How too.. If you Low on HHD Space! & Changing Internall Drive

[Yip-Man]

If you are starting to get low on HHD space, you basicly have three options.

1. Delete some stuff!
2. New Internal Hard Drive
3. New External Hard Drive

Option 1.

Delete Stuff.

There are a number of things you can do here to free up some HHD space.

1. Have you any old Demo's or Trailers you don't need - If so these can easily stack up to a few gig.

2. Delete Game installs of games you no longer play.. These can take up a few gig each.. If you not playing it delete it.. You can always re install if you want to play the game again. I know it will waste time but if you need space and don't want to buy a new external or internal Drive.

3. If you already have a external dirve FAT32 formatted, transfer music, game installs, pictures and video's to this... Then if you need to use the installs again you can transfer them back to PS3 HHD.


Option 2.

New larger Internal Drive.

If you have the cash to buy one this is the best option, as you can reuse the old drive, and you get alot more space.

I would say go for either 250 or 320 gig as they not too expensive at present, but buy what you can afford.. check on the web for best prices in your region. At present the Largest 2.5inch SATA drive is 320gig.

Make sure you get a 2.5' SATA, as the Larger 3.5' SATA drive will not fit.. Basicly the PS3 uses any 2.5' SATA Laptop Drive...

Problems you may encounter

This has been well documented on this forum that the soft non magentic screws can be a little tricky to get in or out. My suggestion is get the right tool for the job then you get no problems.....

If you are looknig to get a new external case for your old Drive, look for a non powered one that comes with a screw driver and order that at same time, so you will have the correct tool for the job.. Then it'll only take a few minutes to complete.

The Benefit

This option then gives you the best of both worlds, a new large internal drive and a 40-60-80 gig drive to use as external for backing up music prictures etc, that will easily connet to PC via USB.

How To do this !

Here's a video of the Install process

HDD swap

Thanks to Metacafe.com (where the video is) and Notanovice for the URL

First and foremost you know if you have the correct screw driver head if you can undo this with not to much pressure and the driver head does not start to ride out of the screw, if it begins to ride out of screw head - STOP you are using the wrong screw driver..

The Screw head is a Philips head and not a prozi drive head these look very similar

Philips head - Has a cross pattern similar to This (+)

Prozi Drive Head - This is simlar to the Philips head except the are four more smaller cross heads in the driver or head. One small one between each large cross. ( hope that makes sense) if not google it !

2006

If you have bought an external case that contains a screw driver this sohuld fit !!! - if not could try a cheap penknife (as found these work well too). Please please make sure it fits.. IF when you begin the turn the Screw Driver with reasonable pressure it begins to ride out check you have the correct driver and Size, if it is still a little stiff - an old Trick is to tighten it slightly first, this will usually make undoing easier, always remember righty tighty - lefty loosey !

Step One

Either back up ur PS3 from System options, This will require a FAT32 formatted external Hard Drive. If you have not i recomend you just use a Flash Drive to copy your game save too..

go to Game - Game Saves - on each game save press Triangle - then copy to Flash Drive... continue to all your game saves have been transferred. If you run out of space on the Flash drive - plug into PC, and copy to PC's hard drive in a location you will remember. thne continue copying across.. This will mean however, remembering your PSN Logon details and re downloading PSN titles (in the download tab), as have 5 downloads per purchase... And all game installs and updates will also have to be re done.


Step 2
http://www.cnet.com.au/story_media/339282375/how-to-upgrade-your-playstation-3-hard-drive_3.jpg
Thanks to Cnet for pics..
Open the HHD Flap on the Side of the PS3.. you will thne see a bright blue Screw, remove this carefully (remember the advice above). once this has been removed you can pull the lever and the Hard Drive Caddy will slide out of the PS3...

http://www.cnet.com.au/story_media/339282375/how-to-upgrade-your-playstation-3-hard-drive_4.jpg
http://www.cnet.com.au/story_media/339282375/how-to-upgrade-your-playstation-3-hard-drive_5.jpg
Thanks to Cnet for Pics..
Remove the four screws from the side of the caddy (remembering the earlier tips). and pull out the old Drive, slot in the new one, as reverse Step 2.

step 3

Re logon onto PS3 - will prompt you to format say yes... this will then format your PS3 for a 250 gig you will have around 232 gig to play with once formatted.

Then re put in PSn logon details and Router info, Logon to PSn re-download any PSN titles you have bought. Copy Game saves back from Flash Drive - by plugging in Flash drive and going to Game Saves - then Flash Drive then Traingle to give you copy options.

Step 4.

Place your Old hard drive into the external casing as per the instructions - format using a PC to FAT 32 - most people like using Partion Magic as it lets you formatt a drive with larger partions that 32gig (standard Window Limit).

Here is a link to a free partition tool - I have Know idea how good it is, but its free to home users...

So might be worth downloading

http://www.partition-tool.com/

There you have it a new HHD and External Drive.

What if I strip my screws in my Caddy ?

If by chance you do strip your screws, use a pair of long nose pliers to remove the screws, this method in nearly all cases works, you may damage the screws but least got old drive out.

The next thing is to call Sony Customer services in your region. I have spoke to one or two people who have stripped their screws, and one quick call to Sony, and a new caddy was on the way free of charge. So if you do or have in the past stripped the screws give Sony a call, and get a brand new one form Sony for Free, they have even supplied the new caddy with tougher screws (yippee).



