My PS3 is Dead, What's My Best Option?

Hey guys,

I'm still trying to decide what to do about my PS3 which crapped out 3 weeks ago with the YLOD. It was a 60 GIG BC fat model, and I do have several PS2 games in my backlog that I still want to play.

I've looked at some of the repair vids on youtube, and it's too much hassle. I would need a heat gun and several hours taking the darn thing apart. And then it could die again soon anyways.

So here's my options:

1. Take it to a repair shop - they charge $90 bucks to repair, but I don't know the guarantee

2. Have Sony repair it for $150 - That's a lot of money to gamble on the risk that it could die again soon

3. Buy a new one, and sell the broken one on Ebay - I like this idea, but I'm worried about the hard drive. It contains my personal info and CC information.

4. Take out the hard drive, throw the broken one in the trash, buy a new one - This is the most hassle free option. Best Buy is currently running a deal where I can get the MW3 360 gig slim bundle for $299 plus a $30 gift card. I could sell MW3 on Ebay and get at least $30 bucks back so that would make it cheaper than the $160 gig model. Course, I would have to buy a PS2 somewhere to play those PS2 games. Argh

What do you guys think? I just miss the good ole days when consoles were built to last, and you didn't have so many different expensive options. $300 bucks for a nearly 10 year old console is too damn high.

Do people acctually buy broken stuff? I would never even think of buying or selling a broken console even if it was for a single buck.

Before foolishly sending it into Sony for repair without warrenty, which would cost you a lot of money, try a self-repair or someone you trust that won't charge you or will , but for a smaller fee because not everyone in this world works for free and won't always do you a favour without looking for something in return. If you do decide to take on the job yourself and repair, do some research and see what symptoms it's experience if it's NOT completely dead and research what tools you need to do it. If you use the wwrong screw drivers you run the risk of stripping the thread on the screw or the indentation on the screw head slot. Only do this the the warrenty has expired. If it hasn't and you remove the the sticker warrenty you will void the console and be forced too send it in if you can't do it yourself. Lastly, I'm not sure if the console is under warrenty if Sonys repair factories will still charge you. Also try sending it in the the store you bought it from if they have a return policy on defective items or damage which aren't your fault. Doesn't have to be a Sony store. I apologize for the rambling, but I had to get it out there, so i don't see an honest gamer make any mistakes I've made.

Good luck; hope this helps

Gamestop does buy broken ps3's because they fix them and sell them at a way higher price.

Endless Elecronics can "reball" your ps3. It is a permanent fix for about 80$.

Like the the guys said about me everyone is different have will have there own policies. I'd stay away from gamestop based on how they give you store credit onlt and won't give you any money all all. That way the actual company doesn't lose money, still can make an extra frofit and over charge you. They may or may not sell you a new console depend on what ocation you're at or if it's a rule everwhere. Prices will very depending on the model you buy. New or refurbished. If you can afford it, buy it new, sells some games you don't want on store credit. Vale on games may very. Store credit is good and bad at the same time. Than again be smart and think about your purchases in the long run and if it's worth it. If you want to keep soley for singleplayer and save and invest in a next generation PSN or another console. Whatever it is just plan ahead. Gamespot/EB aer known for using some cheap tactics to sucker in people.

Gamestop does buy broken ps3's because they fix them and sell them at a way higher price.

Endless Elecronics can "reball" your ps3. It is a permanent fix for about 80$.

ristactionjakso

[QUOTE="ristactionjakso"]

Gamestop does buy broken ps3's because they fix them and sell them at a way higher price.

Endless Elecronics can "reball" your ps3. It is a permanent fix for about 80$.

JoKeR_421

Well that sucks. I would be happy to get anything for it. Looks like this is going in the garbage. Sad considering I paid $400 bucks for the thing back in 2007.

If you're wanting to play PS2 games then you should find a reputable repair shop that will do it and is not Sony. From what I understand with Sony's repairs you might not actually get back the console you sent them, and Sony haven't manufactured a PS2 compatible Playstation 3 in years.

buy a new one....as much as you love your game saves, you wont get your new one back from sony, and getting it repaired is only a temporary fix...

