Buying a PS3, seeking advice

[Saraph]

I would also recommend 60 GB model for all the features: PS2 BC, Media card readers, Linux, Wi-Fi built-in. If none of these features like PS2 BC or Linux matter then I would go with new Slim PS3 at Amazon or Best Buy.

Feature wise, the 60GB cannot be beat. I have one hooked up to the main HDTV in the house. Stability though, that's easily the slim. 60GB PS3's have recently begun to YLOD from what I've read. This is mainly due to age and the crappy paste they used on the Cell chip. If you do get one, open her up and throw some arctic compound on it.

[dsheinem]

you could also get the 80gb with software bc - it's what I have. They're more dependable and cheaper used than the 60gb, but there is a small selection of non compatible PS2 games. It has linux, card slots, etc. of the launch model, too.

[Hatta]

Its now clear to me that craigslist is a way to get the stupidest fucking morons on earth a means to contact you.

This is true, but not always a bad thing. Some of those morons don't know what they have is worth.

[gtmtnbiker]

Did you put your phone number in the ad? I would just use email for contacting. Yes, you get some flakes and people who don't have manners.

Thats not the worst out of my craigslist experiences. For example:

Douche #1: He calls and offers me a "powerhouse" home gym as a trade. Personally I wouldn't think the guy selling an xbox with 15 games or so would be too interested in working out. Curious I looked up the value of a "powerhouse" home gym and it typically sells for $75 used.

Douche #2: Kid calls me and wants me to name off which games are included. First I would like to know why he cant read them off of craigslist like anyone else, but I do anyway. I start naming them off and he interrupts me to ask if I have Halo 3. I say no and he quickly says no thanks and hangs up the phone. Does the stupid kid not realize Halo 3 is like a $25 game now? Trade what you dont like in to Gamestop and get it yourself! Kids nowadays.........

Douche #3: I get a text message at 3 in the morning and it wakes me up. The message says, "Stil got dat box?" Spelled exactly like that. His signature is "aint giv a fuck". I didn't bother to respond.

Besides those favorites of mine I had a few other super crappy trade offers and the other 2 assholes that decided to change they're mind and not be decent enough to call and tell me.

[miked]

Yes I did put my number in the ad. For some reason no one will contact you through email on the Lubbock Texas craigslist. I have no idea why, but no questions or anything for 5 days, then I relisted with my number and I couldn't keep the morons away. Lesson learned!

As for the BC PS3 it doesn't really matter to me. My PS2 setup is good enough and I don't get any lag on my LCD that I always hear people mention. I played Frequency for an hour the other day and I feel like I would have noticed on that game. I think I will go with a non BC 80Gb for reliability reasons and price.

[RadarScope1]

Sounds like you made a good choice. I would say get a Slim if BC doesn't matter, but you will get a used one for less of course. Having some money to buy a few games is kinda important.

[Niode]

60GB PS3's have recently begun to YLOD from what I've read. This is mainly due to age and the crappy paste they used on the Cell chip. If you do get one, open her up and throw some arctic compound on it.

It's not the paste that's the problem, it's the same reason the 360s fail. Crappy lead-free solder on the BGA (ball grid array) that attaches the Cell/GPU to the motherboard. There's nothing Sony or Microsoft can do about it, since it's the law now. The amount of heat these systems produced just cause the motherboard to warp and crack the solder. Adding a new clamp in the 360 does nothing, and the towel trick simply works because you overheat the system so that there is enough flex for the motherboard to make contact again, as soon as that system cools and then heats up again the problem is going to re-occur.

The only thing you can do to prolong the life of these systems is to not play them for long periods of time, and not let them get clogged up with dust. If you smoke, do that shit away from your systems, that just makes the problem of dust clog even more serious. At least with a tobacco free system sometimes you can get rid of a lot of dust with some compressed air and vacuum cleaner (without voiding your warranty), when tobacco is involved it just makes the dust stick, and that is never coming out without opening it up.

If your PS3/360 is out of warranty, do it a favour and take it apart and give it a proper clean every couple of months. If you are worried about breaking it, just invest in an antistatic mat and you should be ok, as long as you don't sweat/dribble into the console.

[dsheinem]

If you are worried about breaking it, just invest in an antistatic mat and you should be ok, as long as you don't sweat/dribble into the console.

If I had a nickel for every console I've dribbled in...

[miked]

I think I am about to put the 360 on ebay for a low starting bid and hope for the best. The value of the 360 is on a steep decline and I think its only going to get worse. I bet Microsoft will either have an awesome holiday bundle or the price of the Arcade unit going down to $179. I should probably get as much as possible for it before they sell for for $80 used.

[DNT 2.5]

Costco, Best place to buy it. By the way, if you really want to sell your xbox I might be interested, If you can afford shipping to canada. PM me, we might be able to work something out.