Bar-g]

I would go with the undelidded one. But you must install CFW first, then WebMAN MOD to have some info about the temps on idle, and then run some heavy games to see how it behavies on heavy load. After that, you must do a full clean and apply new thermal paste.

Delidding a PS3 doesn't guarantee much longevity. It is recommended to do the Frankenstein mod only if you can and your console needs it. Some CECHA and CECHB are still running perfectly to this day, with only the typical maintenance being done.

Thanks for the answer! Yes, I ended up buying the undelidded console. I will do what you say about checking it's thermal performance and then open it up, and do maintenance. I believe maximum temperatures are around 85°C? and over that is overheating? Probably I will need to keep it at around 70°C, but need to research that.

By the way, I see you are from Argentina, I also live there, do you know some trusted technician who can perform the Frankie 40nm mod reliably? I don't really know anyone that can do it, and I don't trust much technicians here, unless they have a success record and it's recommended by known people. Of course, I will probably do it if I have a YLOD problem, as long the console operates normally I will just let it be, since it's not cheap to do.

Thanks!

 

[GuilloteTesla]

Thanks for the answer! Yes, I ended up buying the undelidded console. I will do what you say about checking it's thermal performance and then open it up, and do maintenance. I believe maximum temperatures are around 85°C? and over that is overheating? Probably I will need to keep it at around 70°C, but need to research that.

By the way, I see you are from Argentina, I also live there, do you know some trusted technician who can perform the Frankie 40nm mod reliably? I don't really know anyone that can do it, and I don't trust much technicians here, unless they have a success record and it's recommended by known people. Of course, I will probably do it if I have a YLOD problem, as long the console operates normally I will just let it be, since it's not cheap to do.

Thanks!

I would go to an 80ºC max temp target, on full load. Always targeting the lowest temperatures possible (perharps 75ºC max after a big gaming session).

Regarding the Frankie mod, I'm afraid there are no specialized workshop here that do this kind of stuff. The only solution would be to find a very well respected technician and ask if does this kind of work (providing all the required components).

The "easiest" alternative would be to send your console to a proper workshop abroad that do this kind of stuff. It will cost you a lot of money (exchange rates, shipping, taxes, Custom payments, etc.), so I would use the console until it dies. In the mean time, save some money for a replacement if you don't have one already.