Hey all,

I just finished upgrading my PS3 hard drive from an 80GB stock to a 320GB hd. Andy told me I should write a guide, so here it is.

*Note* Your PSN information is stored on the hardware itself. This is basically to back up all images, music, video, games, game saves and game data that is stored on your PS3. *

1. You must buy a new hard drive. Requirements are a notebook/laptop hard drive that is a 2.5 inch SATA and 5400 RPM [WARNING - Do not go over 5400 RPM or your HDD will overheat and possibly melt or catch fire in your system]. My suggestion is the Samsung 320GB which you can get off http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152111]Newegg for $109 shipped.

2. Back up your data to an external hard drive or flash drive. I highly recommend you use an external USB hard drive when backing up, as most flash drives won't be large enough. Once hooked up via USB port....

a)Go to Settings, then System settings, and then goto Backup Utility.
Select Back Up, and it's self explanatory from here.

3. Once the backup has finished, fully power down the system. Unplug all cables. And turn the PS3 onto it's side where there is a small cover plate that says "Detach this cover when removing the hard disc".

4. Remove the blue screw. Lift up the small wire handle and slide the hard drive to the right. Once to the right, pull the hard drive out. Then remove all 4 screws (2 on each side).

5. Now remove the old HDD, and replace it with the new one. Replace all 4 screws, and put the HDD back into the PS3. Slide it to the left until it clicks properly into place. Then replace the blue screw and then replace the cover plate.

6. Replug all cables into PS3 and power on. It will immediately ask you to reformat the new HDD and so go ahead and accept. Once done, it will restart your PS3.

7. Now plug your External HDD or Flash card back into the PS3 via USB and head back to the Back Up Utility. This time select restore, and it will bring up the restoration file. Click this file and it will begin restoring your PS3. It will take about the same time to restore all files as it did to Back them up.

8. Your PS3 is ready utilize the new and larger HDD with all your data successfully restored. ENJOY!!!!





Currently Playing: Saints Row 2 (360), Fable II (360), Doki Doki Majo Shinpan! 2 Duo (DS), Ikki Tousen: EF (PSP), Little Big Planet (PS3)

My 7200 RPM drive is cool to the touch, even during stress for long periods of time. Think it could handle it? :P

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good read!!! thanks mike!!

this is the same write-up that everyone has in the PS3 manual. nothing new

this is the same write-up that everyone has in the PS3 manual. nothing new

And this way you don't have to go find a manual you may have misplaced. or if you bought a used one without a manual, you can find it here. Don't be an ass.





Currently Playing: Saints Row 2 (360), Fable II (360), Doki Doki Majo Shinpan! 2 Duo (DS), Ikki Tousen: EF (PSP), Little Big Planet (PS3)

Good stuff Nitro!

excellent write-up. question - would i be able to put my old ps3 40GB hd into my home desktop?

excellent write-up. question - would i be able to put my old ps3 40GB hd into my home desktop?

The PS3 uses laptop harddrives, not regular 3.5 sata and ide hard drives. You could possibly use it with an external enclosure to create an external HD. But there may be other ways to hook it up internally in a PC, but I've never looked into actually doing it





Currently Playing: Saints Row 2 (360), Fable II (360), Doki Doki Majo Shinpan! 2 Duo (DS), Ikki Tousen: EF (PSP), Little Big Planet (PS3)