Option 3.

Buy an External Drive Plug into USB port.

This is mainly useful for extra storage of Music Picture and Backups, you can move game saves demo's and installs to this Drive.....

However you if you want to USE the Game save or Install for a game you need to movoe it back to the PS3's hard drive...




I hope this is of some help, i have not had a great deal of time to do this, when i get some more time at work, will add a few helpfull pics etc.

Oh on a side note, if anyone is going to be upgrading their HHD drive in PS3, and would not mind taking a few photo's of some of the steps, I'll Rep you and add you as part of content creators.

[nightcrawler]

Are the HDD region locked?

[Carl]

Very good thread there mate, well done.

[Yip-Man]

Are the HDD region locked?


Nope - i have ansered your other question in the thread you orginally asked :-)

Very good thread there mate, well done.

Cheers, hopefully will get some pic's and stuff from people doing theirs, so can add a bit to it, but cheers !

Please don't double post ~Carl

Doh sorry, Cheers for doing that.

[Comatosed]

Nice idea for a thread and well put together +rep to you.

Edit: Removed the video, no point it being here twice.

@Nightcrawler: Please tell me you're joking???

Edit: I'm all repped out, will rep you when it lets me :(

[Yip-Man]

@Notanovice, would you be able to PM me the Video, so I can add it into the thread, will credit you for it as well .

[Spoilt*Gp]

Whats the largest hdd i could install to the 40gb PS3??

[Comatosed]

Whats the largest hdd i could install to the 40gb PS3??

Whatever the largest 2.5" SATA is that you can find, thats the only limit!!

[Carl]

You can install any 2.5 inch SATA HDD - so whatever is the capacity you can find with those specifications. I believe it's 320GB at the momoment? Someone will clarify i'm sure

[Comatosed]

You can install any 2.5 inch SATA HDD - so whatever is the capacity you can find with those specifications. I believe it's 320GB at the momoment? Someone will clarify i'm sure

A quick search on google and I can't find anything larger :wink:

[Carl]

Heh why didn't I think of that? Cheers Coma, i thought it was :D

[nightcrawler]

Ok thanks, all i need now an external HD and a new HDD + The CA$H

[ybbiv]

I'm upgrading my 20GB to a 250GB Western Digital. I was considering a WD 320GB, but I've lived with 20GB for a year and a half so I don't think I need to go all out.

Anyway, my question is about putting my 20GB drive into an enclosure. How do I go about formatting the old 20GB drive, just plug it into a computer and select format on a drop-down menu?

[Comatosed]

I'm upgrading my 20GB to a 250GB Western Digital. I was considering a WD 320GB, but I've lived with 20GB for a year and a half so I don't think I need to go all out.

Anyway, my question is about putting my 20GB drive into an enclosure. How do I go about formatting the old 20GB drive, just plug it into a computer and select format on a drop-down menu?

When you plug into your computer, just format it the same way you would any other drive, right click on it and format :)

[ybbiv]

Awesome, that's what I was expecting. Good to know it'll be as easy as assumed.

What about the Backup Utility? I've heard some people say it restores their PS3 entirely PSN games/demos included, while others have said that it doesn't backup downloaded games (flOw for example). I'm expecting I'll have to download them again, but it'd be nice if I didn't have to.

[Comatosed]

Awesome, that's what I was expecting. Good to know it'll be as easy as assumed.

What about the Backup Utility? I've heard some people say it restores their PS3 entirely PSN games/demos included, while others have said that it doesn't backup downloaded games (flOw for example). I'm expecting I'll have to download them again, but it'd be nice if I didn't have to.

Honestly mate I don't know, just have to try it :wink:

Anybody else able to help with that one???

[kalishnikov]

I'm upgrading my 20GB to a 250GB Western Digital. I was considering a WD 320GB, but I've lived with 20GB for a year and a half so I don't think I need to go all out.

Anyway, my question is about putting my 20GB drive into an enclosure. How do I go about formatting the old 20GB drive, just plug it into a computer and select format on a drop-down menu?

If you took the 20 gig HD out of the PS3 and put it in an enclosure, would it not already be in the proper format?



Also, great post OP, I'd rep you if it would let me.

I'm going to be undertaking the 20 gig to (probably) 230 gig upgrade sometime in the next month or 2, if I can get my hands on a digital camera (girlfriend broke mine) I'll gladly post some pics.

[ybbiv]

No, it'll have all of the PS3's files on it. It'll need to be formatted to be used as an external, luckily it's as easy as I assumed.

And notanovice, my hard drive is already in the mail so I probably should get around to backing up my PS3. Now seems like as good a time as ever.

Thanks for the help.

[Comatosed]

No, it'll have all of the PS3's files on it. It'll need to be formatted to be used as an external, luckily it's as easy as I assumed.

And notanovice, my hard drive is already in the mail so I probably should get around to backing up my PS3. Now seems like as good a time as ever.

Thanks for the help.

Your welcome mate, let me know how the back up goes please, for future refernce :wink:

[BabeBro]

The screws on the HDD just got me so angry!!! I mean why the heck would Sony do this? These fragile freakin screws only impair people from swapping HDD's. I'm so annoyed.

