[Señor_Striatum]

Originally Posted by KillerBug Only the 20GB, 60GB, and the first 80GB models have 4 USB ports...the rest of the fat models are the same as the slims in all specs. The only 80GB models that have the extra USB ports and PS2 game support are the ones starting with "CECHE"

But only the CECHA01 (launch 60gig) has PS2 hardware right enabling both PS2 and PS1 compatibility? I personally invested in two of these but they are notorious for getting YLOD so plan accordingly. If you have the means to prevent YLOD via fan mod or other cooling mod then I suggest one of these on account of the extra card readers, 4 USB, full backwards compatibility and the bluray drives have extra support around the lazer if im not mistaken plus better heatsinks (well for the RSX and CELL). Get a slim if you want better cooling and less hardware.

[Mistawes]

Personally, I'm keeping my eye out for a CECH2100 - CECH2500 model since they seem to run coldest which is all I care about.

I'd rather get a USB hub and use my PS2 instead of getting an older phat, although to each their own.

[Mackdanny]

My cecha is still stayin strong, playin Arkham city as we speak.... Not ONE ylod

[fahadsul3man]

i say buy a phat and upgrade its hdd

[Cheesethief]

If you can get one, get a CECHA01 60GB. The best PS3 ever made pretty much, (other than the E3 Silver with the USB port in the back, but that was pre-production).

Now, not all 60GB's were made equal. The European 60GB (and the 20GB EU I think) has the same partial software emulation as the later 80GB's did in the U.S. and other regions.

[Thelostdeathknight]

get a jtag or rgh xbox, much better investment IMO

/me sighs

but if it must be a ps3 get a cecha or b

[KillerBug]

A PC is also a good investment...and if you don't need PS2 support it is a much better deal than an old PS3.

[Thelostdeathknight]

Originally Posted by KillerBug A PC is also a good investment...and if you don't need PS2 support it is a much better deal than an old PS3.

hehe my most recent toy is a 300$ pc i built that can run PCSX2 at full 60 fps :D at much better specs than the old ps3 could dream of xD (well not harvest moon but i can't get decent fps out of that on my O.C gaming rig anyways )

[Persian McLovin]

Get a CECHA01 PS3 as it is by far the greatest PS3 ever produced and looks-wise is just luxurious with the piano black and chrome trim. With regards to hacks, the best hacks right now for that console is Cobra CFW 3.55 and a Cobra USB dongle with multiMAN as it allows you to do pretty much anything you want with a PS3 from a hacking perspective although it obviously costs extra.

As someone says, if you have extra money on top of that get a Jasper/slim Jtag and have the best of both worlds.