Which PS3 would you recommend?

[JoLLyRoGer]

I plan on using the unit primarily as a blu-ray player / HTPC vice an acutal gaming console.

There seems to be a lot of mis-information circulating about which ones are backwards compatable w/ PS2 which is a minor concern for me since my son has a bunch of PS2 games (although he also has a PS2 console for that as well).

My main interest is in using the PS3 in more of an HTPC role... At the current price point of dedicated BD players, it just doesn't make sence NOT to get a PS3 IMO. 7.1 LPCM sound via HDMA 1.3, 1080p upscaling for DVD's DBLive (2.0) and firmware upgradable in the future. I *think* it can support streaming media from NAS (w/ upconversion)? Which makes it an all around kick-ass stand in for a would be HTPC. Not to mention that there are no *GOOD* BD software players for HTPCs from the little research I've done.
All that and oh yeah, BTW, it plays games too...

So that much said, which model would you recommend? Are there any major processor performance differences between models? And if anyone would like to clear the mud regarding backwards compatability, performance, etc., please don't hesitate.

Thank you in advance for your help!!
-JR

 

[mugs]

Performance will be identical... that's the way consoles are. This generation you're seeing a lot of variation in ancillary features, but you already know the biggest differences in PS3 models - hard drive size and backward compatibility. The hard drive is user-replaceable, and if you plan on streaming most of your media your hard drive size won't really matter.

Regarding your NAS - I don't think the PS3 plays files from SMB shares; you need a UPnP media server. If you have a computer that will always be on when you want to watch videos, you can certainly set up TVersity or something similar on that PC and serve files from the NAS. Or if you have a NAS with a built-in UPnP server, you're set.

Really, your decision comes down to backward compatibility. If you want it, buy the 80 GB MGS4 bundle before they run out. You're paying $100 extra for the game, BC, two extra USB ports, card readers, and I think some minor features like SACD support.

Otherwise the 80 GB non-bundle with no BC is a better deal at $400.

My needs and expectations were similar to yours, and I went with the 40 GB with no BC ($320 after 20% off coupon). If I had to do it all over again, I think I'd do the same. I haven't played any PS2 games and have only played a few original Xbox games since 2006.

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

Thanks for the most informative reply! :beer: On a side note, is there anything advantageous to the older 60GB model vs. the MGS4 80GB?

 

[JPB]

Originally posted by: JoLLyRoGer
Thanks for the most informative reply! :beer: On a side note, is there anything advantageous to the older 60GB model vs. the MGS4 80GB?

Not quite sure, but isnt one of them software backwards compatible while the other is hardware backwards compatible ?

 

[Baked]

60GB PS3 has hardware BC, it has the PS3's emotion engine. 80GB MGS4 has software BC, it uses software emulation.

If you don't play PS2 games, the PS3 80GB w/ the dualshock 3 will suit you just fine.

 

[DaveSimmons]

It sounds like PS2 is a low or non priority so the new 80 GB at $400 -- if you can sign up for a new Chase credit card at SonyStyle.com you can get $100 off (account credit).

If you wait a month or two Sony -may- drop the price $50 to match MS' 360 price cut. They may also add a bundled game for xmas. Neither is guaranteed to happen.

 

[zerogear]

The 80GB (older ver) has software emulation for backwards computability, so BC with PS2 games are around 75-80%. The original launch 60GB has hardware, so the BC for that is around 95% for PS2 games. Both play PS1 games fine. The other models, 40GB, 80GB, 120GB, they have pulled all support of BC for PS2 games. So it really comes down to if you have enough PS2 games to justify paying a more premium price for BC. As for using as HTPC, it works ok as long as you configured it correctly in TVersity (regular WMP doesn't work, since you need real-time encoding for most files, since PS3's format support is kinda meh). Overall, it works nicely if you already have something setup for a backend server.

I personally use Arcsoft Total Media Theatre for my blu-ray playback on HTPC, it works fairly well and integrates nicely into Vista Media Center.

As the other said, the differences are mostly little, amount of USB ports, memory card slots and SACD support and BC.

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

What about the die shrink? Are the new 40/80 Gig-ers shipping with the 45nm cell or are they still using the 65nm chip?

I can only imagine that the smaller die = less heat, i.e. better longevity and reduced fan noise (important factor in a home theater).

 

[Queasy]

The new 40GB and 80GB PS3s (the ones without BC) use the 65nm die. The 45nm die won't be ready until later next year.

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

Ahhh... thanks for the clarification. Well, as always - you folks at AT are Aces in my book! Thanks for all the informative posts...

I guess the sweet spot for me is going to be a current generation 40 gig-er as I don't see any added benefit to getting an 80. (Not to mention I could just as easily upgrade the HDD if the need arose).

Any pointers on where the best deals are?

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: JoLLyRoGer
Ahhh... thanks for the clarification. Well, as always - you folks at AT are Aces in my book! Thanks for all the informative posts...

I guess the sweet spot for me is going to be a current generation 40 gig-er as I don't see any added benefit to getting an 80. (Not to mention I could just as easily upgrade the HDD if the need arose).

Any pointers on where the best deals are?

The 40 GB is discontinued. They replaced it with an 80 GB with the same features. Not to be confused with the 80 GB with distinctly different features. Basically, you're looking for something that costs $400, and it should have an 80 GB hard drive.

 

[InFeXiOn]

Get the cheapest one.

You'll thank me later.

 

[Baked]

There are currently 2 versions of 80GB on the market. The 80GB PS3 (no BC) core in a white box with dualshock 3, and the 80GB PS3 (with BC) with metal gear solid 4 game and DS3 in a MGS4 graphic black box. You should have no problem finding the 80GB core at any B&M retailer. No idea if they still have any 80GB MGS4 bundles around.