[Jack007]

Nice thread mate, Already know how to do some stuff on freeing some space up.

+rep

[BabeBro]

Last night I upgraded to a 320GB HDD right on time for MGS4. To anyone reading this thread do not, I repeat, do not attempt to use a screw driver when removing the four screws attached to the HDD. Instead, buy a needle nose plier. That's the best way to remove them. I went through hell. Stripped the screws entirely and had to run to Wal-Mart and buy a needle nose plier for about 1.95. Now my HDD is ready to go. MGS4 here I come :)

[ybbiv]

^As long as you find a Phillip's head screwdriver that fits VERY snuggly, you'll be fine. I just replaced my stock 20GB with a 250GB today and the blue screw still looks mint.

However, I've also put my 20GB into a USB enclosure, but I'm having no luck with XP recognizing it. I can feel the drive spinning inside the enclosure so I'm pretty sure the enclosure isn't broken. I've even tried to find it under "my computer -> manage -> disk management" but it's not recognized there either. The driver disc that came with the enclosure has been zero help so far as well.

On the bright side my 250GB hard drive is working great. I've already restored my data and have even put another 5GB of videos on it and I still have 185Gb free. The backing up and restoring both took about 30 minutes each, but I was very happy to see that everything was intact including downloaded PSN games like flOw and Rampage :).

Edit: Just tried a program called SwissKnife and it wouldn't recognize it either, poo.

[Gotmilk]

try going to msconfig switch off the usb port then on again

[Yip-Man]

Last night I upgraded to a 320GB HDD right on time for MGS4. To anyone reading this thread do not, I repeat, do not attempt to use a screw driver when removing the four screws attached to the HDD. Instead, buy a needle nose plier. That's the best way to remove them. I went through hell. Stripped the screws entirely and had to run to Wal-Mart and buy a needle nose plier for about 1.95. Now my HDD is ready to go. MGS4 here I come :)


Honestly mate, you just need one that fits, I have replaced six of my mates HHD's with a correctly fitting screw driver and they have all come out fine with no stripping on any of them. Screw driver heads come in many sizes, from 1 - 5 etc. it is very important to make sure you have the correct one. if when you turn the driver with a small amount of pressure and it begins to ride out of the screw head you have the wrong size or type of screw driver....

Sorry but the advice in this thread is not wrong .... Its worked lots of times with six different machines so far.

[Bhindi_Bhajji]

However, I've also put my 20GB into a USB enclosure, but I'm having no luck with XP recognizing it. I can feel the drive spinning inside the enclosure so I'm pretty sure the enclosure isn't broken. I've even tried to find it under "my computer -> manage -> disk management" but it's not recognized there either. The driver disc that came with the enclosure has been zero help so far as well.



I had this problem with my 60GB, all I had to do in Disk Management was go to 'action' and 'rescan disks'. After that it was fine once I reformatted it.

[[velocity]]

Sticky this!
I'll be probably needing this info sometime in the near future when I install a new HDD. And this would save us from a lot of useless threads if this would be stickied.

[Yip-Man]

;2950598']Sticky this!
I'll be probably needing this info sometime in the near future when I install a new HDD. And this would save us from a lot of useless threads if this would be stickied.

How does Stickying happen - do the sticky fairy's help out ?

[Yip-Man]

sorry to bump this thread of mine, but there are a few threads being created on internal drives, so thought i'ld bring this to the top again to try an help out a few on this forum!

[scaramanga1973]

I have finally decided to take the plunge and upgrade my hdd.

What do I need to use to store my backed up data on? If someone could give me all the options I would be greatful.

Also, what brand of sata drive should I be looking at? Does it matter? Are there any brands I should avoid?

[Yip-Man]

I have finally decided to take the plunge and upgrade my hdd.

What do I need to use to store my backed up data on? If someone could give me all the options I would be greatful.

Also, what brand of sata drive should I be looking at? Does it matter? Are there any brands I should avoid?

Hi,

I decided just to use a flash drive and copy my game saves. then r download all PSN titles re install game intalls and updates, as cheapest way as had 4gig stick. if got smaller stick, can transfer saves to PC..

Other option if you have a large external drive of sorts FAT32 formatted just do system back up. prob need about 20 - 30 gig on it tho.

thats basicly all the options... I went for first as no external drive.

I went for Western digital (as had good reviews) got a 250gig, but go for the largest you can afford... Also bought cheap external case, so i use old drive to back up and store music and pics on.

Also remember just have to slot new drive into PS3 no need to format, as it formats itself.

Also read through my thread as a few useful tips on the old screws in the Internal drive caddy.

[scaramanga1973]

Thanks very much.

Another question:

I do not have a flash drive or an external HDD. Can I do the following:

1. Remove PS3 HDD
2. Instal & format new HDD
3. Connect old PS3 HDD via usb enclosure
4. Copy data from old PS3 HDD to new HDD

[Yip-Man]

Thanks very much.

Another question:

I do not have a flash drive or an external HDD. Can I do the following:

1. Remove PS3 HDD
2. Instal & format new HDD
3. Connect old PS3 HDD via usb enclosure
4. Copy data from old PS3 HDD to new HDD


sorry no !, have you got a memory card for a camera etc ? as can use them as well, if ur ps3 got the card slots, otherwise, just buy a really cheap 4 - 8 gig flash drive , or even borrow one.

