Just wanted to share my good news but what a hassle it was.

Bought a Western Digital 160gig SATA 2.5" 5400rpm notebook hard drive from Circuit City for $99 plus tax.

However when it came to unnscrewing the screws, what a headache! First the Blue screw was screwed in so tight it felt like it was glued in. My screwdriver burred the crosshead of the screw. Seemed like the metal was so soft. Now I couldn't unscrew the screw anymore. Damn it! After many failed attempts and thinking I was stuck with a new hard drive I could not use I finally managed to unscrew it with needle nose pliers. Phew!

Removed the caddy and then removed the 4 smaller screws. Well.. only 2 of them. The other 2 screws woudl not budge and again I buggered up the screw heads so I could not longer get them out - period. I tried the pliers and no joy. I tried so many times the screw heads were severly battered, scratched, beveled - you name it. That's it! Now I truely was stuck. Could not get the drive out of the cradle. :( Really thought this was the end...

...until I thought I would use my handheld Dremmel to drill out the screw. Worth a shot. So I drilled into the screws in the cradle and succeeded in removing the heads from both but left the stubs of the screws in the holes of the drive. Oh well at least I got the drive out. Replaced the new drive in the cradle. As I damaged 2 of the 4 screws. I just secured the drive to the cradle with 2 screws - one on each side diagonally opposite eachother. Then I used my pliers to screw the blue screw in. All done.

All worked well. Reformatted the drive and restored my game saves and redownloading my PSN games again.

Why on earth did Sony feel the need to screw in the screws SO TIGHT and use soft screws?

Who knows.

At least I can relax now :)

This is the same thing im doing to mine once I get it on Christmas!

However, I don't know if i'd feel comfortable leaving the threaded remains of 2 screws inside my ps3 HD...but whatever works, at least you got it done

2 screws is enough. There is no way the hard drive can move or slip out of the cradle. Plus the clue screw is holding the cradle in place.

I've seen videos of how this is done and writeups as well. Nobody ever stated anything about the screws being too tight. Are you sure you were using the proper type of screw driver. Are the screws TORX style heads? Phillips? Or Flat?

I upgraded my PS3's hard drive to 120GB. Does your new drive have perpendicular storage that everyone is talking about these days?

I used Philips head. Maybe it was not perfect. Maybe my fault. But I also read on a few forums that I was not alone with damaging the screw heads.

What do you mean perpendicular storage? What does that mean?

I havent read the manuel yet on replaceing these drives. Is it possible to put one of those 500 gig drives in the PS3?

NM i see the largest one you can get is 160

i've seen reports that the screws are really tight. when i upgrade i'll probably use the method i've used 50 or so times when swapping pc drives: toss all but 1 or 2 of the screws. there's no way you'll need all 4 to secure a drive to the tray.

as for stripping the screws, are they standard pc size hard drive screws? if so you can get a hundred or so for like $0.50

I used Philips head. Maybe it was not perfect. Maybe my fault. But I also read on a few forums that I was not alone with damaging the screw heads.

What do you mean perpendicular storage? What does that mean?

Most 2.5" SATA 150 notebook drives (the kind PS3 uses) above 120GB storage require perpendicular technology for data recording on hard disk. This is the only way you'll fit the platters onto a small footprint like a 2.5" drive enclosure.

See here: link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpendicular_recording)

I'm thinking of getting a 500GB perpendicular drive from Hitachi. Once the new demos, content, and other miscellaneous start pouring out of PSN in 2008.

The soft screws are ridiculous. I was aware of the problem, had the right sized screwdriver and still stripped two of them. I got them out eventually and replaced them with drive screws that came with a drive caddy that I bought for the "old" drive (to use as portable backup for the PC.)

It turned what should have been a 10 minute process into a big headache. Had I not had the tiny flathead screws from the drive caddy mine would have went back in with two screws as well.

I'm thinking of getting a 500GB perpendicular drive from Hitachi. Once the new demos, content, and other miscellaneous start pouring out of PSN in 2008.

Doesn't the PS3 use FAT32 as its file structure?

