Quick Picks (Start Here)

• Fastest Overall Upgrade — 1TB SSD:
  Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5" SATA SSD
• Best Value 1TB HDD (9.5mm):
  Toshiba 1TB 5400RPM 2.5" HDD (PS3/PS4 compatible)
• Cooling — Thermal Paste:
  ARCTIC MX-6 (4g) Thermal Compound
• HDMI Cable (reliable, high-rating):
  JSAUX HDMI 2.1 Cable (6ft)
• Controller (new, PS3 compatible):
  Retro Fighters Defender Bluetooth Controller (PS3/PS4/PC)
• Original-style controller (Renewed):
  DualShock 3 Wireless (Amazon Renewed)
• Tools you’ll actually need:
  TECKMAN Torx Security Set (T2–T15)

1) Storage: SSD = Snappier Loads, Quieter System

The PS3 supports 2.5" SATA drives. An SSD won’t boost in-game FPS, but it will cut install times and loads while eliminating drive noise.

• Samsung 870 EVO 1TB 2.5" SATA SSD — rock-solid reliability and warranty.
• Toshiba 1TB 5400RPM 2.5" HDD — budget option that still feels good vs. the stock drive.

Tip: Back up your saves, then use the PS3’s built-in “Backup Utility” to migrate data. The drive bay fits 9.5 mm height drives.

2) Cooling: New Paste = Lower Temps, Less Fan Noise

Old thermal paste dries out, which makes the fan ramp up constantly. A careful clean and re-paste drops temps several degrees.

• ARCTIC MX-6 (4g) Thermal Compound
• TECKMAN Torx Security Driver Set — for safe disassembly.

Pro move: blow dust out of the heatsink and PSU while you’re open. Don’t skip cleaning those vents.

3) Controllers: Fresh Pad, No Drift

If your original pad drifts or dies fast, swap in a modern Bluetooth controller that supports PS3 natively — or grab an Amazon Renewed DS3 if you want the classic feel.

• Retro Fighters Defender Bluetooth (PS3/PS4/PC) — good sticks, long battery, USB-C charging.
• DualShock 3 Wireless (Amazon Renewed) — original shape and weight.

4) Video: Use a Good HDMI Cable

The PS3 outputs native HDMI. A well-built cable prevents random dropouts and handshake quirks, especially on newer TVs and switches.

Buy JSAUX HDMI 2.1 Cable (6ft)

FAQs

Will an SSD speed up every game?

It won’t raise FPS, but it does cut installs and loads. Open-world titles benefit the most.

Is re-pasting risky?

It’s straightforward if you’re comfortable opening electronics. Work slowly, unplug the fan, and clean with isopropyl before applying new paste.

Do I need a specific drive height?

Yes: 9.5 mm or thinner 2.5" SATA drives fit without trouble.

Ready to Refresh Your PS3?

Drop in the SSD (or 1TB HDD), re-paste the CPU/GPU, grab a solid controller, and use a quality HDMI cable. Easy wins that make a big difference.

Get Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SSD
Get Toshiba 1TB HDD
Get ARCTIC MX-6 Paste
Get PS3-Compatible Bluetooth Controller
Get HDMI Cable
Get Torx Tool Set