GRcade

PS1 games do, PS2 games might do, depends on if you've got an old 60GB PS3.

Joer » Sun Jun 01, 2014 2:03 pm wrote:PS1 games do, PS2 games might do, depends on if you've got an old 60GB PS3.

What if I don't have a PS3 at all - which kind should I get to ensure backwards compatibility?

New ones don't have PS2 backwards compatibility, you need an early 60Gb model for that.

Be warned that those 60GB models are the ones that came out in 2007.

So I need a 2007 model 60GB PS3 if I want guaranteed backwards compatibility with both PS1 and PS2 games.

Yes, the 60gb model. I bought one for £40 off someone a while back, it's worth checking E-bay local listings to see if there's anyone nearby selling and wanting collection only. If you do get one you should consider changing the thermal paste if you're going to be using it regularly. Do that and it'll last ages (unless your disc drive dies).

Holpil » Mon Jun 02, 2014 2:36 pm wrote:changing the thermal paste if you're going to be using it regularly. Do that and it'll last ages

Sorry to ask another question but - I have no idea what that is!

Don't worry too much then. Thermal paste helps the heatsink dissipate heat from the processor (& GPU) by filling gaps between the two to aid heat transfer. The old PS3's used a cheap ceramic thermal paste that dries out over time and will eventually cause it to overheat. So ideally you'd need to clean off the old paste and reapply, but you'll need to open up the console to do it.

If you wanted to do it you'd follow this guide until you got the heatsink off:

http://www.llamma.com/PS3/repair/PS3_disassembly_tutorial.htm

Then clean off the paste with a swab & apply a small blob of new stuff like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Arctic-Cooling-MX-4-Thermal-Compound/dp/B0045JCFLY

Like I say don't worry too much, if the console hasn't been used much then it won't a problem for a while. But if you find the fans spinning up on full after just a few minutes into a game you might consider giving it a go.

Not to hijack the thread, but thought this was as good a place as any - since moving my PS3 refuses to output a picture. Disk drive works fine and it sounds like it's active, but there's no picture through HDMI. I've tried with 2 different cables and both work fine with my Wii-U and 360, but to no avail with the PS3.

Anything else I should check or am I need of a new PS3?

Pedro » Tue Jun 03, 2014 12:07 pm wrote:Not to hijack the thread, but thought this was as good a place as any - since moving my PS3 refuses to output a picture. Disk drive works fine and it sounds like it's active, but there's no picture through HDMI. I've tried with 2 different cables and both work fine with my Wii-U and 360, but to no avail with the PS3.

Anything else I should check or am I need of a new PS3?

Try resetting the video settings by holding down the power button for ~10 seconds while switching on. You should hear the power on beep, then a second beep when it's resetting.