Also using only two screws works, but when possible its best to use all four because it does a better job of eliminating any vibrations.

I do not have an external drive, so backing up has been a pain so far.
I do not mind re-downloading demos, and I seem to be able to copy all my saves to my 4 gig flash drive, so I wanted to ask if anyone here knows what I will lose if I replace my drive, and only update my game saves. I have no photos or music on my PS3 yet.
Will my acount info be there when I put in the new drive, or is it saved on the HD? If not, can I back up just that information on my flash drive as well?
Thanks.
ML

Doesn't the PS3 use FAT32 as its file structure?

Also using only two screws works, but when possible its best to use all four because it does a better job of eliminating any vibrations.

as i've said, i've been using just 2 screws for pc drives for years. one on each side opposite one another. never even a hint of a problem

as i've said, i've been using just 2 screws for pc drives for years. one on each side opposite one another. never even a hint of a problem

I have as well for the most part, but its still a better practice to use all four.

well I bought an ultra ata drive and now I cant return it. do they make an adapter that will work with the ps3?

Doesn't the PS3 use FAT32 as its file structure?

Also using only two screws works, but when possible its best to use all four because it does a better job of eliminating any vibrations.

The ps3 uses a proprietary system for its internal HDD. FAT32 is for external drives.

i had the soft/too tight screw problems too. i had to purchase pliers to take off two of them that stripped. i used the right size philips with gentle turns.

Before changing hard drive here is a list of what is and what is not saved in the internal PS3 memory/chip.

Your sign in ID is saved.
Your latest firmware is saved.
Your system settings are saved.
Your registered Bluetooth devices are saved

Your pics, vids and music are not saved.
Your installed themes are not saved.
Your game saves and game data are not saved.
Your internal PS2 memory card saves are not saved.
Your downloaded PSN games and demos are not saved.

Why do you have to upgrade the drive ?, why not use external drive ?

Kulims: For me I like the idea of everything self contained with no big boxes plugged into the usb port sitting next to my ps3. Just my preference. :)

Why do you have to upgrade the drive ?, why not use external drive ?

A few things like game data or games and demos downloaded from PSN can not be loaded on external devices.

Sorry, I know that this is a little off topic. I am about to buy ps3 and I am interested in learning more about changing the hard drive or any other tweaks. Any websites I should seek out?

J__Chris:
http://www.gamersreports.com/article/43/ :)

Yeah I got the same hard drive from circuit city while it was on sale and didn't have an issue with the blue screw but stripped three of the screws on the HD tray and had to use needle nose pliers. Went to walmart to find some screws and found a small screw driver kit for 97 cents and had like six or seven screw drivers which some of you may want to try if you run into any issues. Luckily I had just built a new computer and had some left over screws to use as walmart does not carry the laptop hard drive bay screws.

Hope this saves someone some time and grief.

Also that western digital scorpio drive is faster than the ps3 hard drive and uses less power therefore less heat and that is always better :)

However when it came to unnscrewing the screws, what a headache! First the Blue screw was screwed in so tight it felt like it was glued in. My screwdriver burred the crosshead of the screw. Seemed like the metal was so soft. Now I couldn't unscrew the screw anymore. Damn it! After many failed attempts and thinking I was stuck with a new hard drive I could not use I finally managed to unscrew it with needle nose pliers. Phew!

At least I can relax now :)

I also upgraded to a 160GB drive, albeit about 6 months ago. A buddy of mine did as well, and he also stripped his screw heads. I was lucky enough to have a very small screwdriver and it was a breeze. I haven't heard anything about the screws being too tight, though.

Brandon

Before changing hard drive here is a list of what is and what is not saved in the internal PS3 memory/chip.

Your sign in ID is saved.
Your latest firmware is saved.
Your system settings are saved.
Your registered Bluetooth devices are saved

Your pics, vids and music are not saved.
Your installed themes are not saved.
Your game saves and game data are not saved.
Your internal PS2 memory card saves are not saved.
Your downloaded PSN games and demos are not saved.