 

[DaveSimmons]

The 65nm Cell models are:

1. $399 list for 40 GB with old no-rumble Sixaxis (discontinued)
2. $399 list for 80 GB with Dual Shock rumble, no game included

(The $499 80 GB Metal Gear bundle is apparently the 90nm Cell.)

So even if you find a 40 GB somewhere, chances are it will cost just as much as the 80 GB and will have the older no-rumble controller.

 

[zerogear]

Originally posted by: JoLLyRoGer
What about the die shrink? Are the new 40/80 Gig-ers shipping with the 45nm cell or are they still using the 65nm chip?

I can only imagine that the smaller die = less heat, i.e. better longevity and reduced fan noise (important factor in a home theater).

They're still using 90nm AFAIK

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: JoLLyRoGer
Ahhh... thanks for the clarification. Well, as always - you folks at AT are Aces in my book! Thanks for all the informative posts...

I guess the sweet spot for me is going to be a current generation 40 gig-er as I don't see any added benefit to getting an 80. (Not to mention I could just as easily upgrade the HDD if the need arose).

Any pointers on where the best deals are?

The 40 GB is discontinued. They replaced it with an 80 GB with the same features. Not to be confused with the 80 GB with distinctly different features. Basically, you're looking for something that costs $400, and it should have an 80 GB hard drive.

Gotcha! I've seen those ones around. I did not know the 40GB was discontinued, I just thought it was a cheaper model. Thanks for straightening me out (again). Seems like I've just come full-circle after looking at an 80GB PS3 in the store a few days ago.

At least now I can feel like I'm making an informed decision. Thanks Again for helping a console n00b out!

Oh, and I think it was you that mentioned TVersity? I check that out too and WOW, what else can I say? Looks like there is nothing that program won't do! Thanks for that tip too...

-JR:thumbsup:

 

[nealh]

I habe had a 80gb MGS4 bundle and the new sku 80gb PS3

The MGS4 bundle runs very hot playing games, upconversion and Blu-ray and is louder

The new sku 80gb PS3 runs much quieter and cooler....I returned the MGS4 as I was afraid it would not last long and noise was an issue for me

 

[zerogear]

I still have my launch 60GB (90nm). Won't trade that in until they start having BC.. which looking at things, isn't going to happen.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: zerogear
I still have my launch 60GB (90nm). Won't trade that in until they start having BC.. which looking at things, isn't going to happen.

Yep, so do I. And that is THE best PS3 that has been released. However, if you just want a PS3 for Blu-ray playback, the new 80GB PS3 should fit the bill perfectly. I'm not sure what people are complaining about regarding noise on the MGS4 PS3. I find that it is pretty dang quiet, unless playing a game and then it gets a little louder, but nothing crazy. Now if you have it in a poorly ventilated space, yes, it gets VERY loud. But under normal conditions, it is MUCH quieter than my 360 Elite.

 

[Imported]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: zerogear
I still have my launch 60GB (90nm). Won't trade that in until they start having BC.. which looking at things, isn't going to happen.

Yep, so do I. And that is THE best PS3 that has been released. However, if you just want a PS3 for Blu-ray playback, the new 80GB PS3 should fit the bill perfectly. I'm not sure what people are complaining about regarding noise on the MGS4 PS3. I find that it is pretty dang quiet, unless playing a game and then it gets a little louder, but nothing crazy. Now if you have it in a poorly ventilated space, yes, it gets VERY loud. But under normal conditions, it is MUCH quieter than my 360 Elite.

My MGS4 PS3 is damn quiet too. Wish I could say the same for the 360!

 

[Jules]

PS3 60GB has the EE+GS chip. The PS3 80GB only has the GS for bc and has to use software to emulate the Emotion Engine.

 

[nealh]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: zerogear
I still have my launch 60GB (90nm). Won't trade that in until they start having BC.. which looking at things, isn't going to happen.

Yep, so do I. And that is THE best PS3 that has been released. However, if you just want a PS3 for Blu-ray playback, the new 80GB PS3 should fit the bill perfectly. I'm not sure what people are complaining about regarding noise on the MGS4 PS3. I find that it is pretty dang quiet, unless playing a game and then it gets a little louder, but nothing crazy. Now if you have it in a poorly ventilated space, yes, it gets VERY loud. But under normal conditions, it is MUCH quieter than my 360 Elite.

Noise is very subjective but I had the 80gb MGS4 and in quiet movies scenes I could hear the fan noise..and yes mine was well ventilated(ie open space)..it got as hot or hotter than my Xbox 360(though not as loud)
New sku 80gb PS3 ..does not really even get warm to the touch

BTW, I think Sony is being stupid on the issue of BC...I dumbfounded on the move...makes no sense...are they getting better PS3 sales on games becasue of no BC, not from what I see

 

[Muadib]

Originally posted by: Imported

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: zerogear
I still have my launch 60GB (90nm). Won't trade that in until they start having BC.. which looking at things, isn't going to happen.

Yep, so do I. And that is THE best PS3 that has been released. However, if you just want a PS3 for Blu-ray playback, the new 80GB PS3 should fit the bill perfectly. I'm not sure what people are complaining about regarding noise on the MGS4 PS3. I find that it is pretty dang quiet, unless playing a game and then it gets a little louder, but nothing crazy. Now if you have it in a poorly ventilated space, yes, it gets VERY loud. But under normal conditions, it is MUCH quieter than my 360 Elite.

My MGS4 PS3 is damn quiet too. Wish I could say the same for the 360!

My MGS4 80GB PS3 is dead quiet too. It's just like my friends 40GB. Sadly my 360 is also like yours.

To JoLLyRoGer, the 40GB price is $360 at Blockbuster now. They also have a bundle that includes an HDMI cable, Spiderman the movie & Tranformers the game for $400.