DIY Projects

Platform: PS3

Difficulty Rating: Beginner

By Malefico

Before you attempt to open or repair your PS3, you should determine the model number of the device. Model numbers are typically found on the bottom of the case, and are usually easy to find.

PS3 models are generally divided into two major categories- the older “fat” models and the revised “slim” models. The subsections of this article will give you more information on how to find and decode your model number. This is not an in-depth guide, just a simple breakdown of the available models. This list contains all models, with notes on those that were not originally sold in the U.S.

PS3 model numbers are preceded by the four letters “CECH”. Older model (“Fat”) PS3s sold in America are all comprised of a model letter and a revision number. Some models were subject to several revisions. In order to correctly identify your PS3, concentrate on the letter or numbers following CECH, then the revision number. For instance, CECHA01 is a “fat” console, model “A”, revision “01”.

PS3 “Fat” Console Model Numbers

Backward-compatible

The models below were the first PS3s released, and featured backward compatibility with all (A,B) or some (C, E) PS2 games.
CECHAXX – 60GB
CECHBXX – 20GB
CECHCXX – 60GB
CECHEXX – 80GB

“Fat” Consoles not backward-compatible

CECHGXX – 40GB
CECHHXX- 40GB
CECHJXX – Not originally sold in U.S.
CECHKXX- 80GB
CECHLXX- 80GB
CECHMXX- Not originally sold in U.S.
CECHPXX- 160GB
CECHQXX- Not originally sold in U.S.

PS3 “Slim” Model Numbers

CECH-20xxA – 120GB
CECH-20xxB – 250GB
CECH-21xxA – 120GB
CECH-21xxB – 250GB
CECH-25xxA – 120GB Japan
CECH-25xxB – 250GB Japan

Written by Nerd Bacon