Thanks. Since I can copy the game saves to my flash drive, I just need to re-download demos and PSN stuff.
I am guessing I can copy game data when I copy the game saves. I just basically backed up that entire column on my flash.
Worth a shot.
Thanks again for the reply, and Happy Holidays.

I have replaced hard drives on laptops so many times that I couldn't even count them. You need to have a small phillips drive with very sharp edges and made out of hardened steel. Then you have to hold the drive very firmly in place but turn the screw very slowly. If you get the feel of it then it's not too hard.

Hints:

http://www.gamespot.com/features/6176090/index.html



HD Models:160G

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010150380+1309721217+1035907918&name=Serial+ATA150

HD Models: 250G

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010150380+1309729183+1035907918&name=Serial+ATA150

J__Chris:
http://www.gamersreports.com/article/43/ :)

Thank You

I too had problems with the screws but was eventually able to get them off. Replaced with a 160gb hard drive and everything is fine.

A few things like game data or games and demos downloaded from PSN can not be loaded on external devices.

Downloads from PSN can be moved to a USB device. Copy will ask for your destination.

Downloads from PSN can be moved to a USB device. Copy will ask for your destination.

I do not beieve so. I just checked and when I hit triangle on any of my PSN demos or downloaded games "copy" is not an available option.

Guys- will I have problems with Warhawk if I update my HDD? I know you can only register your PSN account with Warhawk once.

I do not beieve so. I just checked and when I hit triangle on any of my PSN demos or downloaded games "copy" is not an available option.

You could be right on game demos. I have tried it with BD trailers and others but not game demos.

Back in the Spring I upgraded my 20GB unit to a 160GB drive. I made sure I had the proper Phillips head for the screws and they came right out. Without the exact size it won't come out easily.

And Sony also has a backup function that copies the entire hard drive. You just need a USB drive that is formatted with FAT32. It makes things much easier. That way your entire drive is copied over with all settings and content, and the only difference is you have more capacity when done. It makes upgrading the drive and keeping all your content very easy.

Just break the screws loose with regular pliers first. It blows to have to do it that way, but it's better than paying way too much for a proprietary design. I replaced the 60gb seagate momentus with a 250gb western digital scorpio and also replaced the 40gb hitachi travelstar with a 160gb wd scorpio.

Well after a long wait, I have successfully upgraded my old 60gb drive for a nice new minty 320gb drive. Hopefully it will take less time to fill up then my 60gb did :)

Yeah, I had to be careful last january when I upgraded my 60gb to 160gb. Luckily I had the small screwdrivers that were the right size since I work on PCs all the time, but they were still too soft for my liking. I kinda wish I had my PS3 again :)

Just ordered the 250gb scorpio for $149 (no tax, free shipping) from newegg.

Thanks for the inspiration, and just so you know if the wife asks I am blaming all of you :)

I also did the upgrade a few months back and found the initial blue screw to be a little tight. I would recommend finding a screwdriver that has a larger handle that still fits in the phillips screw hole. Once I found the right size I didn't feel like I was going to strip the d*#n thing.

PC repair kits tend to have the right size tools for those who need a little more reference.

-Splints

ok I think I did something wrong. I have a 1tb drive which is formatted to Fat32.

I did the back up and it only has 34gb used. I have close to 50gb on my ps3. I want to make sure my game demos are saved. Is there any way to check for sure?

I'm glad to see you had success with the 160 gigger.I just bought a 120 gigger from the same company so it's nice to know that it SHOULD be compatible with my ps3.

I've always had questions concerning data transfer when upgrading the HDD. It makes sense that you'd be able to transfer ps3 game saves to another memory device, but what about ps2 saves? How would that work? Does it emulate another ps2 memory card on the external drive?

I just copied the PS2 saves just as I did with the PS3 game saves. When you install your new hard drive, just create a new PS2 virtual memory card as you originally did and paste your PS2 games saves back in there. Simple.

:)

As someone who has only ever replaced RAM and Video cards on a desktop... I have the following question... How does the hard drive physically connect to the rest of the PS3? Is there a ribbon cable or something you have to attach?

No ribbon cable. Just literally plug in. Male and female connector. So easy really. You just lower the hard drive into the PS3 and slide it to the left and that's it. Plugs in.