[scaramanga1973]

Thanks again for your help.

I will post and let you know how i got on.

[SoulSeeder]

truelly great post m8

Upgraded to other night to a 160 GIG Western Digital.

the screws all came out fine (needs to be the right screwdriver)

the 1 BIG problem i came across is that i use HDMi. to format a new drive i had to go back to the standard AV leads to format,(other wise i just got a black screen) once the format was done i could use HDMi again. Not sure if it was just me having that problem. Or did everybody have to use there AV leads !!!!


+ rep great post

[scaramanga1973]

the 1 BIG problem i came across is that i use HDMi. to format a new drive i had to go back to the standard AV leads to format,(other wise i just got a black screen) once the format was done i could use HDMi again. Not sure if it was just me having that problem. Or did everybody have to use there AV leads !!!!


Has anyone else come across this problem?

[Yip-Man]

truelly great post m8

Upgraded to other night to a 160 GIG Western Digital.

the screws all came out fine (needs to be the right screwdriver)

the 1 BIG problem i came across is that i use HDMi. to format a new drive i had to go back to the standard AV leads to format,(other wise i just got a black screen) once the format was done i could use HDMi again. Not sure if it was just me having that problem. Or did everybody have to use there AV leads !!!!


+ rep great post


I know that When PS3 is rebiulding TV the resolution goes down to either 568i or something, if that res is notr set on the PS£ through HDMI, or a lower res... the PS£ and TV will not comunicate over HDMI, therefore having to go back to AV leads !!

[scaramanga1973]

Thanks guys.

WD Scorpio 250gig in the post.

Will post to let you know how I got on.

I will attach some pics of the steps as well. (I will glady accept the +rep yip-man:snicker)

[Carl]

Okay so finally, after upgrading to a 160GB western digital at christmas, i have bought an external enclosure for my old 60GB HDD. Ordered it earlier off amazon. It was only 99 pence, and at that price you really can't go wrong.

Need the extra disc space to be honest. I thought 160GB would last me ages but i'm down to 60GB already. The external HDD will be good for all my movies, music, and other stuff.

Cheers for the thread once again, i would never have known how to format the external HDD :lol:

[Yip-Man]

Thanks guys.

WD Scorpio 250gig in the post.

Will post to let you know how I got on.

I will attach some pics of the steps as well. (I will glady accept the +rep yip-man:snicker)

Cool will def rep - yep PM me some pics of your install , Rep and credit in the thread mate.

[AmorBavian]

Are there any restrictions on which to choose? I faintly remember someone mentioning that there can be a rare physical size difference. Is that true?

I am about to order this one: http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/products/laptops/momentus/momentus_5400.4/

[Carl]

So long as it is a 2.5" SATA it will be fine. The one inside the PS3 is 5400RPM and 32MB cache i believe, so it's best to stick with that aswell

[bfd_josh]

Hey

im thinking about upgrading my hdd size, i was just wondering weather or not this would work? and has anybody else used it?

Amazon.co.uk: WD Scorpio WD2500BEVS - Hard drive - 250 GB - internal - 2.5 - SATA-150 - 5400 rpm - buffer: 8 MB: Electronics & Photo

thanks for your help :)

[Yip-Man]

Hey

im thinking about upgrading my hdd size, i was just wondering weather or not this would work? and has anybody else used it?

Amazon.co.uk: WD Scorpio WD2500BEVS - Hard drive - 250 GB - internal - 2.5 - SATA-150 - 5400 rpm - buffer: 8 MB: Electronics & Photo (http://www.amazon.co.uk/WD-Scorpio-WD2500BEVS-internal-SATA-150/dp/B0013E0ZS4/ref=pd_sbs_ce?ie=UTF8&qid=1214520470&sr=8-4)

thanks for your help :)


Thats cool will work fine, might i suggest you also purchase an external case for about £10. thne you cna use yuor old Ps3 HHd aas external drive for saving backups on, you will need to reformatt old drive oncein case to FAT32 .

but go for it.

[valleyshrew]

you will need to reformatt old drive oncein case to FAT32
Sorry, I don't understand. You need to format the old ps3 hdd once you've taken it out? I was planning to buy a 320gb drive, put it in ps3, put the old 60gb drive in an enclosure and transfer all the data from it to the 320gb so as I wouldn't have to backup anything. Can I not do this because the 60gb drive needs to be formatted? OR did you simply mean it would need to be formatted to save space and remove all the redundant downloads/installs etcetera?

Edit - apologies, I see yip-man already answered this question. So is there no way to back up game installs etcetera? I have a 250gb external hdd (not fat32), if formatted, can I use it through usb to back up the 60gb, then put in 320gb, and retrieve back up data (including game saves, installs, user data) from 250gb? Thanks.

PS3 for a 350 gig you will have around 232 gig
Why so low? The 60gb has 55gb, at 11/12ths of the advertised size this would equate to 320gb for a 350gb model (which afaik isn't readily available, 320gb is the common one). What's happened to the other 100gb? Was it just a typo or is there some serious issue with FAT32. I would bet you meant to say 250 gig will have around 232.