Do people acctually buy broken stuff? I would never even think of buying or selling a broken console even if it was for a single buck.

kriggy

People buy them to fix them up and resell them. You'd be surprised they actually are still worth at least $50-100+ even if sold and listed as "for parts only". Presumably there is money to be made by people repairing and selling broken PS3's in bulk. I suppose if someone had confidence in their abilities with electronics, then it might also be a good way to get a cheap gaming console. But my guess would be most people buy them with intentions of reparing and profiting on the sale.

Hey guys,

I'm still trying to decide what to do about my PS3 which crapped out 3 weeks ago with the YLOD. It was a 60 GIG BC fat model, and I do have several PS2 games in my backlog that I still want to play.

I've looked at some of the repair vids on youtube, and it's too much hassle. I would need a heat gun and several hours taking the darn thing apart. And then it could die again soon anyways.

So here's my options:

1. Take it to a repair shop - they charge $90 bucks to repair, but I don't know the guarantee

2. Have Sony repair it for $150 - That's a lot of money to gamble on the risk that it could die again soon

3. Buy a new one, and sell the broken one on Ebay - I like this idea, but I'm worried about the hard drive. It contains my personal info and CC information.

4. Take out the hard drive, throw the broken one in the trash, buy a new one - This is the most hassle free option. Best Buy is currently running a deal where I can get the MW3 360 gig slim bundle for $299 plus a $30 gift card. I could sell MW3 on Ebay and get at least $30 bucks back so that would make it cheaper than the $160 gig model. Course, I would have to buy a PS2 somewhere to play those PS2 games. Argh

What do you guys think? I just miss the good ole days when consoles were built to last, and you didn't have so many different expensive options. $300 bucks for a nearly 10 year old console is too damn high.

txdave38

I would definitely get a new one rather than dealing with a repair or buying a used/refurbished model. PS3 is only $249, not $299, $299 is for the top of the line bundle that comes with a game (and Activision is usually stingy with making sure their games at MSRP). There have been lots of deals lately where it comes with a game or two, OR a $50 gift card. Gamespot actually had a deal just a month or two ago where it was $199 for the 160GB PS3 AND it came with Mortal Kombat Complete Collection. That's probably the best PS3 deal ever, including all the Black Friday bundles there have been, and it was just a random deal not tied to a holiday promotion or anything.

As far as the old one, don't just trash it. Look to get some cash back for it. If you're worried about data, you can just remove the HDD entirely and sell it without one (obviously noting in the auction that the PS3 was both "for parts" and also missing the HDD). Although I'm sure missing a major component like the HDD devalues it even more than if it just was a YLOD, at least you would still get a litle money out of it (maybe on the low end of $50 or less instead of $50-100). Certainly better than just trashing it at least. Maybe you could reformat the HDD on your computer, then either sell the HDD separately for peanuts or just put it back in the broken PS3 and note that the drive had been wiped in the listing. How much is a used 60GB HDD worth anyway? Like $5-10 at most? (I don't know, but that's a guess).

None of your options are good, let me tell you. Sending a ps3 back to Sony is tough since they charge you an arm and a leg, and they can't guarantee a fix. My roommate lost his ps3 and a disc he had inside after Sony tried to repair it but failed. Let's just hope that you had an external hardrive.... When mine finally passed away in March after 5 years, I was unaware of the necessity of having your HD backed up on an external. I lost all of my saves, including the 147 hours I had just been putting into Skyrim. Good luck to you friend.FoxAlive01

Wow, so they still charge you $150 even if it can't be fixed? Sad to say, I don't have a external backup, but the only real save I had going on was Valkryie Chronicles, and that should be saved in the cloud.

I suspect I can redownload all my previous purchases at no cost. Does anyone know if this is true?

[QUOTE="kriggy"]

Do people acctually buy broken stuff? I would never even think of buying or selling a broken console even if it was for a single buck.