As someone who has only ever replaced RAM and Video cards on a desktop... I have the following question... How does the hard drive physically connect to the rest of the PS3? Is there a ribbon cable or something you have to attach?

Don't mean to be a smart ass or anything, but there are detailed instructions with pictures in your PS3 manual. Take a look.

I was honestly suprised that they would include that.

Just saw this news story about 500GB 2.5" hardrives becoming available soon.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20080103/tc_pcworld/140942

It's not cheap, but if you want to go really big, now you can.

just some advice- I would tell anyone looking to replace the harddrive to PLAN on replacing the screws with pure stainless units upon completion. They are easily avail at ne hardware or electronic house (radio shack). The exisiting screws are simply composed of a soft alloy that was a horrific (and cost cutting) choice for a component that can easily be swapped out. This could be one of those items that sony may actually modify on future models if they heard enough crowing about it (don't hold your breath, though). As some have mentioned, they do have an effect on reducing resonation to the drive (everything always works fine til' it breaks!)

Lastly, when you go to remove the screws, make sure you're using the proper phillips head and use plenty of pressure on the head of the screw right from the get...pussy-footing around with em' will only increase the chance of turning them into shrapnel (which is not to say it won't happen neway).

Boy am I smart, it took years of ruining circuit boards, capacitors, and related items before I figured this out...many use ridiculously cheap fasteners and boards.

If anything the 500 GB HDs will at least push the prices of the smaller drives down

Just saw this news story about 500GB 2.5" hardrives becoming available soon.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20080103/tc_pcworld/140942

It's not cheap, but if you want to go really big, now you can.

it would seem that they cheated and added an extra platter and thus have made a non standard size that wont likely fit the PS3.

btw I have an extra WD 320gb 2.5 inch drive brand new sealed for sale in the classifieds if anyone wants to "go big"

I've always had questions concerning data transfer when upgrading the HDD. It makes sense that you'd be able to transfer ps3 game saves to another memory device, but what about ps2 saves? How would that work? Does it emulate another ps2 memory card on the external drive?

Here's my recommendation for upgrading to avoid data loss. First, buy an portable HDD enclosure with your new drive. It allows you to back things up during the upgrade, and use your factory hard drive as a USB drive for later.

Second, put the new HDD in the enclosure and format it with your PC to FAT32. Now, the PS3 will recognize your new HDD as an external drive when you plug it in to the USB port. Select the backup utility from the Systems Settings menu with the new hard drive plugged into your PS3's USB port. The PS3 will backup your entire internal hard drive to the external one.

Once the backup is completely, transfer the files from the external drive to your PC hard drive preserving the directory structure. Now, you can do the hard drive swap on the PS3. Don't worry about formatting the new drive, the PS3 will prompt you to do that when it boots up with the new drive. (I selected a full format, and you can partition 10GB for Linux if you'll want to do that later.)

While the PS3 is formatting the new HDD, put the factory PS3 drive in the external case. Format this drive with your PC to FAT32. Once the PC is done formatting the drive, copy the backup files to the external drive preserving the directory structure.

After completing this transfer and the PS3 formatting of the new HDD, plug the external drive (which is your original PS3 drive, now formatted to FAT32 with the backup files loaded on it) into a PS3 USB port. Use the Restore utility found in the System Settings menu on the PS3. The PS3 will now restore everything to your new internal HDD.

At the end of this process, your PS3 will look just like it did before you started. All of your files, logins, preferences, etc. will be there. The only difference will be the available HDD space you see in the System Settings. For less than $20 picking up the external HDD case for a 2.5" drive allows you to perform a seamless backup and restore, as well as have a portable HDD for later use (such as transferring files between the PC and PS3, for future backups).

Hope that was useful to someone.

it would seem that they cheated and added an extra platter and thus have made a non standard size that wont likely fit the PS3.

Yes, I just saw that. My bad. I assume this won't fit in the PS3 then.

"According to Hitachi, although the drive itself will occupy a 2.5-inch chassis, the drive mechanism inside the drive enclosure will be a bit thicker than the usual height of a drive. Typically, drives are 9.5mm in thickness; the 500GB drive will be 12.5mm, due to the additional disk platter."