[Yip-Man]

Sorry, I don't understand. You need to format the old ps3 hdd once you've taken it out? I was planning to buy a 320gb drive, put it in ps3, put the old 60gb drive in an enclosure and transfer all the data from it to the 320gb so as I wouldn't have to backup anything. Can I not do this because the 60gb drive needs to be formatted? OR did you simply mean it would need to be formatted to save space and remove all the redundant downloads/installs etcetera?

Edit - apologies, I see yip-man already answered this question. So is there no way to back up game installs etcetera? I have a 250gb external hdd (not fat32), if formatted, can I use it through usb to back up the 60gb, then put in 320gb, and retrieve back up data (including game saves, installs, user data) from 250gb? Thanks.


Why so low? The 60gb has 55gb, at 11/12ths of the advertised size this would equate to 320gb for a 350gb model (which afaik isn't readily available, 320gb is the common one). What's happened to the other 100gb? Was it just a typo or is there some serious issue with FAT32. I would bet you meant to say 250 gig will have around 232.


yep sorry 250 gig gives you 232... i'll edit that bit.

you can but have to have formatted externall drive to FAT32 or a really big flash drive. depending on wot you got on PS3 about 20 -30 gigs to fully back up. Iwent for the putting game saves on flash drive. thne just re downloading psn stuff and when play a game again just do the install.

bit of a pain but the best option. or you could just set up a small 32gig partion on ur external drive, dont have to re formatt it all to FAT32. once you have set up that partion u'll be able to back up your ps3.

hope of some help

[Carl]

Hmm okay so i got my Hard Drive enclosure but nothing i can do makes the computer recognise it. Any help?

[valleyshrew]

bit of a pain but the best option. or you could just set up a small 32gig partion on ur external drive, dont have to re formatt it all to FAT32. once you have set up that partion u'll be able to back up your ps3.

hope of some help
Yeah, thanks. So I can create a 100% back up and put it onto a new 320gb hdd inside the ps3 from an external hdd, i.e. the usernames, saves, installs, downloads & system data will all be copied over?

[Yip-Man]

Yeah, thanks. So I can create a 100% back up and put it onto a new 320gb hdd inside the ps3 from an external hdd, i.e. the usernames, saves, installs, downloads & system data will all be copied over?


Yep, copy on to partioned externall HHD, for saftey just make note of PSn logon details just in case.

[Sam_From_Space]

Hmm okay so i got my Hard Drive enclosure but nothing i can do makes the computer recognise it. Any help?

Format? Connections?

Details please ;)

[Carl]

Yeah don't help me will you :p

I can't get my computer to recognise it, so i can't format it...Help?

[Sam_From_Space]

Yeah don't help me will you :p

I can't get my computer to recognise it, so i can't format it...Help?

Oh hush now, of course i'll help ya.

I'm presuming like 99% Of hard-drive enclosures, it connects via the usb port?

Ok, it could be a faulty usb port, or faulty wiring.

I'm presuming you already put the hdd in the enclosure?

[Carl]

Yes it connects via USB, well done :p Obviously the HDD is in there, i'm not quite that stupid yet.

[Sam_From_Space]

Yes it connects via USB, well done :p Obviously the HDD is in there, i'm not quite that stupid yet.

*Awkward Silence Ensues*

Ok, let me make a couple more presumptions...

You're using XP?

You can hear the enclosure power up?

Try running diskmgmt.msc

Then try running This (http://www.compuapps.com/Download/swissknife/swissknife.htm)

[Carl]

Yup XP and yup i can hear it. I'll try that then...

[Sam_From_Space]

*Posting so Carl can post again*

I'll be back in a few minutes let me know what's happening!

[Carl]

Nope won't find it. So i guess that means the enclosure is turd :p

[Yip-Man]

Carl could try using something like partion magic - think it a free downlaod on to PC, I had little trouble getting my Pc to see the HHD, take it you have gone into the disk management section under admin tools from the control panel in PC.. you can see current C / D drives etc, but no un allocated one, i remember it took a while for my PC to see it.

If your External Case came with a double USB wire, make sure they both plugged in, as sometimes the case cannot draw enough power form one USB port. My drive sometimes works on one sometimes on two...

A few people have had probs with XP, but managed to do it with parion magic which also has the added advantage of formatting to the full 55gig rather than limited 32 gig from XP.

[Carl]

I can't use Partion magic for some reason why i double click setup it tells me that "install sheild scripted runtime" or something.

And yeah my enclosure does have 2 USBs, but i still can't get it to recognise using both. Even under disc management

Can't evn hear the HDD anymore except for a slight very quiet clicking.

[Yip-Man]

I can't use Partion magic for some reason why i double click setup it tells me that "install sheild scripted runtime" or something.

And yeah my enclosure does have 2 USBs, but i still can't get it to recognise using both. Even under disc management

Can't evn hear the HDD anymore except for a slight very quiet clicking.


I'ld say could be USB port probs, try plugging it into PS3, I know it wont work, but the USB ports ar egood and the ol power thing, if it don't spin, then it gotta be the Case mate.

[Carl]

Can hear it now that it's plugged into my PS3. I know my computer's USB ports are fine though because i just tested them with a flash drive.

But yet my computer stil refuses to believe that i have an external drive plugged in.

