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If your PS3 is freezing up, it might not necessarily be the firmware.
Yes, my first-generation 60 GB PS3 regularly froze right after I installed Sony’s PS3 firmware 3.01 update. I tried every suggested fix on the web including, but not limited to, various power button reboots, cleaning out the air ducts, resetting the hard driver, reformatting the hard drive, a new hard drive and blowing out the entire interior of the system.
After reading a few forum suggestions on other sites that implied the PS3 ran too hot to remain stable, I contacted Nyko for an Intercooler fan system to see if maybe, just maybe, the system was over heating and a fan would help.
Turns out that it was and it did.
Out of the Box
Nyko’s Intercooler TS is designed to match the shiny black case of the PS3 console. It ships with an external power supply.
The Intercooler TS measures 9 1/4 in. long, 3 in. wide and 1 7/8 in. ddep (at its deepest). The back of the unit has round venting for four 1 1/2 in fans and a recessed port for the power plug.
Although the Intercooler TS logo is printed on what looks to be the top, it is actually the bottom (assuming you keep your PS3 in the horizontal position). On that side are also three rubber feat.
The right side has a silver, 1 in. plastic dial that is used to control the temperature sensor (the “TS” in the unit’s name) that goes from “-” to “+” with plus being the coolest setting 9as in it is meant to keep the console cooler).
The Intercooler TS physically clips to the back of the PS3 with generous venting that aligns with the console’s vents. There are two sets of clips that grab onto the console to keep the Intercooler in place. On the left is a silver, rectangular plastic button – along with the word “PRESS” and a red arrow pointing to it – that is used to retract the clips to remove the unit from the PS3.
Four Fans in Action
After installing the Intercooler – which only took a minutes – my PS3 was operational once again.
Since it is temperature sensing, the Intercooler TS only powers up when the system is putting off enough heat to trigger it. It also includes a dial to control the fan speed and a power button so you can turn off the fan system without powering down the PS3 console.
It is nice that it has an external power source since you don’t need to take up a USB port to use it or worry about the extra drain in the system caused by another USB-powered device. Also, if your PS3 is giving off a lot of heat, the fans will sometimes kick back on and run after the console is turned off. That’s good because that means it is continuing to cool when needed (which should be a bad sign for anyone with an older PS3). The only issue might be if you have a limited number of outlets.
As for keeping the system cool, as I mentioned the PS3 was freezing (as in a screen not moving, not very cold). It was not getting past the startup screen and was pretty much useless. It was also heating up to the point where I could not touch the side for a second. Adding the cooler meant I was not only able to play the system right away but it also ran every time and for hours without a hiccup. The PS3 went from being untouchable to almost uncomfortably warm to the touch.
The main issue with the Intercooler TS is the noise. It is noticeable air blowing noise – no noticeably high pitches or whine – once it kicks in and does not get quieter. Those four fans, however, do move a lot of hot air away from the PS3, which is the ultimate goal. A working PS3 versus a little extra noise? I choose a working PS3.
(If you keep your PS3 in an entertainment cabinet, even with the Intercooler TS, keep in mind that all that hot air has to go somewhere and you might not want it warming other components.)
One small issue is for those who, like me, keep their PS3 horizontal to keep the drive as flat as possible at all times to save of potential wear. The Intercooler TS adds height to the back of the system, raising it up a half inch higher than the front. Ultimately the design is good for ventilation since it allows air to flow around more of the console and the height difference will likely never be noticed by anyone.
Removing the Intecooler was fairly easy using the button. I was also able to pop off the cooler with a bit of force and without pressing the button which seemed a bit chintzy but is likely a result of the small clips that have to fit into the PS3′s vent (and internal) design.
In(ter)vest in an Intercooler?
If you own a PS3, definitely give this a try.
At $35, the Intercooler TS is only a little more expensive than the shipping cost to send your PS3 back to Sony to get it repaired (or replaced). And that does not even include the $150 repair cost Sony will charge you for the repair.
Fair warning, though. If the system is getting as hot as mine was, this fan is not a permanent fix. It is, at best, a temporary solution for older PS3s. For newer system, it’s a decent preventative measure that can also act as not-really-beeping alarm that your system is starting to get too warm (and might need some maintenance).
Regardless of whether or not if you have an old or new PS3 or Sony’s firmware is
notforcing chips to run which results in a hot system, the Intercooler TS is a decent product that will likely help extend the life of your console.Product Page [Nyko: Intercooler TS] Read [Gamertell] Photo Gallery [Gamertell]
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