How to install a 500GB hard drive in your PlayStation 3
If you would like to add some serious storage space to your PlayStation 3 here is a step by step guide to installing a Samsung SpinPoint M60S HM500LI or the Western Digital 500GB Scorpio Blue 2.5 SATA II Laptop Hard Drive.
Step #1:
Purchase the Samsung SpinPoint M60S HM500LI 500GB hard drive (currently available online for around $220 and that includes shipping – note link to the right). Update: An alternate drive that works very well is the Western Digital 500GB Scorpio Blue 2.5 SATA II Laptop Hard Drive. Use the PS3′s Backup function to transfer saves and other content to a USB drive.
Step #2:
Unplug the PS3 and ground yourself. Open the PS3′s hard drive access port, located on the side of the unit, with your fingernail.
Step #3:
Carefully unscrew the blue screw using the correct screwdriver bit (Philips Precise) using gentle pressure, taking care not to strip the screw. Pull out the metal hinge, and slide the hard drive tray out.
Step #4:
Unscrew the four screws that attach the hard drive to the metal tray, and remove the old hard drive (place old drive in anti-static bag).
Step #5:
Attach the new Samsung 500GB hard drive to the tray, replacing the four screws from the previous step. Slide the hard drive tray back into the PS3 port, and snap the metal hinge back into place, then replace the blue screw. Close the access port, power up your PS3, and replace the date stored on your USB drive. Voila — you’re done! Enjoy your massive storage space.
I’m having trouble changing the hard drive in my ps3, I back up the system and install the new drive but when I turn on the system nothing happen
So after upgrading your HDD your PS3 isn’t showing the new drive as installed? It could be possible that the drive is defective or not compatible. Which model of HDD did you install?
Hey what about WIPEOUT HD that I paid for and other purchased downloads, can I download them again for free?
Yup, you can download any paid item for 5 times from your download list. The backup feature should cover this, though, it sucks