2Chalupas

People buy them to fix them up and resell them. You'd be surprised they actually are still worth at least $50-100+ even if sold and listed as "for parts only". Presumably there is money to be made by people repairing and selling broken PS3's in bulk. I suppose if someone had confidence in their abilities with electronics, then it might also be a good way to get a cheap gaming console. But my guess would be most people buy them with intentions of reparing and profiting on the sale.

I think you're right. I did an Ebay search and found someone selling a 60 GB fat YLOD PS3 without the HD for $41 bucks. I'll be thrilled if I can get that $$ and put it towards a new slim.

So I think my best plan is this:

1. Remove HD from broken PS3

2. Sell old fat on Ebay. I can throw in the wireless Sixaxis controller to sweeten the deal

3. Buy 160 gig slim at Best Buy for $249 (current promo gives me 30 dollar Best Buy GC)

4. swap the 160 with my original 60, back that data up to a USB or external

5. Put back in the 160 hard drive, and restore missing data.

Then if I need more HD space in the future, I can buy a 2.5 500 GB sata drive from Newegg for $75 bucks

Based on the youtube videos, it looks really easy to swap out HD drives.

What do you guys think?

3. Buy a new one

thats what i'd do to save time , and continue play right away

[QUOTE="FoxAlive01"]None of your options are good, let me tell you. Sending a ps3 back to Sony is tough since they charge you an arm and a leg, and they can't guarantee a fix. My roommate lost his ps3 and a disc he had inside after Sony tried to repair it but failed. Let's just hope that you had an external hardrive.... When mine finally passed away in March after 5 years, I was unaware of the necessity of having your HD backed up on an external. I lost all of my saves, including the 147 hours I had just been putting into Skyrim. Good luck to you friend.txdave38

Wow, so they still charge you $150 even if it can't be fixed? Sad to say, I don't have a external backup, but the only real save I had going on was Valkryie Chronicles, and that should be saved in the cloud.

I suspect I can redownload all my previous purchases at no cost. Does anyone know if this is true?

[QUOTE="txdave38"]

[QUOTE="FoxAlive01"]None of your options are good, let me tell you. Sending a ps3 back to Sony is tough since they charge you an arm and a leg, and they can't guarantee a fix. My roommate lost his ps3 and a disc he had inside after Sony tried to repair it but failed. Let's just hope that you had an external hardrive.... When mine finally passed away in March after 5 years, I was unaware of the necessity of having your HD backed up on an external. I lost all of my saves, including the 147 hours I had just been putting into Skyrim. Good luck to you friend.FoxAlive01

Wow, so they still charge you $150 even if it can't be fixed? Sad to say, I don't have a external backup, but the only real save I had going on was Valkryie Chronicles, and that should be saved in the cloud.

I suspect I can redownload all my previous purchases at no cost. Does anyone know if this is true?

3. Buy a new one

thats what i'd do to save time , and continue play right away

AmnesiaHaze

I pulled the trigger and bought the 320 gig MW3 bundle. It made more sense money wise. I get twice the HD space, sell MW3 for $30-40 which sets my additional cost for the extra space at $10-20 bucks. I was really tired of fighting for HD space with my old 60 gig anyways.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Can't wait to go pick this up. It was driving me nuts having a huge PS3 game library with nothing to play on it.

I had a fat 80GB model go out because of CoD Black Ops online killed it. I got a new 120gb and put my 500GB HDD from the old one in it. Out of 5 PS3s it's the only one to go out. I have a 60GB, 20GB, 160GB, & 120GB that all still work fine. The only difference is that CoD Black Ops online has never been played on the 20GB or 60GB.

[QUOTE="FoxAlive01"][QUOTE="txdave38"]

Wow, so they still charge you $150 even if it can't be fixed? Sad to say, I don't have a external backup, but the only real save I had going on was Valkryie Chronicles, and that should be saved in the cloud.

I suspect I can redownload all my previous purchases at no cost. Does anyone know if this is true?

