Modding a PS3 with CFW the Easy Way! // FW 4.91 // Modding Made Easy!

Summary

This video guide walks users through the process of modding a PlayStation 3 (PS3) by installing custom firmware (CFW). It covers essential steps like preparing a flash drive, downloading the required firmware and tools, and navigating the PS3's settings. Viewers learn how to safely apply the hybrid firmware and troubleshoot potential issues, including using safe mode if necessary. The video also demonstrates additional configurations, such as overclocking settings and fan adjustments for improved performance. By following this guide, users can customize their PS3 for enhanced gaming experiences and homebrew functionality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use a compatible PlayStation 3 system for custom firmware installation, which you can check on the bottom of your console.
• 😀 Format a flash drive to FAT32 with a 32KB cluster size, and ensure it’s non-bootable to prepare it for the firmware installation.
• 😀 Create the necessary folder structure on the flash drive: PS3 > UPDATE, to store the custom firmware file (PS3UPDAT.PUP).
• 😀 Download the hybrid firmware file from the provided PSX Place link, rename it to 'PS3UPDAT.PUP', and transfer it to the flash drive.
• 😀 Insert the flash drive into your PS3, go to Settings > System Update, and select 'Update via Storage Media' to begin the firmware installation.
• 😀 If the regular update process fails, enter Safe Mode by holding the power button until two beeps are heard and then reattempt the update.
• 😀 After installing hybrid firmware, disable automatic updates and display what's new in the system settings to prevent future interruptions.
• 😀 Connect your PS3 to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and clean the browser's cache to avoid any issues when accessing online tools.
• 😀 Use the provided URL (https://coolinautos.github.io/flashrider) in the PS3 browser to run necessary flash tools for dumping flash memory and verifying offsets.
• 😀 Download the custom firmware (CFW) from the Mega link provided, select the version suited for your needs, and prepare it for installation on the flash drive.
• 😀 Once the custom firmware is transferred to the flash drive, install it by going to System Update > Update via Storage Media and follow the prompts to complete the process.

Q & A

What are the initial requirements to mod a PS3 with custom firmware?

To mod your PS3, you need a PlayStation 3 that is compatible with custom firmware, a flash drive, and the required files such as hybrid firmware and custom firmware (CFW). You'll also need a computer to download and set up the necessary tools.

How do you prepare the flash drive for the modding process?

First, download the Rufus tool and set the flash drive to 'non-bootable MBR', formatted as FAT32 with a 32KB cluster size. Then, create the necessary folders on the drive, including a PS3 folder and an update folder, to place the firmware file.

What is the process of downloading and installing the hybrid firmware on the PS3?

You download the hybrid firmware from the PSX Place website, rename the downloaded file to 'ps3updat.pup', and place it in the 'update' folder on the flash drive. After connecting the flash drive to the PS3, you navigate to the 'Settings' > 'System Update' and select 'Update via Storage Media' to install the firmware.

What should you do if the PS3 doesn't detect the firmware during installation?

If the firmware isn't detected, turn off the PS3, hold the power button until the system shuts down, then hold it again until you hear two beeps, entering safe mode. From here, select 'System Update' and press 'Start' + 'Select' to install the firmware manually.

How do you disable automatic updates after installing the firmware?

After installing the hybrid firmware, go to 'System Settings', scroll up to 'Automatic Updates', and turn them off. Additionally, disable 'What's New' to prevent the system from showing updates.

How do you modify the internet browser settings on the PS3?

You go to the internet browser, press Triangle to access tools, and delete all browsing data. Then, set the homepage to a blank page, exit the browser, reopen it, and input the URL for the Flashrider tool (https://coolinautos.tools.github.io/flashrider).

What is the significance of selecting the correct USB port for the flash drive during the process?

The flash drive must be inserted into the far-right USB port (USB port 0000) to ensure the PS3 recognizes it correctly. If using another port, the system may not detect it as expected.

How do you ensure you're selecting the correct flash memory region for the PS3 model?

Depending on the PS3 model, select either 'NOR' or 'NAND'. For fat models, the NAND region is used, while slim models use NOR. Super Slim models are not compatible with custom firmware.

What is the purpose of backing up the PS3 flash dump during the modding process?

Backing up the flash dump ensures you have a copy of the original system firmware, which is crucial in case anything goes wrong during the modding process. It allows you to restore the system to its original state.

What should you do after downloading and verifying the custom firmware (CFW) file?

After downloading the CFW file, extract it to a folder on your computer, back up the original PS3 flash dump, and then copy the new CFW file into the 'update' folder on the flash drive. Insert the flash drive into the PS3 and proceed with the update process.

How can you verify that the custom firmware has been successfully installed?

After installing the CFW, check the PS3's system settings for new folders that are typically associated with custom firmware. If these are present, the installation was successful. Additionally, you can adjust settings like fan control if using an overclocked version of the firmware.