Here's my recommendation for upgrading to avoid data loss. First, buy an portable HDD enclosure with your new drive. It allows you to back things up during the upgrade, and use your factory hard drive as a USB drive for later.

Second, put the new HDD in the enclosure and format it with your PC to FAT32. Now, the PS3 will recognize your new HDD as an external drive when you plug it in to the USB port. Select the backup utility from the Systems Settings menu with the new hard drive plugged into your PS3's USB port. The PS3 will backup your entire internal hard drive to the external one.

Once the backup is completely, transfer the files from the external drive to your PC hard drive preserving the directory structure. Now, you can do the hard drive swap on the PS3. Don't worry about formatting the new drive, the PS3 will prompt you to do that when it boots up with the new drive. (I selected a full format, and you can partition 10GB for Linux if you'll want to do that later.)

While the PS3 is formatting the new HDD, put the factory PS3 drive in the external case. Format this drive with your PC to FAT32. Once the PC is done formatting the drive, copy the backup files to the external drive preserving the directory structure.

After completing this transfer and the PS3 formatting of the new HDD, plug the external drive (which is your original PS3 drive, now formatted to FAT32 with the backup files loaded on it) into a PS3 USB port. Use the Restore utility found in the System Settings menu on the PS3. The PS3 will now restore everything to your new internal HDD.

At the end of this process, your PS3 will look just like it did before you started. All of your files, logins, preferences, etc. will be there. The only difference will be the available HDD space you see in the System Settings. For less than $20 picking up the external HDD case for a 2.5" drive allows you to perform a seamless backup and restore, as well as have a portable HDD for later use (such as transferring files between the PC and PS3, for future backups).

Hope that was useful to someone.

That makes a lot of sense and is a very helpful description of the process.

If the surrounding material is not plastic, you can use a solding iron to heat the screw before trying to get it out, it will easily melt any loctite.

Quote:
Originally Posted by makingmusic476 View Post
I've always had questions concerning data transfer when upgrading the HDD. It makes sense that you'd be able to transfer ps3 game saves to another memory device, but what about ps2 saves? How would that work? Does it emulate another ps2 memory card on the external drive?
Here's my recommendation for upgrading to avoid data loss. First, buy an portable HDD enclosure with your new drive. It allows you to back things up during the upgrade, and use your factory hard drive as a USB drive for later.

Second, put the new HDD in the enclosure and format it with your PC to FAT32. Now, the PS3 will recognize your new HDD as an external drive when you plug it in to the USB port. Select the backup utility from the Systems Settings menu with the new hard drive plugged into your PS3's USB port. The PS3 will backup your entire internal hard drive to the external one.

Once the backup is completely, transfer the files from the external drive to your PC hard drive preserving the directory structure. Now, you can do the hard drive swap on the PS3. Don't worry about formatting the new drive, the PS3 will prompt you to do that when it boots up with the new drive. (I selected a full format, and you can partition 10GB for Linux if you'll want to do that later.)

While the PS3 is formatting the new HDD, put the factory PS3 drive in the external case. Format this drive with your PC to FAT32. Once the PC is done formatting the drive, copy the backup files to the external drive preserving the directory structure.

After completing this transfer and the PS3 formatting of the new HDD, plug the external drive (which is your original PS3 drive, now formatted to FAT32 with the backup files loaded on it) into a PS3 USB port. Use the Restore utility found in the System Settings menu on the PS3. The PS3 will now restore everything to your new internal HDD.

At the end of this process, your PS3 will look just like it did before you started. All of your files, logins, preferences, etc. will be there. The only difference will be the available HDD space you see in the System Settings. For less than $20 picking up the external HDD case for a 2.5" drive allows you to perform a seamless backup and restore, as well as have a portable HDD for later use (such as transferring files between the PC and PS3, for future backups).

Hope that was useful to someone.

That is helpful but it seems like a lot more work than just using an external hard drive, if you already own one of course.

