Summary of PlayStation 3 (PS3) Historical Model Numbers and How to Choose

PlayStation 3 Models (Model Numbers) and Spec Comparison

The PlayStation 3 model numbers are broadly divided into:

• CECH*xx series (Initial models)
• CECH-2000 series
• CECH-3000 series
• CECH-4000 series

These are categorized into four types.

Visual Differences Between PS3 Models

In terms of appearance, PS3 models are divided into:

• CECH*xx series (Initial models)
• CECH-2000 series / CECH-3000 series
• CECH-4000 series (Final model)

There are three types in total.

The designs differ significantly, so you can tell the model at a glance.
The most distinctive points are the "logo" and the "disc loading method." By checking these, you can identify which model it is.

First, the console logo written entirely in uppercase as "PLAYSTATION 3" only appears on the initial CECHxx series.
So, if the logo is like this, it is definitely a CECHxx series model. From then on, the logo changed to "PS3."

Next, the CECH-4000 series switched the disc loading method from slot loading to a sliding top cover.
If it does not have slot loading, it

Performance Differences Between PS3 Models

In terms of processing power and playable games, all models can handle the same titles.

The main performance difference lies in power consumption: the initial CECH*xx series consumed 280W, while the final CECH-4000 series reduced this to 190W, making it more energy-efficient.

Additionally, some CECH-4000 models adopted SSD instead of HDD as internal storage, enabling faster loading speeds for install-based games.

Which PS3 Model Should You Buy?

Since the PS3 is no longer in production, your only option today is to buy a used one.

If you don't mind the high power consumption and hefty weight, the launch-era CECH*xx series is the cheapest to pick up. However, you should completely avoid these early and mid-generation models due to the notorious hardware failure risk known as YLOD (Yellow Light of Death). While the final CECH-4000 series (Super Slim) was redesigned to be much more resilient against these motherboard failures, it has still been over a decade since its release. As a result, risks like disc drive reading errors and general component degradation are simply unavoidable.

Considering the current market, if you are determined to buy a used PS3, your best bets are either the budget-friendly "CECH-3000 series" (which has plenty of inventory) or the "CECH-4000 series" for a slightly newer design that dodges the YLOD risk. Alternatively, you might want to look into a used PS4, which is currently hitting rock-bottom prices.

PlayStation 3 (CECH-3000)

In the used market, the CECH-3000 is often available at lower prices while still being in relatively good condition.
It is typically sold at about 20% less than the CECH-4000.

 Amazon

 eBay

PlayStation 3 (CECH-4000)

The CECH-4000, which was once traded at high prices as the "last PS3," has gradually dropped in value over time and is now sold at prices close to the CECH-3000.
If you find a model in good condition at a reasonable price, it’s worth purchasing.

 Amazon

 eBay

A Budget Gaming PC Is Also Highly Recommended for Playing the Latest Titles

If you're considering buying a used PS3 today, a budget gaming PC is definitely an option worth exploring.

If your main goal is simply to "relive those classic masterpieces," investing in a budget gaming PC to play the remastered editions available on Steam is a far better, longer-lasting choice than buying aging hardware that carries a high risk of failure. By timing your purchases with major Steam sales, you can often pick up those classic titles for just a few dollars, making the overall cost-performance incredibly high.

Furthermore, the biggest advantage of shifting to a PC environment is that it unlocks access to the latest PC games, not just PS3-era titles. In fact, according to various benchmark databases, as long as they aren't overly demanding heavy titles, a PC equipped with a "GeForce GTX 1660" class graphics card packs enough performance to run everything from those old-school classics to brand-new 2026 releases like Forza Horizon 6 at 1080p.

We have now looked at the historical model numbers and how to choose a PlayStation 3 (PS3).

Although it has been nearly 20 years since the initial release, as of 2025 the PlayStation 3 is still surprisingly enjoyable.
If you’re planning to pick one up now, please use this as a reference.