Author : - Nick

Last Updated :- June 05th 2013

I have had a lot of people asking me about jailbreaking their consoles, purchasing a jailbroken one, downgrading via hardware etc and I figured I could help a lot more of my fellow peers if I put it all in writing.

This is based on my two year odd experience with consoles and while I wouldn't like to call myself an expert I could say that I have a bit of knowledge that could be passed on. So here are the important details pertaining to PS3.

Topic 1 - Purchasing a Jailbroken console or a console that can be jailbroken.

1) Any console manufactured after Dec 2010 cannot be jailbroken and will come with factory firmware settings of 3.60. This includes some consoles with the CECH-25XX serial numbers and as thus can be a bit confusing.

Easiest way to check is using minverchk and any minimum firmware above 3.55 cannot be downgraded. (Also note 3.56 can be patched as long as it does not come with "anti-3.55 mtldr")

2) Any console that can be jailbroken (refer to first point) but has already been updated beyond 3.55 needs to be downgraded via hardware using a compatible device such as E3 Flasher (PS3 Slims only) or progskeet (requires soldering knowledge) which works on both.

3)It's not advisable to purchase the earlier slims or phats since they were maufactured a long time back. If they are already jailbroken and the warranty sticker on the back is intact then it is fine, otherwise there is a tendency of them developing ylod prior to or after downgrading depending on how they have been used.

Topic 2 - Hardware Downgrading

1) Since it involves completing disassembling your machine and reassembling them, not to mention the need for a careful NOR Dump without which a recovery would be impossible in the case of bricks (known as permabrick), it is not advisable to simply hand it over to anyone.
You are more likely to lose your machine to ylod, bricks or even worse, a swap of parts. It's much better to get a a tech-savvy friend of yours with a bit of knowledge on the ps3 to look into it.

2)Fan mods are not necessary for any of the ps3 slims and the mods done here are of no use to ps3 phats as ps3's are not customizable like xbox's. Further the mods done here happen to destroy the ps3s over time.

3) Factory Service Mode is no longer required with the release of CFW 4.40 so it is a matter of patching the backup obtained from the NOR chip to enable installation of CFW 4.40. CFW 4.41 is not an official Rogero version so DO NOT download it.

Topic 3 - Newer Slims

1)All slims manufactured from 2011 onwards are sadly unhackable and have the newer anti-3.55 mtldr.

2) Useful if you plan on sticking to original games.


Topic 4 - Always take a friend who knows his/her stuff

1) Based on lots of ripoffs in this country, I would personally suggest you to take someone who is knowledgeable on this subject when purchasing, repairing etc to minimimze chances of a rip-off.

2)Stick to proven ps3 developers and their cfw's and only download them from official channels. ALso make sure to check them using an MD5 Hash checker to prevent for example updating incomplete pup files/ofw's etc.

3)Don't believe shops telling you that brand new 3.55 consoles exist since the last one was manufactured way back in Nov 2010. It might be remotely possible that one existed untouched for so long but most of them are refurbished or downgraded consoles.The retailer simply seales the package and charges an exorbitant rate.

4)As you all are aware any electronic gadget will produce a certain amount of heat that needs to be dissipated for optimum working condition. Some unscrupulous dealers/people will state that the bottom of your console getting really hot is a bad thing whereas in reality you should actually be worried if it DOESN'T get hot, not the other way around.


These were some of the thoughts that I could recollect right off the bat. I'll try to update them if I think of anything else. Until then should you have any clarifications etc feel free to drop me a pm, thanks.

NOTE :- fan mods are unnecessary for either the ps3 or xbox.
one of the worst sellers in Sri Lanka happen to be Chamal - Dave Computer Care. Avoid him and his unwanted fan mods like the plague

Refer to this thread for more information - http://gamer.lk/index.php/topic,23399.0.html

If you are in need of any of the links to official channels, minverchk etc please do get in touch. I don't mind helping fellow gamers

Sticking this topic might help any user who wants to purchase a new ps3.

more info here about the fan mods

http://ps3ezchill.com/what-is-the-ps3-ezchill/