[Yip-Man]

Can hear it now that it's plugged into my PS3. I know my computer's USB ports are fine though because i just tested them with a flash drive.

But yet my computer stil refuses to believe that i have an external drive plugged in.

could be just that external drive cannot extract enough power from the ports. how close is ur ps3 to pc, could try one usb in ps3 for power and one in pc to get it formatted, but it does sound like not drawing enough power from pc, as needs a bit to get the drive spinning... have u got any other usb ports being used if so take everything out....

but def think its the ports and power then !

[Carl]

Okay that's a bit weird if it can't draw the power it needs...

Plugged one into PS3 and one into PC and my computer still won't recognise it. I can feel it spinning though and it's clicking so it's definatley moving/working.

[Yip-Man]

Okay that's a bit weird if it can't draw the power it needs...

Plugged one into PS3 and one into PC and my computer still won't recognise it. I can feel it spinning though and it's clicking so it's definatley moving/working.

I'm a bit perplexed on this one then, prob is im at work and they bloked me from going into that part of Xp (great i know).. but i remember it took me a few tries to get it to show up, trying to remember what i did, but with out looking cant help that much.

oooh just had a thought, are you going into the removable storage or Disk management sections... cos if you go into removealbe storeage it wont regonise it yet, you need to go into disk management to format it.

thats all i cna do for you form memory sorry mate

[Carl]

Yeah i'm in disk management mate but it won't recognise it, it's strange.

My neighbour is good with computers, i will ask him when he is home from school.

[Yip-Man]

Yeah i'm in disk management mate but it won't recognise it, it's strange.

My neighbour is good with computers, i will ask him when he is home from school.


cool, prob best bet, as my very old brain can only recall so much from memory, but there was something i had to do to reconise it, but for the life of me cant remember, hopefully he'll help.

Edit: Carl , if you find a fix to get it to regonise it, PM me how you did it, then i'll add it to the orginal post for others, and i'll Rep and credit you for it.

[Carl]

Haha it's okay mate you've been a great help. +rep for helping mate, and for Sam too.

Yeah sure i'l let you know if/how i get it working.

[FrogmanTM]

I'm still not clear on this one bit. When you use the Backup option from the PS3 system menu, what exactly is it backing up? I see it creates a series of files (compressed, I assume), but I don't know for sure what is contained in the backup. I have heard differing reports on this and would like some clarification from any of those out there who have done this themselves. I will soon be upgrading my HDD for PS3, and will find out the hard way I suppose, but I would like to know the real truth before I take the plunge. I regularly run a system backup to my external USB drive, and I also backup my saves from time to time on my memory stick, so I am not really worried about losing data so to speak, but I would still like to know what to expect when I go through the process. I know I can always re-download any bought items from the store, patches, or any other content that was from the store, but I am wondering if some of this is not included in the actual system backup.

[Carl]

When you do that, all music, pictures, videos, PSN games, games insalls, gamesaves...basically everything, is put onto the HDD.

Back to earlier, and my mate coudn't get get the PC to access my HDD either. Any luck remembering what it is you did Yip-man mate?

[Yip-Man]

@Carl, sorry mate, I had a little look over the weekend and no, one thing you might be able to do is pop to a Computer shop ( generallY small independant ones - as they usaully more Helpful) and see if they think the drive is working, get then to do a test, and if it does, try to get them to formatt it for you. Usually got bit of stuff done that way dont understand that way. sorry mate .... tooo old and lost to many grey cells.

[plAythiNG]

wat is the best hdd to use for ps3. i am thikngi of the Western Digital SATA 52oorpm 2.5" 320gb drive. is this fine?

[Comatosed]

wat is the best hdd to use for ps3. i am thikngi of the Western Digital SATA 52oorpm 2.5" 320gb drive. is this fine?

That drive would be fine with the PS3 mate!

Edit: @Car: Have you tired plugging the drive into your motherboard, if you've got SATA ports that is? Format it that way then put it back into your ext enclosure.

[Jeezus]

Very helpful, this is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. =)

[Mefron]

Does the os automatically copy on to the new hd? or do you need to save it somehow

[ybbiv]

Carl, I know how you feel. I've come across the exact same problem that you have. My drive wasn't recognized in Disk Management nor was it recognized by a program called SwissKnife. The drive was spinning within the enclosure but wouldn't show up (tried it on my XP computer and my roommate's Vista rig).

I still haven't found a fix and kind of came to the conclusion that it's probably the enclosure itself. Although I haven't tried Partition Magic yet, so I think I'll try that one last thing before I return the enclosure for a new one.

Also, I'm pretty sure that when you hear the clicking sound the drive isn't getting enough power. My drive would click until I plugged in the optional second USB cable.

[Yip-Man]

Does the os automatically copy on to the new hd? or do you need to save it somehow


Yes mate, just plug in the new HHD, and the PS3 will do the rest. you only need to either do a back up and make sure all games saves transfered.

[Cooke_E_G]

yep sorry 250 gig gives you 232... i'll edit that bit.

you can but have to have formatted externall drive to FAT32 or a really big flash drive. depending on wot you got on PS3 about 20 -30 gigs to fully back up. Iwent for the putting game saves on flash drive. thne just re downloading psn stuff and when play a game again just do the install.

bit of a pain but the best option. or you could just set up a small 32gig partion on ur external drive, dont have to re formatt it all to FAT32. once you have set up that partion u'll be able to back up your ps3.

hope of some help

Could you explain the bolded part to me? So if I have a 100 gig External Hard drive (Maxeil or something like that) thats not FAT32, I can put a partition on that and it the PS3 will be able to backup data to it? Thanks in advance.....