I was thinking of buying a 2.5" External HDD that uses SATA, so that way I have an enclosure to recycle the PS3 drive in, while I swap out the HDD with the one inside the enclosure that the hard drive manufacturer includes. That sounds like it could be worth doing that. Whether it will be a 160GB drive or not, that's another thing.

Also, I don't know if Western Digital Passports are SATA based, or the Seagate FreeAgent Go's.

With all the streaming available, what would be reasoning for going with a big HD? Just curious.

I was thinking of buying a 2.5" External HDD that uses SATA, so that way I have an enclosure to recycle the PS3 drive in, while I swap out the HDD with the one inside the enclosure that the hard drive manufacturer includes. That sounds like it could be worth doing that. Whether it will be a 160GB drive or not, that's another thing.

Also, I don't know if Western Digital Passports are SATA based, or the Seagate FreeAgent Go's.
if you do that, you're voiding the warranty on the external case. better to buy the drive and the case separately. That way you keep all of your warranties intact.

if you do that, you're voiding the warranty on the external case. better to buy the drive and the case separately. That way you keep all of your warranties intact.

Would that be more expensive to do that?

depends on the case you buy, but it usually ends up being cheaper.

Actually, now that you mention it, I probably even see myself going with a 250GB drive, since those are getting to be around the $120 mark now (the Samsung Spinpoint M). Was it the SATA/150, as opposed to the SATA 3.0Gb/s that Sony recommends, or do both work equally with the PS3?

Kulims: For me I like the idea of everything self contained with no big boxes plugged into the usb port sitting next to my ps3. Just my preference. :)

Which is different from what I'm looking at doing, since I'm wanting to make the internal drive the bigger drive, and recycling the original drive as the secondary external drive, for those older demos/trailers that I wish to share with my PC or other consoles/USB-based media devices.

Actually, now that you mention it, I probably even see myself going with a 250GB drive, since those are getting to be around the $120 mark now (the Samsung Spinpoint M). Was it the SATA/150, as opposed to the SATA 3.0Gb/s that Sony recommends, or do both work equally with the PS3?

I never realized SATA 3.0 Gb/s was preferable for the PS3. I'm wondering what the difference is also?

I just picked up the 320 GB SATA from West Digital. Boomschockalacka! Pretty sweet I must say.

No, I was just wondering what form of SATA Notebook Drive factor that Sony recommended to use with the PS3. That's all.
I know that the PS3 can accept the 7200 RPM as well as the 5400 RPM, even tho the speed is really not that significant. Wonder if 7200 would be futureproofing myself or not...

Two questions:

1. From the following link to new egg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010150380+1309729183+1035907918&name=Serial+ATA150) are any brands viewed as being "better" or more reliable than others? I ask because the Samsung is quite a bit cheaper than the WD's. Also, what's the difference (in plain English) between the two WD drives?

2. So, to swap hard drives, I should first back up my system to my external hard drive (via USB), physically remove the existing 60GB hard drive, put in the new 250GB hard drive, format the new hard drive from the PS3's XMB, and the restore the hard drive from the data I backed up to my external hard drive. Is this correct?

My apologies for not being more computer saavy. Your thoughts are appreciated!

No, I was just wondering what form of SATA Notebook Drive factor that Sony recommended to use with the PS3. That's all.
I know that the PS3 can accept the 7200 RPM as well as the 5400 RPM, even tho the speed is really not that significant. Wonder if 7200 would be futureproofing myself or not...

More heat with a 7200 rpm drive. Plus with the higher platter densities, the newer larger, 5400 rpm drives can transfer just as quickly as the older 7200 rpm drives used to.

I Recently upgraded my HDD on my PS3. I was able to get the blue screw off without any problems, but did strip one of the small screws on the tray. I was able to get it off and swap the HDD though. I called Sony 1-800-345-SONY and talked to representative who agreed to send me a new Tray and screws. I didn't think they would actually come in, but I received the replacement last week. Now if I decide to upgrade to a larger drive in the future, all I have to do is take out the current drive (in the tray) and just replace it with the larger HDD in the new tray. I suggest you call sony if you have stripped the screws and request a replacement tray and screws.