When Microsoft made a mistake with their Xbox 360, not only they owned up to the problem but also fixed it for free. But Sony not only refuse to fix broken PS3 for free but also refuse to acknowledge it.
From this link:
“The firmware update that was intended to decrease Blu-ray Disc read times by speeding up the motor and spindle, is causing an increased power draw,” he said. “This is fine for the newer systems made with 60nm [nanometer] and 45nm chipsets that use less power and therefore create less heat.
“But for the older, original 90nm chips, that already ran towards the hot side to begin with, it’s fatal. Too much power draw creates too much heat and leads to overheating and failure. It’s blatantly obvious to anyone who has worked with computers and laptops.”
I will never buy another Sony product unless Sony owns up to their mistake & fix all of the PS3s they broke for free.
Frozen PS3 Screen
So I found this thread on Playstation Network forums. It looks like there many who are having same or similar issue with their PS3 as I. If you read that thread, the common denominator seems to be Sony’s latest updates (3.10 or 3.15). So if you haven’t installed latest PS3 update then don’t install it. Sony is asking for almost $150 to fix it but this seems ridiculous to me. If they broke it then they should fix it for free. I won’t pay to have my PS3 fixed, if Sony doesn’t release a fix soon or fix it for free, I will simply throw my PS3 in dumpster & buy Wii.
For me, PS3 runs fine for 10-20 minutes, then picture freezes but sound & controls keep working fine. DVD movies play just fine for hours, also I was able to backup & restore my data which took about 4 hours. For some, PS3 will lockup immediately or it wont recognize any Bluray disc but works fine with DVDs & music CDs.
Lack of Sony’s response to this issues, is really pissing me off. Sony will probably lose me as their customer for good.
Some people have recommended changing laser module in PS3.
I tried doing following steps that many people said fixed their issues. Unfortunately, they didn’t work for me.
- Disable orange notification bar.
- Disable media server.
- Disable wifi.
- Disable network completely.
- Vacuum vents.
- Re-seat harddrive.
- Set PS3 vertically.
- Try component cables instead of HDMI.
- Double check that PS3 is well ventilated.
- Reset to default settings.
- Delete all game data.
- Full format & reinstall system software.
I did all these steps but still my PS3 is locking up video. These steps might work for you, so try them. I don’t want to mess around inside PS3 but if you feel like it, try changing you lens module. There are several video tutorials on youtube for this.
Also if you are thinking of buying PS3, don’t buy a used one. I could easily sell mine to used video game stores if I want to. I don’t think they will test it long enough for it to freeze. Of course, I won’t do that but there might be some who would. If you do decide to buy used one, then test it, at least, for 30 minutes or longer.
I was so excited to play Heavy Rain. Since I rarely play my PS3, I had no idea it would just deteriorate while sitting and doing nothing. The stupid thing kept freezing on me.
It was weird display would freeze while music and controls keep working. Seems like GPU is overheating. May have to change the GPU fan.
Or maybe I will just throw it away. Don’t have time for video games.
Although I am still getting a pay check but yesterday was crazy. On one hand I feel free and relaxed but at same time I am worried about getting my business started. So while I am playing Valkyria Chronicles, I am trying to think of a name for my startup.
And I want to go to a doctor before my insurance from work runs out, I am also looking for a new place, I am also looking for places to travel to while I can, I am still working on Challenge App, it’s only 5 pm.
I think what you wanted in childhood is what really makes you happy. I loved video games in my childhood. After college I tried to out grow video games. I stopped playing or even reading about them. Until recently I broke down and bought PS3. I can tell you since then I am the happiest person ever.
My childhood dream was to make video games. Market made me realize that its not easy to get a job in video game industry. So I gave up that dream. Luckily, at work, I have met some people who are also interested in making video games. They are still in initial planning stages. I have decided to join them. This has made me so much excited and motivated.
One day I will make the greatest game ever!!!