[Yip-Man]

Could you explain the bolded part to me? So if I have a 100 gig External Hard drive (Maxeil or something like that) thats not FAT32, I can put a partition on that and it the PS3 will be able to backup data to it? Thanks in advance.....


Yes you can partion an external drive part NFTS and part FAT32. so if you only want your external drive for ps3 backups you can use XP to create a FAT32 (32 gig) partion. go to mycomputer right click manage

when formatting starage to FAT 32 - it first will appear as not being able to do anything (greyed out) cos the drive is larger than 32 gig, select size of partion to be 32 gig or less then formatt away.

[Cooke_E_G]

Yes you can partion an external drive part NFTS and part FAT32. so if you only want your external drive for ps3 backups you can use XP to create a FAT32 (32 gig) partion. go to mycomputer right click manage

when formatting starage to FAT 32 - it first will appear as not being able to do anything (greyed out) cos the drive is larger than 32 gig, select size of partion to be 32 gig or less then formatt away.

Thanks man....I will be upgrading this weekend so thanks for the help!

[nightcrawler]

please help me, i tried to open the screws (the blue one) and i couldn't, now its just messed up.

[kalishnikov]

please help me, i tried to open the screws (the blue one) and i couldn't, now its just messed up.

What's 'messed up,' exactly? Are the screws stripped? If thats the case, try a set of needle-nose pliers and turn the screws with those from the outer diameter of the head (grab them on the top). Or you could try a slightly larger screwdriver.

If they are really, really stuck and stripped badly you may need to get a bit driver set and a head that's specifically made for removing striped screws (available at most hardware/auto parts stores. If you don't know what I'm talking about, stop in a hardware store and ask them about removing stripped screws.

The key to removing any screws in delicate electronics is use the proper size screwdriver and using a firm grip.

[headphase]

So can I use my old PS3 HD in my laptop? I have an XP install disc.

[Yip-Man]

So can I use my old PS3 HD in my laptop? I have an XP install disc.


yep no probs with that, its just a LapTop Sata drive !

[lorddct]

Does anyone know what specs for the HD is best for the PS3?

For exmple should I stay with a SATA HD or I can go with a SATAII and see some advantage with it.

A 7200 RPM or stay with the 5400 RPM

16mb cache or 8mb cache?

Average Seek time, yada yada?

[Taylor1981]

A 7200 RPM or stay with the 5400 RPM

16mb cache or 8mb cache?

/\ I was thinking the same when looking at larger HDDs Can anyone answer?

I have aquestion of my own and would be extermely grateful if someone could answer........

When backing up your PS3s HDD onto an External Drive, I understand it saves all the 'games saves' but I have lots of music, pictures and a few films. Does it save all of this and then when you 'Restore' onto a new larger HDD, does it copy it all back (pics, music, films and so on)??

Cheers :)

EDIT: From reading a previous post it's answered my question. Yes, it backs up verything incl. Music, Pictures, Movies. Yay! :gta:

[Yip-Man]

Does anyone know what specs for the HD is best for the PS3?

For exmple should I stay with a SATA HD or I can go with a SATAII and see some advantage with it.

A 7200 RPM or stay with the 5400 RPM

16mb cache or 8mb cache?

Average Seek time, yada yada?


i remember a test being done, (no link just memory) and compared a 5400 8mb with 7200 16mb... on a large seek it was under a second !, and the faster rpm drive got slightly hotter, so if you have a choice of the two i'ld go with the 5400 8mb as same specs as the segate drive in the PS3 (60gig).. just for peace of mind, as timing advantage very very small and no increased heat !

hope that of some help

[plAythiNG]

im putting in a western digital blue scorpio 320gb sata drive 2moro (5400rpm), i opted to go for the 5400 rpm, so it owuld run smoother i guess. let u knoe in a couple of days, as im getting the drive tomorrow, but will be instlaling in a day or too

[plAythiNG]

i get an error "cannot stat. the correct hard disk was not found". i slotted in the brand new, raw unformatted 320gb WD drive in. even went n formatted it to fat32. still wont work wtf?

[plAythiNG]

please help me, this ps3 hard drive is fukin giving me the 5hits. i am not an idiot when it comes to computers, n this is annoyin me

this is exactly what i done

Changed new hard drive 9this is all simple except for the **** quality sony screws)
then i booted it up, a message reads "Cannot Start. The Correct Hard Disk Cannot be Found". Please note, i didnt even touch the new HDD. it was not formated, it was RAW

So i went n formatted it to fat32. partition magic only allows you to format the harddrive (320gb) into 2 split partitions for fat32. put it into the ps3, still nothing!!!

so i went n deleted all the partitions, formatted to one single large NTFS. still ntohing. please help me ASAP!!!