FoxAlive01

i have to say you are very very wrong on that front my friend. you can redownload your old GAME purchases. (though in your defense the percent of people who are buying other media than games is very very small ) your games purchases can be redownloaded. movie purchases you can not. I had my system break down with ylod and bought a new system. i went to redownload my movies, and it wasnt anywhere in purchases history like the games were. I went to rent a movie that didnt come out on disc yet in the meantime as i tried to track down how to get my "owned" movies i payed a good 30 a pop and i couldnt even rent a movie.

as it turns out you need to deauthorize your first system to play videos in the new system. You must do this from your first system for videos. while you can deauthorize systems from the ps website for games you can not do so for movies and the only remedy to even get new movies you are trying to pay for is to have to go through sony customer service.

then came more good news. it seems on ps3 video "ownership" is rather misleading. you don't own the video despite being told that you do. you instead have an unlimited rental on that system. if you get new systems the movies DO NOT transfer. and lucky me to get them i had to pay yet again if i wanted to see them. some have had luck getting sony to give them the downloads once more for the new system. others lke me were brushed aside and were told too bad.

so take that however you want, if you only have games, you need not worry about another console or transfers. if you do have movies though you have to waigh which option is better for you. getting the system repaired. or paying for a new console, going though what i had to just to be able to give them more money to rent a flick from them, and pay twice for a movie you were told you "owned" (thanks sony, you just ensured i am never going to purchase a movie from you guys ever again. so let that be a little lesson for any of you who contemplate buying a movie off marketplace again)

[QUOTE="FoxAlive01"][QUOTE="FoxAlive01"]litttlejohn

i have to say you are very very wrong on that front my friend. you can redownload your old GAME purchases. (though in your defense the percent of people who are buying other media than games is very very small ) your games purchases can be redownloaded. movie purchases you can not. I had my system break down with ylod and bought a new system. i went to redownload my movies, and it wasnt anywhere in purchases history like the games were. I went to rent a movie that didnt come out on disc yet in the meantime as i tried to track down how to get my "owned" movies i payed a good 30 a pop and i couldnt even rent a movie.

as it turns out you need to deauthorize your first system to play videos in the new system. You must do this from your first system for videos. while you can deauthorize systems from the ps website for games you can not do so for movies and the only remedy to even get new movies you are trying to pay for is to have to go through sony customer service.

then came more good news. it seems on ps3 video "ownership" is rather misleading. you don't own the video despite being told that you do. you instead have an unlimited rental on that system. if you get new systems the movies DO NOT transfer. and lucky me to get them i had to pay yet again if i wanted to see them. some have had luck getting sony to give them the downloads once more for the new system. others lke me were brushed aside and were told too bad.

so take that however you want, if you only have games, you need not worry about another console or transfers. if you do have movies though you have to waigh which option is better for you. getting the system repaired. or paying for a new console, going though what i had to just to be able to give them more money to rent a flick from them, and pay twice for a movie you were told you "owned" (thanks sony, you just ensured i am never going to purchase a movie from you guys ever again. so let that be a little lesson for any of you who contemplate buying a movie off marketplace again)

Yes, this is exactly why I'm a fan of physical media. I just feel like I never really own the content when it comes to DLC and downloading movies.

I get a new PS3 (obviously) then put in the old hard drive into your new PS3, use the copy data option to an external hard drive, put back in the new hdd into the PS3 then import (or whatever the option is called) from the external hard drive. Sounds a bit convoluted but it would work. dalger21

bury itneedweed

#3 or #4 but take out the HDD

You can hook it up to a PC and wipe it, but that's hardly secure.

Magnets don't work, that's a myth.

Safest way to destroy HDD is to beat the schit out of it with a hammer.

Also if the CC info is on PSN then it's already not secure (just by virtue of being online)

If you worry about online security there's various cards you can buy, PSN card, Amazon card, that you can buy with cash and use it online, that's a much smarter option in this day and age.

if i was you i would just wai till the wii u came out some this year or just hold off save up my money and wait for the new ps4 or xbox to come out