[Yip-Man]

please help me, this ps3 hard drive is fukin giving me the 5hits. i am not an idiot when it comes to computers, n this is annoyin me

this is exactly what i done

Changed new hard drive 9this is all simple except for the **** quality sony screws)
then i booted it up, a message reads "Cannot Start. The Correct Hard Disk Cannot be Found". Please note, i didnt even touch the new HDD. it was not formated, it was RAW

So i went n formatted it to fat32. partition magic only allows you to format the harddrive (320gb) into 2 split partitions for fat32. put it into the ps3, still nothing!!!

so i went n deleted all the partitions, formatted to one single large NTFS. still ntohing. please help me ASAP!!!


The HHd, has to totally be unformatted, i'm not sure why it orginally, did not on reboot format the disk.

Ok here's a plan,

remove drive from PS3, unformatt it on Pc, remove the NTFS stuff...

place back into caddy, just make sure its sitting in the caddy (case) correctly, cos if its not you might get the msg you got. When you turn on the PS3 it will ask you if you want to format the drive.. say yes.....


give that a try mate, if that does not work, let us know and we'll try to help further !

[Phaded]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-016-FJ&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=896&name=Fujitsu%20320GB%205400RPM%20SATA%208MB%20Cach e%20-%20OEM%20(MHZ2320BH)

Just bought this for my PS3, some of the reviewers love it but what are your guys views?. Should be getting it in the post tomorrow anyway hopefully :). The (hopefully) impending release of Europe video store and PSN titles like Siren and Ratchet and Clank have pushed me into buying this otherwise I wouldn't of bothered so soon.

This one is only SATA though and the Seagate one is SATA-II, what's the difference and does it matter?. Thanks.


Edit: NM found out that the PS3 is 1.5mb so having a SATA-II doesn't really matter, SATA is fine.

[Yip-Man]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-016-FJ&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=896&name=Fujitsu%20320GB%205400RPM%20SATA%208MB%20Cach e%20-%20OEM%20(MHZ2320BH)

Just bought this for my PS3, some of the reviewers love it but what are your guys views?. Should be getting it in the post tomorrow anyway hopefully :). The (hopefully) impending release of Europe video store and PSN titles like Siren and Ratchet and Clank have pushed me into buying this otherwise I wouldn't of bothered so soon.

This one is only SATA though and the Seagate one is SATA-II, what's the difference and does it matter?. Thanks.


good price mate, don't see any probs with that one working

[plAythiNG]

any tip on how to "totally unformat" the harddrive plz plzplz

[Phaded]

Edit: Nm I got it...... Sony Europe are still a joke though.

[kalishnikov]

any tip on how to "totally unformat" the harddrive plz plzplz

Yep, the 'Format Utility'. Or you could remove it and format it via computer.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-016-FJ&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=896&name=Fujitsu%20320GB%205400RPM%20SATA%208MB%20Cach e%20-%20OEM%20(MHZ2320BH (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-016-FJ&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=896&name=Fujitsu%20320GB%205400RPM%20SATA%208MB%20Cach e%20-%20OEM%20%28MHZ2320BH))

Just bought this for my PS3, some of the reviewers love it but what are your guys views?. Should be getting it in the post tomorrow anyway hopefully :). The (hopefully) impending release of Europe video store and PSN titles like Siren and Ratchet and Clank have pushed me into buying this otherwise I wouldn't of bothered so soon.

This one is only SATA though and the Seagate one is SATA-II, what's the difference and does it matter?. Thanks.


Edit: NM found out that the PS3 is 1.5mb so having a SATA-II doesn't really matter, SATA is fine.

Some people will say that 5400 RPM is too slow for a PS3 and that it will affect your loading times but they aren't correct. I picked up a 200 GIG 5400 RPM drive from Toshiba and it has identical loading times to the stock drive.

Oh and yea, you guys in the EU are really gettin the short end of the stick when it comes to Sony, that's for sure...

[Phaded]

What do you mean? all the stock HD's are 5400rpm, at least that's what I heard.

[trickassfoo]

Hi, I recently upgraded my 60 GB hdd for a fujitsu 250 GB. i enclosed my seagate 60 GB hdd in an enclosure. i cannot get either of my computers to format the hdd, only to recognize in disk management. i was wondering if anyone could give me a few tips on how to format the drive?

[kalishnikov]

What do you mean? all the stock HD's are 5400rpm, at least that's what I heard.

You're correct, I was thinking the stock RPM was 7200 for some reason. Sorry for the confusion.


Hi, I recently upgraded my 60 GB hdd for a fujitsu 250 GB. i enclosed my seagate 60 GB hdd in an enclosure. i cannot get either of my computers to format the hdd, only to recognize in disk management. i was wondering if anyone could give me a few tips on how to format the drive?

Chances are you've got an unsupported enclosure (a common reason old PS3 HDs won't format) if it won't format. There are several threads on this and no real answers so far as to what enclosures are supported and which aren't.

Does your enclosure support USB 2.0? Mine does not and I've got the same issue as you, perhaps it's there?

[Phaded]

Man after formatting my new 320gb i've only got 263 odd GB of 293 odd gb that i'm allowed to use, what's that all about? o_O.

[Yip-Man]

Man after formatting my new 320gb i've only got 263 odd GB of 293 odd gb that i'm allowed to use, what's that all about? o_O.


i think the OS reserves between 5 and 10% of the HHD space for itself - so, you have to add this into account when the formatting is done !